UK Graduate Visa — Post-Study Work Visa Requirements & How to Apply in 2026
Complete guide to the UK Graduate visa (post-study work). Learn about eligibility, fees (£822), processing times, and how to stay in the UK after completing your degree.
Overview
The Graduate visa is the UK’s post-study work visa, allowing international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK university to stay and work for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders). Launched in July 2021, it replaced the previous post-study work routes and has become one of the most popular visa categories for international graduates.
The Graduate visa is unsponsored — you do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply. It gives you the freedom to work in any role, at any skill level, or start your own business while you establish your career in the UK.
Who can apply
The Graduate visa is available to international students who meet all of the following conditions:
- You are currently in the UK on a Student visa (or the old Tier 4 visa)
- You have successfully completed a degree at RQF level 6 or above (bachelor’s degree, master’s, PhD, PGCE, etc.)
- Your university is an approved Student sponsor with a track record of compliance
- Your university has reported your successful completion to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- You have not previously been granted a Graduate visa
Courses that qualify
Most degree-level courses qualify, including:
- Bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years)
- Master’s degrees (1-2 years, including MBA)
- PhD and doctoral qualifications (3+ years)
- Postgraduate diplomas and certificates at RQF level 7
- PGCE and other postgraduate teaching qualifications
Short courses, foundation years, and qualifications below degree level do not qualify.
Duration and conditions
The Graduate visa lasts for 2 years for most graduates, or 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification. There are several important conditions to understand.
Work rights
You have unrestricted work rights on the Graduate visa. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is:
- No minimum salary threshold
- No requirement for employer sponsorship
- No restriction on job type or skill level
- Full right to be self-employed or freelance
This flexibility makes the Graduate visa ideal for exploring career options, gaining experience, or building a business.
No extension possible
The Graduate visa cannot be extended. Once your 2 or 3 years expire, you must either switch to another visa category (such as the Skilled Worker visa) or leave the UK. Plan your career strategy early — waiting until the last few months can leave you without options.
No path to settlement directly
Time on the Graduate visa does not count towards the 5 years required for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). If your goal is permanent settlement, you need to switch to a qualifying route like the Skilled Worker visa as early as possible.
Common next steps
Most Graduate visa holders eventually transition to one of these routes:
- Skilled Worker visa — the most common next step if you find a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor paying at least the required salary threshold
- Global Talent visa — if you can demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in science, engineering, arts, or digital technology
- Innovator Founder visa — if you want to start an innovative business in the UK
- Family route — if you form a qualifying relationship with a British citizen or settled person
Tips for making the most of your Graduate visa
- Start job searching before you graduate — many employers recruit final-year students for graduate schemes that begin after graduation
- Check if your employer can sponsor — if you find a good role, ask early whether the company holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
- Consider your long-term plan — if you want to settle in the UK, switch to a Skilled Worker visa as soon as possible to start building time towards ILR
- Keep your documents safe — you will need your degree certificate and CAS details when switching to future visas
How to Apply
- 1
Complete your degree
Successfully finish your UK degree course. Your university must report your successful completion to UK Visas and Immigration before you can apply.
- 2
Check your eligibility
Confirm your university is an approved Student sponsor with a track record of compliance. Check that your Student visa is still valid and you haven't previously held a Graduate visa.
- 3
Apply online from within the UK
Complete the online application on the gov.uk website. You must be physically in the UK at the time of application. You cannot apply from abroad.
- 4
Pay the fees
Pay the application fee (£822) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year). For a 2-year visa, the total IHS is £2,070. For a 3-year PhD visa, it is £3,105.
- 5
Provide your biometrics
You may need to attend a biometrics appointment or use the UKIS app to verify your identity, depending on your circumstances.
- 6
Wait for a decision
Processing takes around 8 weeks. You can continue to work and live in the UK while your application is being considered, as long as your previous visa has not expired.
Fees
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £822 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 |
| Total | £1,857 |
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have successfully completed a UK degree at undergraduate level or above
- Your university or college must be an approved Student sponsor with a track record of compliance
- You must have held a Student visa or Tier 4 visa when you completed your course
- You must be in the UK when you apply
- Your Student sponsor must have reported to UKVI that you have successfully completed your course
- You must not have previously been granted a Graduate visa
- You must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or digital immigration status
- Confirmation of Award (CAS) number or evidence of course completion
- Evidence that your student sponsor has reported your course completion to UKVI
- Proof of identity (passport photographs if required)
- Evidence of any previous immigration applications