🎓 UK Graduate Route Visa Guide
Complete step-by-step guide to applying for the Graduate Route visa after your UK degree
Graduate Route Visa Overview
The Graduate Route visa allows international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK university to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 5 years if you have a PhD) to work or look for work. This visa is designed to help graduates gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to other visa routes.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
You Must Have:
- ✓Successfully completed a UK degree course
- ✓Studied in the UK on a Student visa
- ✓Completed your course within the last 5 years
- ✓Not previously been on the Graduate Route visa
- ✓Sponsored by a licensed Student sponsor
Degree Types:
Undergraduate Degree
2 years on Graduate Route visa
Bachelor's, Foundation degreesMaster's Degree
2 years on Graduate Route visa
MA, MSc, MPhil, MBAPhD Degree
5 years on Graduate Route visa
Doctorate, DPhil📋 Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the requirements for the Graduate Route visa:
- • You have a UK degree certificate
- • You studied on a Student visa
- • You completed your course within the last 5 years
- • You haven't used Graduate Route before
- • Your course was sponsored by a licensed student sponsor
Gather Your Documents
Prepare these documents before starting your application:
- • Valid passport
- • UK degree certificate
- • Academic transcripts
- • Proof of Student visa
- • ATAS certificate (if applicable)
- • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- • Proof of maintenance funds
- • Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
Create Your Account
Register for the UK government immigration system:
- • Go to gov.uk/graduate-visa
- • Create an account or sign in
- • Verify your identity
- • Start your Graduate Route application
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online application form:
- • Personal details and contact information
- • Immigration history
- • UK study details
- • Employment history
- • Health and character information
Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your documents:
- • Passport (all pages)
- • Degree certificate
- • Academic transcripts
- • Previous visa documents
- • Medical certificates (if required)
Pay and Submit
Complete your application:
- • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 for 5 years)
- • Review and submit your application
- • Receive confirmation of submission
- • Wait for processing (typically 3 weeks)
⏰ Application Timeline
Before You Apply
Gather documents and check eligibility (1-2 weeks)
Processing Time
3 weeks average processing time
Travel Plans
Apply before Student visa expires
🚀 What You Can Do on Graduate Route Visa
Work
Work in any job at any skill level without restrictions
Look for Work
Take time to search for suitable employment opportunities
Start a Business
Set up your own business or work for yourself
Study
Study part-time courses (maximum 20 hours per week)
Travel
Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa period
Bring Family
Bring your partner and children to live with you
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Application Timing: Must apply before your Student visa expires
- • Timeline: Apply within 5 years of completing your UK degree
- • Health Surcharge: £1,035 for 5 years (covers healthcare costs)
- • Extension: You can extend your Graduate Route visa once
- • Official Sources: Always check gov.uk for latest information
- • Biometrics: You may need to attend an appointment for biometrics