Who the Graduate visa is for
The Graduate visa is for international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK. It lets you stay on after your studies to work, look for work or be self-employed.
Graduates often use the time to look for an employer that will sponsor them, and then switch to a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Why the date you apply matters
The length of the visa depends on when you apply, not when you finish your course. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026, the visa lasts 2 years. If you apply on or after 1 January 2027, it lasts 18 months. If you hold a PhD or another doctoral qualification, the visa lasts 3 years.
If your course is finishing soon, ask your university when it will report your completion to the Home Office, and plan your application so you know which length you will get. Your provider must have told the Home Office that you successfully completed your course. You do not have to wait for your graduation ceremony or your certificate.
What you need to qualify
GOV.UK sets these conditions:
- You must be in the UK when you apply.
- Your current visa must be a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- You must have studied an eligible UK bachelor degree, postgraduate course or other eligible course for the minimum period on that visa.
- Your education provider must have told the Home Office that you completed the course.
If you are not sure that your provider has reported your completion, ask them before you apply. You must apply before your Student visa expires.
What it costs
The application fee is £937. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £1,035 for each year you will be in the UK. That is higher than the student rate you paid before, so budget for it.
Doctors, nurses and people who work in health or adult social care may be able to use the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It is cheaper and has no annual healthcare surcharge. If you take a public sector healthcare job after paying the surcharge, you may be able to claim a refund.
How long a decision takes
You usually get a decision within 8 weeks of applying online, proving your identity and providing your documents. You may need an appointment for the identity check, which can add time. You can stay in the UK while you wait.
What you can and cannot do
You can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, travel abroad and return, and do unpaid voluntary work for a registered charity, voluntary organisation, associated fundraising body or statutory body.
You cannot apply for most public funds or the State Pension, and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson. You can study only if your course is not eligible for a Student visa. If it is, extend your Student visa instead. Some sensitive subjects need an ATAS certificate.
Extending, switching and bringing family
You cannot extend a Graduate visa. You may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you find a sponsoring employer and meet that visa requirements. Start looking early, because the clock runs from the day your Graduate visa is approved.
Your partner and children can apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible.
How to apply
- Check that you meet the conditions, and ask your provider if you are unsure whether they have reported your completion.
- Apply online before your Student visa expires.
- Prove your identity and provide your documents. Attend an appointment if you are asked to.
- Pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge.
- Wait for a decision, usually within 8 weeks.
Common questions
How long is the Graduate visa?
It is 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years for a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
Can I extend a Graduate visa?
No. You cannot extend it, but you may be able to switch to another visa such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
A job offer is not among the conditions GOV.UK lists for the Graduate visa. You need to have completed an eligible course on a Student visa.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
No. You must be in the UK when you apply, and your current visa must be a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often. We last checked it on 31 October 2026, so please confirm the details on the official page before you apply.