Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa which allows you to stay in the UK and work for 2 years if you have successfully completed an eligible course at UK bachelor’s degree level or above (or 3 years for a PhD).

If your partner and children are dependants on your Student visa, they may also be able to stay with you on the Graduate route.

If you then decide you want to stay in the UK longer, you may be able to switch from a Graduate Visa to another visa like the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or Global Talent visa.

Graduate Visa Requirements

If the following are true for you, you may be eligible for a Graduate Visa:

• You are in the UK with a Student or Tier 4 student visa.
• You have studied with a higher education provider (e.g., a university or college)  on the List of Registered Student Sponsors that has a track record of compliance.
• You have completed an eligible course of study at UK bachelor’s degree-level or above.
• You have had a Student or Tier 4 Student Visa for the minimum period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Have I completed an eligible course for a Graduate Visa?
  Eligible courses include:

  • a UK bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA or BSc)
  • a UK master’s degree (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA, LLM)
  • a UK PhD

  These are the most common courses. However, other courses related to law, education, dentistry, or medicine may also be eligible.
• How long do I need to study for?
  If your course was longer than 12 months, you must have studied in the UK for a minimum of 12 months. If the length of your course was 2 years, you must have studied for 12 months or longer. If your course was 12 months or less, you must have studied the total length of the course. For example, if your course lasted 6 months, you must have studied for the full 6 months. Studying means you were in the UK when your education provider needed you to be in the UK. Studying: You attended all your lectures and seminars, and only left the country on weekends or outside term time. Not studying: You were outside the UK during term time and missed seminars, lectures, and meetings with your tutor. If you are unsure if your absences from the UK meant you were not studying in the UK, please contact us.
• Do I need a sponsor for a Graduate Visa?

  No, you do not need a sponsor for a Graduate Visa.

• When can I apply for a Graduate Visa?
  You must apply for the Graduate Visa before your Student or Tier 4 Student visa expires. You can apply when your education provider has told the Home Office you have successfully completed your course. You do not have to wait until graduation. You do not have to wait for a certificate. However, in some cases, it can be difficult to get the confirmation you have finished your course from your education provider. If you feel this might apply to you, please see the ‘How Baya Immigration can help’ section below.
• What do I need to provide when applying for a Graduate Visa?
  You will need to provide:

  • valid ID (e.g., a passport, or other travel document)
  • your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you have one
  • your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number sent to you by your education provider

  If your partner or children are applying with you, or you received a scholarship, you will need to provide other documents. These documents depend on your particular circumstances. Please contact us if you need our help with this.
• When will I know I have my Graduate Visa?

  You will usually get a decision on the Graduate Visa within 8 weeks of applying, proving your identity, and providing your documents.

• What work can I do with a Graduate Visa?

  You can work in most jobs, be self-employed, or volunteer.

  You can keep living with your partner and children in the UK (if eligible). You can also travel overseas and return to the UK.

• How much does a Graduate Visa cost?
  You will need to pay:

  • the £822 application fee.
  • the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is usually £1035 for every year you’re in the UK

How Baya Immigration can help

Our team of immigration advisers offer two distinct services.

Full Service

Our Full Service package is designed to provide you with a seamless and stress-free experience as we handle all aspects of your UK Graduate Visa application. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Document List: We will provide you with a detailed list of all the required documents for your application. We can review this list together, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
2. Questionnaire and Application Completion: You will receive a list of questions from us, which will help us gather all the necessary information for your application. Once you provide your responses, we will complete the visa application on your behalf.
3. Application Submission and Biometrics Appointment: We will submit your application and assist in scheduling any necessary biometrics appointments.
4. Application Strengthening: We work with you until we are completely satisfied that your application is as strong as possible. Our team values clear and consistent communication, ensuring you are informed and confident throughout the process.
5. Streamlining and Updates: We assist in streamlining the process by ensuring all required documents are provided upfront, minimising delays. You will receive regular updates on the status of your application. We communicate with the UKVI on your behalf, potentially expediting the process and reducing waiting times.

Checking Service

Our Checking Service package is designed to offer you peace of mind and confidence in your UK Graduate Visa application. We handle the meticulous details, ensuring your application is error-free and optimally prepared. Here’s what you can expect:

The Process

Our service includes two comprehensive reviews of your application form and accompanying documents. Here’s how our process works: 

1. Initial Assessment: We will conduct an initial evaluation of your application form and supporting documents. Following this review, we will provide you with detailed feedback and suggestions for any necessary changes or improvements 
2. Application Refinement: Based on the initial assessment, you can make the recommended changes to your application and include any necessary updates. Once you’ve made these adjustments, you can send us the revised application and any additional documents. 
3. Final Check: We will perform a final check on your application and any supplementary documents you’ve provided. In this stage, we will provide any remaining recommendations to ensure your application is comprehensive and well-prepared.

Additional Information

We can also assist if you experience problems with getting the confirmation you need from your education provider before your Student Visa expires. This is not uncommon. If this has happened to you, we can either:

• apply to extend your Student Visa using a new CAS, or
• apply for your Graduate visa on the basis that you will receive the confirmation shortly.

If you think you may experience any issues that could cause you to overstay your Student Visa and you would like us to apply on your behalf, please let us know here.