UK Graduate Work Visa
Continue your career in the UK after completing your studies
What is the UK Graduate Work Visa?
The UK Graduate Work Visa (formerly known as the Tier 1 Post-Study Visa) represents a valuable pathway for international students to transition from academic study to professional employment within the United Kingdom. This visa category provides recent university graduates with an extended period to work, explore career opportunities, and establish themselves in the UK job market following the successful completion of their degree programs.
This visa encourages international talent retention by allowing graduates to gain practical professional experience, build networks, and contribute to the UK economy. The Graduate Work Visa has become increasingly popular among international students seeking to leverage their UK education into long-term career prospects.
Extended Work Period
Stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation, or 3 years if you hold a doctoral qualification
Career Flexibility
Change jobs freely, work at any skill level, and pursue self-employment opportunities without employer restrictions
Family Support
Bring partners and children as dependents if they studied with you during your student visa period
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UK Graduate Work Visa, you must satisfy a comprehensive set of eligibility criteria established by UK immigration authorities. Meeting these requirements ensures you can properly transition from student status to work-authorized status.
Current Student Visa Status
You must currently be residing in the UK under valid student visa authorization at the time of application
Minimum Study Duration
You must have completed at least 12 consecutive months of academic study in the United Kingdom on your student visa
Successful Course Completion
Your educational institution must provide official confirmation to UK immigration authorities that you have successfully completed your degree or eligible course
Recognized Educational Institution
Your degree must be from a UK university or educational establishment recognized by the UK Home Office
Qualifying Academic Qualifications
The Graduate Work Visa accepts a wide range of academic qualifications completed in the UK. Your degree or professional qualification must be from one of the following categories to be eligible for this visa pathway.
Academic Degrees
- •Bachelor's Degree in any field
- •Master's Degree (MA, MSc, MBA, etc.)
- •PhD or other doctoral research qualification
- •Postgraduate Diploma in any subject
Professional Qualifications
- •Legal Practice Course
- •Bar Practice Course (England & Wales)
- •Foundation Program in Medicine or Dentistry
- •Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Specialized Qualifications
- •Solicitors Qualification (England, Wales & NI)
- •Professional legal practice diploma
- •Any qualification regulated by UK law or public body
Work Rights and Flexible Employment
What You Can Do
Visa Restrictions and Limitations
Combining Work with Further Study
Graduate visa holders may pursue additional education during their work period, subject to specific conditions and restrictions outlined by UK immigration regulations.
Study Permissions
You are permitted to undertake supplementary academic study while on the Graduate Work Visa. This allows you to pursue professional certifications, advanced qualifications, or personal development courses alongside your employment activities.
However, you cannot enroll in degree courses that would qualify for UK Student visa sponsorship, nor can you study at UK state schools during your graduate work period.
Prohibited Study Types
- •Full-time degree courses requiring student visa sponsorship
- •Study at primary or secondary state schools
- •Courses that would change your visa status back to student category
Required Documentation for Graduate Visa Application
Successful Graduate Work Visa applications require comprehensive supporting documentation. You must prepare and submit all relevant documents through the online application portal.
Primary Identity Documents
- • Valid passport or travel document proving your identity and nationality
- • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if previously issued with your student visa
Academic Verification
- • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from original student application
- • Official letter from your university confirming course completion
- • Degree certificate or qualification confirmation documentation
Family Dependent Documents (if applicable)
- • Marriage certificate or civil partnership documentation
- • Birth certificates for dependent children
- • Joint financial statements or bank accounts
- • Utility bills showing shared residence
- • Local taxation evidence or council tax records
Supporting Documents
- • Scholarship or sponsorship provider approval letters
- • Certified translations for documents in non-English languages
- • Any additional documentation requested by immigration officers
Graduate Visa Application Process
Step 1: Complete Online Application
Access the UK Government's visa application portal and complete the official Graduate Work Visa application form. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents exactly.
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
Attach all necessary supporting documents in the specified formats (PNG, JPG, JPEG, or PDF). You can either scan original documents or take clear photographs—ensure all text is readable and complete.
Step 3: Pay Application and Health Fees
Submit payment for both the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge through the secure online payment system. Keep your payment receipt for your records.
Step 4: Identity Verification
Use the UK Immigration: ID Check mobile app to scan your Biometric Residence Permit or passport. If unable to scan successfully, you'll need to attend a UKVACS appointment for biometric collection.
Step 5: Biometric Appointment (if required)
Book and attend an appointment at your nearest UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services center to provide your fingerprints and photograph. You can schedule this appointment online during the application process.
Step 6: Receive Decision
Immigration authorities will review your complete application and supporting evidence. You'll receive an official decision letter either granting or refusing your Graduate Work Visa.
Processing Timeline and Associated Costs
Application Processing Time
Approximately 8 Weeks
Standard processing time for Graduate Work Visa applications from submission to decision
You are permitted to remain in the UK while your application is being processed, even if your student visa expires. You gain automatic extension of your visa status while awaiting a decision on your Graduate Work Visa application.
Application Fees
Application Fee:
£715
Healthcare Surcharge (2 years):
£1,248
Healthcare Surcharge (3 years - PhD):
£1,872
Healthcare Worker Exemption
If you work as a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional, you may qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, which offers significantly reduced fees and eliminates the annual Immigration Health Surcharge requirement.
Graduate Visa Duration and Extensions
Visa Validity Period
Standard Graduates
2 Years
Doctoral Graduates
3 Years (PhD or equivalent)
Extension and Conversion Options
The Graduate Work Visa cannot be extended. However, you can switch to another visa category if you wish to remain in the UK longer.
Common transition pathways include:
- • Skilled Worker Visa (if you have a sponsored job offer)
- • Global Talent Visa (for exceptional professionals)
- • Innovator Visa (if starting a business)
- • Family visa route (if eligible through relationships)
Bringing Family Members on Graduate Visa
Eligible Dependents
Family members can join you on your Graduate Work Visa under specific circumstances. Dependents are limited to those who were already residing with you during your student visa period.
Who Can Come as Dependents
- ✓Spouse or civil partner
- ✓Unmarried partner (with evidence of cohabitation)
- ✓Children under 18 years of age
- ✓Children over 18 living as your dependent
- ✓Children born in the UK during student visa period
Important Restrictions
You cannot bring new dependents who did not live with you during your student visa period. This includes:
- ✗New partners acquired after graduation
- ✗Children born after you commence graduate status
- ✗Family members who were not UK-based during studies
Children Born During Graduate Status
If you have a child while on the Graduate Work Visa, you must apply for their dependent visa. This enables you to travel in and out of the UK with your newborn child and include them in your immigration status.
COVID-19 Graduated Status Provisions
Students whose studies were disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions may qualify for adjusted Graduate Work Visa eligibility requirements.
If you were required to study outside the UK between January 24, 2020, and June 30, 2022, the time spent studying remotely can be counted toward your 12-month minimum study requirement. This provision applies if:
- • Your original student visa was for more than 12 months duration, OR
- • You started your course before June 21, 2021, and entered the UK by September 27, 2021, OR
- • You started your course between June 21, 2021, and June 30, 2022, and entered the UK by June 30, 2022
Long-Term Settlement and Permanent Residence
Settlement on Graduate Visa
The Graduate Work Visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement. You cannot use time spent on the Graduate route as counting toward settlement requirements.
Migration to Settlement Visas
To achieve long-term UK settlement, you must transition to another visa category that does permit settlement. These include:
- • Skilled Worker Visa
- • Innovator or Start-up Visa
- • Global Talent Visa
- • Family-based visas
- • Other settlement-eligible pathways
Skilled Worker Transition Strategy
Many graduate visa holders secure employment with sponsoring employers during their two-year work period. These graduates can then switch to Skilled Worker visa status, which does count toward settlement eligibility.
After 5-10 years on applicable visa routes (depending on visa type), you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
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