Graduate Visas

Graduate Visas – How to Stay in the UK After Your Studies and Plan Your Next Steps

Completing your studies in the UK is an exciting milestone. For many international graduates, the next question is whether they can remain in the UK to gain experience, work, or prepare their longer-term immigration pathway. The Graduate Visa route provides a valuable opportunity to stay in the UK after completing an eligible UK qualification, offering a flexible transition between student life and skilled employment.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we guide graduates through this process with clarity, structure and forward-thinking strategy. Whether you want to apply for the Graduate Visa, plan your switch to a work route or build a roadmap toward settlement, our immigration team is here to support you from start to finish.

What Is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa—often called the “Post-Study Work Visa”—allows eligible international students to remain in the UK after completing a UK degree. It is designed to give graduates the freedom to:

• work in most jobs
  
• be self-employed
  
• gain experience
  
• explore different sectors
  
• switch into a visa route that leads to settlement
  

You do not need an employer to sponsor you and you do not need a job offer at the point of application.

However, the Graduate Visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – you will need to switch into a qualifying work or other route later. We plan that transition with you from the outset.

Who Is Eligible for a Graduate Visa?

You may be eligible if you:

• are in the UK at the time of application
• have successfully completed an eligible UK degree or doctoral-level qualification
• studied at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance
• previously held Student (or eligible Tier 4) permission at the point of applying
• apply before your Student permission expires
  
• have not previously held the Graduate route or the Doctorate Extension Scheme
  

Important timing requirement

You must apply:

• after your education provider has reported your successful course completion to the Home Office, and
  
• before your Student visa expires,
  
• while physically in the UK
  

Late applications are refused automatically. We confirm your exact application window to avoid errors.

Who Cannot Apply?

You are not eligible if:

• you have previously held the Graduate Visa, or
  
• you previously held leave under the Doctorate Extension Scheme, or
  
• your course or provider does not meet eligibility requirements
  

We check all eligibility risks before preparing your application.

How Long Can You Stay?

Your visa length depends on the qualification you completed:

• Bachelor’s or other eligible undergraduate degree: up to 2 years
• Master’s and postgraduate taught courses: up to 2 years
• PhD or doctoral-level courses: up to 3 years, and in some cases up to 4 years depending on entry and reporting date
  

Upcoming 2027 Reduction – Important

For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, the Government has announced that:

• Undergraduate and taught postgraduate Graduate Visas will reduce from 2 years to 18 months
• PhD and doctoral graduates will continue to receive 3 years, at least under current policy
  

Graduates should check for the most up-to-date rules when preparing their application.

Proposed Graduate Visa Reforms (2025 White Paper)

The Government’s 2025 White Paper introduced further proposals, including:

• a shortened maximum post-study period
  
• a possible university levy on Graduate Visa applications
  
• stricter reporting and compliance requirements for education providers
  
• clearer links between the Graduate route and UK labour market needs
  

These are not yet in force as of November 2025. Final details are expected in the Autumn Budget. Applicants should ensure they track changes before submitting their application.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Graduate Visa

You can:

• work in almost any job, at any skill level
  
• become self-employed or start a business
  
• switch into another visa category (subject to rules)
  
• undertake volunteering or internships
  
• stay without requiring sponsorship
  

You cannot:

• access public funds
  
• work as a professional sportsperson or coach
  
• extend the Graduate Visa (it cannot be renewed)
  
• count Graduate Visa time towards ILR
  

We support graduates in planning their next immigration steps early so they avoid gaps in permission.

Graduate Visa vs Skilled Worker Route – Planning Ahead

The Graduate Visa is often a stepping stone to the Skilled Worker visa. It gives you time to secure a suitable role with an employer who holds a sponsor licence.

Key differences:

• Graduate Visa: flexible, no sponsor needed, no direct ILR route
  
• Skilled Worker: requires sponsorship but leads to ILR after 5 years
  

We help you:

• Understand job eligibility, salary thresholds and SOC code requirements
  
• Review potential sponsorship offers
  
• Prepare for switching at the right time
  
• Map your entire ILR journey after switching
  

Eligibility Requirements in Detail

1. Completion of an Eligible Course

You must have completed a UK degree or doctoral-level qualification at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Your provider must notify the Home Office of your successful completion before you apply.

2. Student Visa Status at Time of Application

You must hold valid Student leave and remain in the UK throughout the Graduate Visa application process.

3. Must Apply From Within the UK

Applications submitted from outside the UK are invalid.

4. No Previous Graduate Visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme Leave

If you have used either of these post-study routes before, you cannot apply again.

5. No Access to Public Funds

You must confirm you will not claim public funds or benefits.

6. Dependants (strict rules)

You may only include dependants if:

• they were already in the UK as your dependants while you held Student permission, or
• a baby was born in the UK during your Student leave

New dependant applications are not permitted once you move into the Graduate route.

Dependants on the Graduate Visa (Clarified)

Dependants are only permitted when:

• they were already granted dependant status during your Student visa, or
  
• they are newborn babies born in the UK before you apply
  

You cannot sponsor new dependants from overseas at Graduate Visa stage.

We check eligibility carefully and advise families on the correct pathway.

The Graduate Visa Application Process – Step by Step

1. Eligibility Confirmation

We verify that:

• your course is eligible
  
• your provider has reported completion
  
• you have correct immigration status
  
• you have no ineligibility factors
  

2. Evidence Preparation

This includes:

• passport
  
• BRP
  
• educational documents or confirmation statements
  
• confirmation of course completion
  

3. Online Application

We complete or review your online form, ensuring accuracy.

4. Biometrics Appointment

Most applicants will attend UKVCAS for fingerprints and photographs.

5. Processing Times

Standard processing times are usually around 8 weeks, although delays can occur during peak periods or where additional checks are needed.

We update you regularly as policies and timelines evolve.

Common Issues and How We Resolve Them

1. Delayed completion reporting

We liaise with your university and assist with documentation.

2. Applying too early or too late

We schedule your application window carefully to avoid invalidity.

3. Uncertainty about switching routes later

We provide long-term immigration planning, not just short-term solutions.

4. Confusion about dependants

We guide you through strict dependant eligibility rules.

5. Not understanding that Graduate Visa time does not count towards ILR

We clarify this early and build your ILR timeline around future routes such as Skilled Worker.

No Direct Route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

It is essential to understand that:

• time spent on a Graduate Visa does not count towards the residence period needed for ILR
  
• you must switch into an eligible route such as Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder or Global Talent
  
• the ILR clock starts once you enter an ILR-qualifying route
  

We plan your ILR pathway early so you remain on track.

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?

We support graduates with clarity and precision: We understand the crossroads that international graduates face and provide friendly, practical and expert guidance.

We prepare accurate, organised applications: This reduces the risk of delays or refusal and ensures you make the most of your post-study opportunities.

We offer long-term immigration planning: We help you plan your switch from Graduate Visa to ILR-qualifying routes.

We provide value-for-money services: Our approach balances efficiency with depth, giving you the best support without unnecessary fees.

Speak to Our Immigration Team Today

The Graduate Visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to take their next steps in the UK. Whether you want to apply, plan your future immigration route or switch into a work category, our team will help you understand your options and stay on the right track.

Contact The Jonathan Lea Network today to discuss your Graduate Visa application and your onward route toward long-term UK residence.

We offer a no-cost, no-obligation 20-minute introductory call as a starting point or, in some cases, if you would just like some initial advice and guidance, we will instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment (charged from £250 plus VAT to £350 plus VAT* depending on the complexity of the issues and seniority of the fee earner).

Please email wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net providing us with any relevant information ensuring that any call we have is as productive as possible or call us on 01444 708640. After this call, we can then email you a scope of work, fee estimate (or fixed fee quote if possible), and confirmation of any other points or information mentioned on the call.

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