The UK Graduate Visa, officially known as the “Graduate Route,” is a post-study work visa introduced by the United Kingdom government in July 2021. This visa is designed to attract international students who have completed their higher education in the UK and wish to remain in the country to gain valuable work experience.

Key features of the UK Graduate Visa include:

1. Eligibility: To qualify for the Graduate Route, international students must have completed a degree at the undergraduate level or above from a recognized UK institution. The visa is typically granted for a duration of 2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates).

2. Work Rights: Graduates under this visa can work, seek employment, or start their own businesses in the UK without needing a job offer.

3. Path to Settlement: The Graduate Route does not count towards permanent residency in the UK. However, it can serve as a stepping stone for those wishing to switch to another visa category that may lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

4. No Minimum Salary Requirements: Unlike some other UK work visas, there are no specific minimum salary requirements for jobs taken under the Graduate Route.

5. Dependents: Spouses, partners, and dependent children of Graduate Route holders may also be eligible to join them in the UK.

The UK Graduate Visa provides an excellent opportunity for international graduates to gain valuable work experience and potentially contribute to the UK’s economy and workforce while enjoying the cultural and educational benefits of living in the UK.

The Home Office has stringent requirements for applicants seeking to gain a Gradute visa. While each applicant’s situation may differ slightly, the requirements can be summarised as follows:

• You meet the suitability requirements – good immigration history and an acceptable criminal record.
• You’re in the UK at the time of applying for your visa.
• Your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa with valid leave.
• 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 the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course.

Your immigration lawyer will carefully check that the course you have studied on has ensured you are eligible for a Graduate visa.

At a minimum you will need to provide the following evidence as part of your application. Your lawyer will advise of any further documents you need to supply to enhance the quality of your application.

• A valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality.
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children, if they are applying as dependents.
• A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid for both your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.

Yes, your family members (‘dependants’) might be able to apply to join or remain with you in the UK.

If your partner and children joined you in the UK as ‘dependants’ on your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, they can apply to stay as dependants as on your Graduate visa. If your child was born in the UK during your current Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa, they can also apply. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

We can add dependents to your application for a fee of £250 per person.

The application fee for a Graduate visa is £715. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 for each year you will be resident in the UK. If you are eligible for a 2 year Graduate visa, this will come to £1248. For a 3 year visa, the Health Surcharge will be £1872. Your lawyer will advise you of the total Home Office fees at the outset of our work with you, so you can ensure you have the funds available at the point of submitting your application. 

The processing time for a UK Graduate visa can vary. However, it typically takes around 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. Please note that processing times can be longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is required.

We offer a comprehensive range of services to assist with your UK Graduate Visa application. This includes a free initial consultation, detailed advice for your personal immigration lawyer, evidence checklist and document collection, application preparation and submission, handling interactions with immigration authorities, and guidance on visa decision and next steps. We aim to make the visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

If your UK Graduate visa is refused, it could be due to various reasons, such as errors in the application form, misunderstanding Home Office guidelines, your university or college not informing the Home Office that you have completed your course, or insufficient evidence.

If your application is refused, review the Refusal Notice from the Home Office which describes the reasons your application has been denied. Most importantly, seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer to understand your options and increase your chances of success.