The UK Graduate Route visa — commonly called the post-study work visa — allows international graduates to remain in the United Kingdom and work (or look for work) for two years after completing their degree. PhD graduates get three years. This guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.
What Is the Graduate Route Visa?
The Graduate Route is an unsponsored visa, meaning you do not need a job offer before applying. You can use the two years to:
- Work in any job at any skill level (no minimum salary requirement)
- Switch employers freely without notifying the Home Office
- Start your own business or be self-employed
- Volunteer
- Study a short course (though not a full degree programme)
This flexibility makes it fundamentally different from the Skilled Worker visa, which requires employer sponsorship and a specific salary threshold.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the Graduate Route visa, you must:
- Have studied in the UK on a valid Student visa (or Tier 4 visa)
- Have successfully completed a degree at a UK university that is a licensed Student sponsor
- Be applying from inside the UK (you cannot apply from overseas)
- Not have previously held a Graduate visa
- Not be applying under the Student visa's 'short-term study' category
Your university must confirm to the Home Office (via UKVI) that you have passed your course before you can apply. Most universities submit this confirmation within a few weeks of your official results being released.
How Long Can You Stay?
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Masters) graduates: 2 years
- PhD / Doctoral graduates: 3 years
The clock starts from the date your Graduate visa is granted, not from your graduation date.
Can You Bring Dependants?
If you had dependants on your Student visa (spouse/partner, children), they can switch to dependant status on your Graduate visa. They will also be allowed to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Step 1: Wait for your university's confirmation
After your results are officially confirmed, your university's international office submits a "completion notification" to the Home Office. This typically takes 2–6 weeks from results day.
Step 2: Apply online
Apply through the Home Office online portal at gov.uk. You will need:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) number or UK Visas and Immigration account number
- Your Student visa reference number
- Proof of your degree completion (your university's confirmation to UKVI counts — you do not need to upload a separate certificate)
- The application fee
Step 3: Biometrics
If you have an eVisa (UKVI account), biometrics may already be on file. If you hold a BRP, you may need to visit a visa application centre.
Step 4: Decision
Most Graduate Route applications are decided within 8 weeks, though many are decided faster.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Graduate Route application fee is £822 (as of 2026). You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if it is not already covered, which is currently £1,035 per year.
What Work Can You Do?
On the Graduate Route, you can work in any role at any salary level, including:
- Part-time or full-time employment
- Multiple jobs simultaneously
- Self-employment / freelancing
- Internships and graduate programmes
There is no minimum salary requirement on the Graduate Route itself — this is a significant advantage when entering the job market or building experience.
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa
The Graduate Route is typically used as a bridge to a sponsored Skilled Worker visa. To switch:
- You need a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
- The role must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above, equivalent to A-Level)
- Your salary must meet the going rate for the role (minimum £38,700 per year in most cases from 2024, or the relevant occupation salary, whichever is higher)
- You can apply to switch while in the UK before your Graduate visa expires
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa while on the Graduate Route is one of the most common routes to long-term settlement in the UK. Many graduates secure sponsored roles during their two-year graduate period and then remain in the UK on the Skilled Worker route.
Can the Graduate Route Lead to Permanent Residency?
Not directly — the Graduate Route itself does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, switching to a Skilled Worker visa and spending 5 years on that route qualifies you for ILR. This means:
1. Graduate Route: 2 years (build experience, secure sponsorship)
2. Skilled Worker visa: 5 years
3. ILR application: eligible after 5 years on Skilled Worker
Key Deadlines and Timing
- Apply before your Student visa expires — you cannot apply from outside the UK
- You can apply while your Student visa is still valid, even if results are not yet confirmed (though your application will not be decided until UKVI receives the university's completion notification)
- Most international offices recommend applying within 4–8 weeks of receiving your results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Working more than 20 hours while still on Student visa: Your Student visa 20-hour limit applies until your Graduate visa is granted. Do not exceed this.
- Leaving the UK before applying: Once you leave, you cannot apply from overseas.
- Assuming your university automatically applies for you: They do not. You must submit your own application.
- Letting your visa expire before applying: Apply with enough time to spare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK Graduate Route visa?
The Graduate Route is a 2-year (3-year for PhD) post-study work visa that allows international graduates of UK universities to stay and work in the UK without needing a job offer. It can be used to gain experience before switching to a sponsored Skilled Worker visa.
How do I apply for the UK Graduate Route visa?
Apply online through the Home Office portal (gov.uk) after your university submits your completion notification to UKVI. You must apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. The fee is £822 as of 2026.
Can I work any job on the UK Graduate Route?
Yes. The Graduate Route allows you to work in any job at any skill level with no minimum salary requirement. You can change employers freely, work multiple jobs, or be self-employed.
Does the Graduate Route lead to permanent residency in the UK?
Not directly. The Graduate Route itself does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, switching to a Skilled Worker visa and completing 5 years on that route qualifies you to apply for ILR (permanent residency).
Can I bring my family to the UK on the Graduate Route?
Yes. Dependants (spouse/partner and children) who were on your Student visa can switch to dependant status on your Graduate visa. They will also be permitted to work.
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