Graduate Visa
Stay and work in the UK after your studies
Secure your post-study future before the 2026/27 legislative changes
Thinking of staying in the UK after graduation? The Graduate Visa allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree to remain in the UK to work or look for employment.
However, significant legislative changes confirmed for 2026 and 2027 will affect the duration of stay and the requirements for switching to longer-term work routes.
Call 020 8166 1898 for a free eligibility review.
Book your FREE consultation today!
Stay and work in the UK after your studies
Secure your post-study future before the 2026/27 legislative changes
Thinking of staying in the UK after graduation? The Graduate Visa allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree to remain in the UK to work or look for employment.
However, significant legislative changes confirmed for 2026 and 2027 will affect the duration of stay and the requirements for switching to longer-term work routes.
Call 020 8166 1898 for a free eligibility review.
Key Confirmed Changes to Watch
The UK Government has confirmed the following timelines. Seeking professional advice early helps ensure you apply under the most favourable conditions.
January 2026 – The English language requirement for those switching to the Skilled Worker route increases to B2 level.
April 2026 – The Government’s proposed “Earned Settlement” reforms may extend the standard pathway to permanent residence.
January 2027 – The Graduate Visa duration for bachelor’s and master’s graduates will reduce from 24 months to 18 months.
The Graduate route is a once-in-a-lifetime visa. If refused, it usually cannot be re-applied for. Our solicitors provide a complete, managed service that ensures your application is accurate and decision-ready.
Sponsor notification audit
We confirm that your university has correctly notified the Home Office of your successful course completion before you apply, preventing automatic refusal.
Financial and residency review
We check your 12-month in-country study record and any previous sponsorship to ensure you meet all requirements.
Switching strategy
We not only prepare your Graduate Visa application but also plan your next step to a Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder route, helping you meet the higher B2 English standards required from January 2026.
Why Graduates Choose ISUK
Personal Solicitor Access
Speak directly with a qualified solicitor – no call centres or untrained advisors.
Fast-Track Document Review
Your evidence and forms are checked within 48 hours of receipt.
Tailored Post-Study Planning
We map your next visa and settlement route to secure your long-term future in the UK.
Need urgent help? Call:
To qualify for a Graduate Visa, you must
- Apply from within the UK before your current Student visa expires
- Have successfully completed an eligible degree at a licensed education provider with a track record of compliance
- Have studied in the UK for at least 12 months or for the full duration of your course if it was one year or less
- Obtain written consent from your financial sponsor if you were sponsored by a government or international agency within the last 12 months
Only dependants who already held permission as your dependants on your Student visa can apply with you. New dependants cannot be added.
The Graduate Visa Roadmap
Step 1 Verify course completion
Ensure your university has confirmed to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your qualification.
Step 2 Prepare your evidence
We review your documents, including your passport and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference.
Step 3 Submit your online application
You must apply before your Student visa expires. The application is made through the official Home Office system.
Step 4 Confirm your identity
You will either use the UK Immigration ID Check app or attend a visa centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Step 5 Receive your decision
The Home Office normally makes a decision within about eight weeks. You can remain in the UK while waiting for the outcome, provided you applied before your visa expired.
Need urgent help? Call:
On a Graduate Visa, you may
- Work in most jobs, including self-employment, except as a professional sportsperson or a doctor or dentist in training (unless your previous Student visa permitted this)
- Travel and re-enter the UK freely
- Bring dependants who already hold permission as your dependants under your Student visa
You may not
- Access public funds or benefits
- Extend or re-apply for a Graduate Visa once it expires
- Apply for the visa from outside the UK
- Study a course that requires a Student visa with a Student Route sponsor
Switching to Another Visa
The Graduate Visa cannot be renewed. To stay longer, you must switch to another route before your permission ends.
Skilled Worker Visa
For graduates with a job offer from a licensed employer. From 8 January 2026, applicants must meet B2 English level.
Health and Care Worker Visa
For qualified professionals offered eligible roles within the NHS, health providers or adult social care.
Partner Visa
For those in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
Settlement
Time spent on a Graduate Visa does not count towards the five-year settlement period.
From April 2026, the standard qualifying period for settlement will move to ten years, except for high earners or certain public-sector workers who may still qualify in five.
Need urgent help? Call:
Applications can be refused if submitted outside the UK, after your visa expires, or without full supporting evidence.
If this happens, you may request an Administrative Review within the period stated in your refusal letter.
Our solicitors can review your decision, identify any errors and guide you through a new application if appropriate.
Employers: Hiring a Graduate Visa Holder
UK employers can employ Graduate Visa holders without a sponsor licence. This provides flexibility and access to global talent with minimal administrative burden.
Employers must still complete right-to-work checks, maintain accurate records and plan ahead for sponsorship if long-term employment is intended.
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All costs, including VAT (currently 20%), will be confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Home Office application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge apply.
We will guide you using the most up-to-date Home Office fee schedule at the time of your application.
Most clients are ready to apply within one to two weeks once their documents are complete.
The Home Office normally issues a decision within around eight weeks.
Your case team
Graduate Visa applications are handled by our Immigration Department Team.
All Graduate Visa cases are overseen by Rana Zia Aslam Khan, Director of Immigration solicitors UK.
Success Tip: The Earned Settlement Window
The 2026 reforms mean the route to permanent residence may soon extend to ten years. Acting now gives graduates the best chance to secure their full two-year post-study period and plan a quicker route to settlement through work or skilled sponsorship.
Need urgent help? Call:
What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Our immigration solicitors provide clear, expert guidance for graduates wishing to stay in the UK after their studies.
We handle your application from start to finish and advise on your longer-term visa or settlement options.
Call 020 8166 1898 or send an enquiry online to secure your post-study future.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Graduate Visa?
You must be in the UK on a valid Student or Tier 4 visa and have completed an eligible degree at a licensed university or college.
Can I bring my family?
Only dependants who already hold permission under your Student visa can apply with you.
How long can I stay?
Two years for most graduates and three years for PhD holders. From January 2027, bachelor’s and master’s graduates will receive 18 months.
Can I work on a Graduate Visa?
Yes, in most jobs or self-employment, except as a professional sportsperson or doctor/dentist in training.
Can I study again on this visa?
Only on courses that don’t require a Student visa.
What if I was financially sponsored?
You’ll need written consent from your sponsor if you were funded by a government or international body in the past 12 months.
What if my application is refused?
You can request an Administrative Review within the deadline stated in your refusal notice.
