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Graduate Visa

The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work or look for work, at any skill level for two years, or three years for doctoral students.

The Graduate route is unsponsored, meaning you do not need a job offer to apply for the route. You will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs, and develop your career in the UK as required. The work can be in any sector and at any level without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship.

Students studying on a Student visa will need to make an application in the UK to be granted permission under the route after the successful completion of their degree. There are specific eligibility requirements, so you are advised to read the information on this page in full.

It is possible to work full-time on your Student visa after you have completed your course but with some restrictions on the type of work you can do.

Any Student having a valid leave to remain as a student who has completed an eligible qualification can apply for switching into the Graduate route from 1 July 2021.

Graduate visa requirements

You can apply for a visa under the Graduate route if all of the following are true:

  • you're in the UK
  • your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • you studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • your education provider (such as your university or college) has told you you've successfully completed your course

The Graduate route is available to international students, who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above (or one of the limited numbers of professional qualifications at degree level or above) at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application. You will need to have completed the entirety of your course in the UK as a student, apart from permitted study abroad programs or remote study due to COVID-19, for which specific concessions have been agreed.

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements. Please contact us for initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

Financial & English Language Requirements

The route does not require you to show funds or finance, and you do not need to demonstrate English language ability when applying, as you will have already proved your English language ability by completing your degree at a UK university. You must have completed the qualification that was named on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) associated with your Student (or Tier 4) visa, or following a change of course which was allowed without applying for further permission.

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