UK Graduate Visa

The UK Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK university to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (three years for doctoral graduates). This visa offers the flexibility to work, look for a job in the UK, or even start your own business without needing a sponsor.

To apply, you must be in the UK and have a valid UK Student Visa or a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. The Graduate Visa is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience and explore career options in the UK.

Apply for UK Graduate Visa

UK Graduate Visa Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the UK Graduate Visa, all of the following must be true:

• You are currently in the UK.
• Your current visa is a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
• You studied a Bachelor’s degree, Postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period with your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
• Your education provider has told the UK Home Office that you have completed your course.

The course you studied in the UK

You must usually have one of the following to apply for this visa:

• A UK Bachelor’s degree.
• A UK Master’s degree.
• A UK PhD or Doctorate.

You can also apply if you have completed any of the following:

• An approved law conversion course by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• The Legal Practice Course in England or Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
• The Bar Practice Course in England or Wales or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland.
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

The education provider for your course must be a licensed sponsor with a ‘track record of compliance’.

UK Graduate Visa Documents Required

When applying for the UK Graduate Visa, you will need to provide:

• A valid passport and other identity documents.
• 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.

Other documents you might need

Depending on your situation you might also be asked to provide:

• Proof of relationship with your partner and children (dependents) if they are applying with you.
• A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application.

If your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, you will be asked to submit translated documents.

How to apply for UK Graduate Visa?

You must apply for UK Graduate Visa online. How you apply depends on whether you are currently living:

• Outside the UK.
• Inside the UK and extending your current visa.
• Inside the UK and switching from a different visa.

Note: The application process for UK Graduate Visa can get a bit complex, especially for first-timers. Get in touch with the best UK Immigration Consultants in India at Nationwide Visas if you are having trouble.

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UK Graduate Visa Costs

Application Costs

The standard application fee for a UK Graduate Visa is £822.

Heatlhcare Surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge depending on the duration of your stay in the UK. If you are eligible for a Graduate Visa for:

• 2 years: £2,070.
• 3 years: £3,105.

UK Graduate Visa Processing Time

According to the latest UK Visa processing time, it takes 8 weeks to get a decision on your visa after you have submitted your documents. You can stay in the UK while a decision on your visa application is made.

UK Graduate Visa Validity

A UK Graduate Visa is valid for 2 years. If you have a PhD or Doctoral qualification, it is valid for 3 years. Your visa will start from the day your visa application is approved.

You cannot extend the Graduate Visa. If you want to stay longer, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example, the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

Need help?

Get in touch with Nationwide Visas, the best UK Immigration Consultants in India. Our team will carefully evaluate your case and offer the best solutions to immigrate to UK under a Graduate Visa. Whether you need help with your visa application, document gathering, or settling in the UK - we’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation today!