GRADUATE VISA

What Is a Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK after completing an eligible course. It gives:

• 2 years of stay after a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• 3 years after a PhD or other doctoral qualification

To be eligible, your university must hold a Student Sponsor Licence with a Track Record of Compliance.

How to check:
Your education provider must be listed as having “Student Sponsor - Track Record” under its status on the official register.

Who Can Apply?

You must meet all of the following conditions:

• You are currently in the UK
• You hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• You completed an eligible course (e.g. bachelor's, master’s, PhD) with your current visa
• Your university has officially confirmed to the Home Office that you successfully completed your course

When Should You Apply?

You must apply before your current Student or Tier 4 visa expires.

You can apply as soon as your university notifies the Home Office of your course completion — you do not need to wait for your diploma or graduation ceremony.

What Can You Do With This Visa?

• Work in any job at any skill level
• Be self-employed or freelance
• Do voluntary work
• Travel abroad and return freely

You cannot:
• Apply for public funds or benefits
• Extend the Graduate Visa (you must switch to another route if eligible)

Dependants

Only dependants (partner and children) who were already with you under your Student or Tier 4 visa can remain in the UK as your dependants on the Graduate visa.

They must apply at the same time or separately, and if successful, their visa will match your expiry date and allow them to work and live in the UK.