Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your degree. No job offer required - work in any field, any role.
Key advantages of the UK Graduate Route visa.
No restrictions on the type of work. Take any job, freelance, or start a business. Full flexibility to explore career options.
Apply without a job offer. Take your time to find the right opportunity while legally staying and working in the UK.
Once you find a sponsored job, switch to Skilled Worker visa from within the UK. Path to ILR and citizenship.
Spouse and children can join you in the UK. They can also work full-time with no restrictions.
Bachelors/Masters: 2 years. PhD: 3 years. Sufficient time to establish your career in the UK.
Unlike Skilled Worker visa, there's no minimum salary requirement. Work at any pay level you choose.
You must meet these requirements to apply for the Graduate Route.
You must be in the UK on a valid Student visa (or Tier 4) at the time of application.
Successfully completed an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, PGCE, or other eligible course at a UK university.
Your university must have a track record of compliance and hold a valid Student sponsor licence.
Must have studied in the UK for the required duration. Online study during COVID may be allowed in some cases.
You must apply while in the UK. Cannot apply from outside the UK or after leaving.
Duration depends on your qualification level.
For undergraduate and postgraduate degree holders
For doctoral degree holders
Major advantages of the Graduate Route visa.
Understand which visa suits your situation.
| Feature | Graduate Route | Skilled Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Job Offer Required | No | Yes |
| Minimum Salary | None | 41,700 GBP+ |
| Duration | 2-3 years (fixed) | Up to 5 years |
| Leads to ILR | No | Yes (5 yrs) |
| Work Restrictions | None | Must work for sponsor |
| Switching Allowed | Yes | Yes |
How to apply for the Graduate Route visa.
Finish your eligible UK degree and receive your final results from your university.
Your university reports your successful completion to the Home Office and updates your Student record.
Submit your online application before your Student visa expires. You can apply while your course completion is pending confirmation.
Pay the visa fee (822 GBP) and Immigration Health Surcharge (1,035 GBP per year).
Attend appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph if required (or use the UK Immigration ID Check app).
Decision typically within 8 weeks. You can work on your new visa once approved.
Understanding the costs involved.
| Fee Component | Duration | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | One-time | 822 GBP |
| IHS (2 years) | Bachelor's/Master's | 2,070 GBP |
| IHS (3 years) | PhD/Doctorate | 3,105 GBP |
| Dependent Visa Fee | Per person | 822 GBP |
| Dependent IHS (2 yrs) | Per person | 2,070 GBP |
The Graduate Route is often used as a stepping stone. Find a sponsored job and switch to Skilled Worker visa to begin your path to settlement (ILR) and British citizenship.
Use your 2-3 years to secure a job with a licensed sponsor
No need to return home - apply to switch visa in the UK
Skilled Worker visa leads to ILR after 5 years
After 1 year with ILR, eligible for citizenship
Find answers to the most common questions about this visa.
The Graduate Route allows international students who complete eligible UK courses to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).
You must have completed a UK bachelor's degree or above at a licensed institution, have a valid Student visa at time of application, and be in the UK when applying.
Yes, the Graduate Route is an unsponsored work visa. You can work for any employer in any job without restrictions during the 2/3 year period.
Time on Graduate Route doesn't count toward settlement. However, it allows time to find sponsored employment (Skilled Worker visa) which does lead to settlement.
Apply after receiving your final results and completing your course, but before your Student visa expires. You must be in the UK to apply.
The visa fee is 822 GBP. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of 1,035 GBP per year (2,070 GBP for 2 years or 3,105 GBP for 3 years).
Existing dependents on your Student visa can switch to Graduate Route dependents. They can work without restrictions but cannot claim public funds.
No, the Graduate Route cannot be extended. It's a one-time 2 or 3-year permission. You must switch to another visa category to remain in the UK.
Eligible courses include bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, PhDs, PGCEs, and other specified courses at licensed Higher Education Providers.
Yes, many graduates use the Graduate Route period to secure skilled employment and switch to Skilled Worker visa, which leads to settlement.
Apply for the Graduate Route visa and kickstart your UK career. We'll guide you through the application process.
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