What is the UK Graduate Route visa and who is eligible?

The UK Graduate Route is a post-study work visa that allows eligible international graduates of UK universities to live and work (or look for work) in the UK for 2 years after completing their degree, or 3 years for PhD graduates.

To be eligible, you must: have successfully completed a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree (or other eligible qualification) at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance; have held a valid UK Student Visa at the time of graduation; be applying from within the UK (you cannot apply from outside the UK); and apply before your Student Visa expires.

The Graduate Route is an open visa — there is no requirement to have a job offer, and you can work for any employer in any role. You can also switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from the Graduate Route if you secure a qualifying job.

There is no minimum salary requirement on the Graduate Route itself, but if you subsequently apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to meet the Skilled Worker salary thresholds.

The Graduate Route cannot be extended and cannot be used as a route to settlement on its own. However, time spent on the Graduate Route can count toward the continuous residency requirement for settlement if you subsequently switch to a qualifying long-term visa (such as Skilled Worker).

Apply online through the UKVI system — the fee is £700 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.