UK Graduate Visa

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Graduate Visa

A Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates) after completing an eligible course at a UK higher education institution. This visa offers graduates the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, explore career opportunities, or prepare for long-term residency in the UK. It is an excellent pathway for those aiming to transition into employment or other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Graduate Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Current Visa Status:

  • You must be in the UK and hold a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa at the time of application.

Educational Qualification:

  • Successfully complete a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course at a UK institution with a track record of compliance.
  • Your education provider must inform the Home Office of your successful course completion.

Study Duration in the UK:

You must have studied in the UK for a minimum period, which depends on the type and length of your course:

  • Courses longer than 12 months require at least 12 months of study in the UK.
  • For shorter courses, the full duration of the course must have been completed in the UK.

Application Process

    Timing:

  • You must apply before your current Student Visa expires. Ensure your education provider has confirmed to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

    Online Application:

  • Submit your application online through the official UK government website.

    Identity Verification:

  • Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your biometric residence permit or attend a biometric appointment at a visa center.

    Fees:

  • Pay the application fee of £822.
  • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), typically £1,035 per year for the visa duration.

    Processing Time:

  • A decision is usually made within 8 weeks. You can remain in the UK while awaiting the outcome.

Documents Required

When applying for a Graduate Visa, you need to provide the following:

  • Valid Passport or Travel Document:
    • Must be valid for the entire duration of the visa.
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
    • Reference number from your Student or Tier 4 Visa application.
  • Proof of Identity:
    • Biometric residence permit or scanned ID through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
  • Proof of Completion:
    • Evidence from your education provider confirming that you have successfully completed your course. This is usually sent directly to the Home Office.
  • Financial Evidence:
    • If required, demonstrate that you can support yourself without recourse to public funds.
  • Dependents’ Documents:
    • If applying with dependents, provide documents proving their relationship to you (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).

Permitted Activities

Graduate Visa holders are allowed to:

  • Work:
  • Seek and engage in most types of employment, including self-employment and voluntary work.
  • Study:
  • Enrol in courses not eligible for a Student Visa.
  • Travel:
  • Travel internationally and re-enter the UK.
  • Live with Dependents:
  • Eligible partners and children already in the UK on a Student Visa can apply to stay as dependents.

Restrictions

  • Graduate Visa holders cannot:
    • Access public funds, including most benefits and the State Pension.
    • Work as a professional sportsperson.
    • Study in courses that qualify for a Student Visa.

Bringing Dependents

Only dependents already in the UK as your dependents on a Student Visa can apply to extend their stay with you under the Graduate Visa.

New dependents cannot apply under this visa category.

Post-Visa Options

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended.

Before it expires, you may switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Important Considerations

  • Decision Timeline:
    • Apply as early as possible to avoid complications. The Home Office typically makes a decision within 8 weeks.
  • Accurate Information:
    • Ensure all information provided in your application is truthful and accurate to avoid delays or refusals.
  • Career Opportunities:
    • Use the Graduate Visa period to explore work opportunities, build a career, and prepare for potential long-term residency.