Apply for a Graduate visa

The Graduate visa is for international students who want to work following the successful completion of a course of study at UK bachelor’s degree-level or above.

Eligibility

• You must have a valid Student visa when you make the application. You cannot switch into Graduate Route visa from any other visa category
• You must be in the UK when you apply.
• You must have your most recent CAS number.
• If you have a financial sponsor who is covering both tuition fees and living expenses, you need to provide their written consent for your Graduate visa application
• You must have successfully completed a relevant degree – a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD and paid all tuition fees

Successful completion

• The University will inform the Home Office once you have successfully completed your degree
• The Immigration Compliance team report successful completion once your degree has been awarded by University Senate. Reporting will be completed within six weeks of each Senate date. Senate dates can be found on the University website
• The Immigration Compliance team will email your university account to confirm if you are eligible to apply for the Graduate route
• If more information is needed to check your eligibility you will be emailed via your university account
• Please only email the Immigration Compliance team about your eligibility if your visa expires within 6 weeks of Senate
• If you have resits or repeats there may not be time for you to become eligible for the Graduate route before your visa expires. We will work with Schools to confirm eligibility where possible

Do not apply for the Graduate Route until you have email confirmation you are eligible to apply. Applications made without University confirmation of eligibility are likely to be refused.

How and when to apply

• Applications can be made on the UK Government website
• You will not be required to show evidence of financial maintenance

Fees and costs

• The application itself will cost £880
• You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with your application. The IHS fee currently £1,035 per year

Dependants

• Applicants who are already Student  visa dependants in the UK can apply
• If your dependants are outside the UK they are not eligible to apply as dependants of the Graduate visa
• Infants born in the UK to Student visa holders are eligible to apply

Approved travel outside the UK

• Approved absences will not affect eligibility for the Graduate route. For more information on absences please refer to the Absences guide

Graduate visa conditions

• Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants are eligible for a 2 year Graduate visa
• PhD applicants are eligible for a 3 year Graduate visa
• You can work or seek work at any level. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do
• This visa cannot be extended. You can switch to a working visa such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent or Innovator Routes

Working after studies

• Find out more about working after studies on the UKCISA website
• Find help on careers advice on Career services website: Ask A Careers Adviser
• Finding a job after you Graduate