Overview

The Graduate Route allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree at undergraduate level or higher to remain in the UK to work or look for work after their studies.
It is open to graduates from Higher Education Providers with a track record of compliance and replaces the former Doctorate Extension Scheme.

Visa Duration and Extension

Successful applicants can stay in the UK for 2 years after completing their course.
PhD or doctoral graduates are granted 3 years of stay.
The Graduate Route cannot be extended and does not lead directly to settlement, but visa holders may later switch into eligible work routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.
You can only hold a Graduate visa once in your lifetime.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Route, you must:

Hold a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa at the time of application.
Have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree or higher at a licensed Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
Apply from inside the UK.
Ensure your university has reported your course completion to the UK Home Office (UKVI).
If you were sponsored or received a government scholarship covering both tuition and living costs in the 12 months prior to applying, you must provide written consent from your sponsor.
Have no serious criminal record and pass identity and security checks.

Application Process

You must submit your application:

After you have successfully completed your degree.
After your university has notified the UKVI of your course completion.
Before your current Student or Tier 4 visa expires.

Applications are made online, and you will be required to complete biometric verification and pay the visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees.

Length of Permission and Conditions

If approved, your Graduate visa will allow you to:

Stay in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years if you completed a PhD or doctoral qualification).
Work or look for work in any sector, at any skill level, including self-employment.
Undertake voluntary work or short courses of study (as long as they don’t qualify under the Student route).
Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa period.

Restrictions:

The visa cannot be extended.
It does not lead directly to settlement, though you may switch to the Skilled Worker visa or other eligible routes.
You can only be granted the Graduate visa once.

Dependants

Dependants already in the UK as dependants of a Student visa holder can apply to extend their stay under the Graduate Route.
New dependants cannot be added to a Graduate visa application.
Children born in the UK during the Student or Tier 4 permission period are eligible to be included.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

Work in most jobs.
Be self-employed.
Look for work at any skill level.
Continue living in the UK with your partner and children (if eligible).
Undertake voluntary work.
Travel abroad and return to the UK freely.

You cannot:

Access public funds or claim benefits.
Receive the State Pension.
Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Processing Times and Priority Service

Standard processing time: around 8 weeks from biometrics submission.
Priority and Super Priority services may be available for faster processing, depending on availability.
You must remain in the UK while your application is being decided.
You can continue to work under your previous Student visa conditions while your Graduate Route application is pending.

Home Office Fees

Application fee: £822.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year of permission granted.
Total for most applicants: approximately £2,892 for a 2-year visa or £3,927 for a 3-year visa.
Fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.

Administrative Review (In-country Applications Only)

If your Graduate Route application is refused, you may request an Administrative Review if you believe an error was made.

The request must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the refusal notice.
You may not submit new evidence; only documents provided in your original application will be reviewed.
Only one review is permitted per decision.
If a decision cannot be made within 14 days, the Home Office will issue an official update.

It is advisable to seek professional assistance when preparing grounds for an Administrative Review.