The Graduate visa (formerly known as the Post-Study Work visa) allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation. PhD graduates can stay for 3 years. This visa gives you the freedom to work in any job at any skill level, switch employers freely, be self-employed, or set up your own business—all without needing sponsorship.
The Graduate visa is an excellent opportunity to gain UK work experience, explore career options, and potentially transition to a long-term visa route such as the Skilled Worker visa. You must apply from within the UK, and your university must confirm that you successfully completed your eligible course. Unlike the Student visa, there are no study requirements or restrictions on working hours, giving you complete flexibility to pursue your career goals.
Apply before your Student visa expires. Don't wait until the last minute.
Foundation degrees and some professional courses may not be eligible. Check your course level.
Ensure your university has notified the Home Office of your successful completion before applying.
You must apply from inside the UK. If you leave before applying, you'll lose eligibility.
Many Graduate visa holders use the 2-year period to secure a skilled job and then switch to a Skilled Worker visa for long-term settlement. To switch successfully, you’ll need:
IAUK can help you understand when the right time is to switch and ensure your Skilled Worker application is successful, paving the way to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing your degree. If you completed a PhD, you can stay for 3 years. The visa cannot be extended, but you can switch to other visa routes like Skilled Worker.
Yes. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Graduate visa has no restrictions on the type of work you can do or who you can work for. You can work in any role, be self-employed, or set up your own business.
You must have completed a degree at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. This includes all recognized UK universities. Your institution must have sponsored your Student visa.
Yes. Switching to a Skilled Worker visa is a common pathway. Once you secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor that meets Skilled Worker requirements, you can apply to switch without leaving the UK.
If your dependants were in the UK on your Student visa, they can switch to the Graduate route with you. New dependants cannot join you on a Graduate visa—they would need to wait until you switch to another route like Skilled Worker.
