Graduate Visa UK

Begin Your Career After Graduation in UK

What is Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa offers international students a chance to stay in the UK after completing their studies, allowing them to work or explore career opportunities. This post-study route supports graduates in gaining valuable experience without requiring employer sponsorship. With specific eligibility criteria and application requirements, the Graduate visa is an ideal pathway for your professional journey in the UK.

You can apply for Graduate Visa if you are in the UK by paying a fee of £822 along with the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependents like your wife or children from the student visa can also apply to remain under the Graduate route, subject to updated rules.

At Westend Consultants, our experienced immigration lawyers assist you with the Graduate visa application process, ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements and simplifying the procedure for you.

Get Seamless Transition from Your studies to work in the UK!

Eligibility for Graduate Visa in the UK

  • You have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or an eligible qualification.
  • Your course completion is confirmed to the Home Office by your education provider.
  • You hold valid permission under the student route at the time of application.
  • You have completed a minimum period of study in the UK as required by your course duration.
  • You are physically present in the UK during your application.
  • You have not previously been granted a Graduate visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme visa.

Requirements for UK Graduate Visa

Validation

Apply online for the Graduate visa with required documents, fee payments and Health Surcharge and ensure that you're in the UK and held a student visa route previously.

Suitability

You must not have breached immigration rules or overstayed without valid reasons and have a clean immigration record.

Eligibility

Earn 70 points by completing your course, holding a qualifying UK degree, and meeting the study-in-the-UK requirement.

Successful Completion

Your education provider must confirm your course completion and its compliance with immigration rules.

Qualification

You must be qualified with a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate degree, or specific professional qualification listed in Appendix Graduate.

Study in the UK

For long courses, you must have studied at least 12 months in the UK. Short courses must be fully completed in the UK.

Required Documents for UK Graduate Visa

  • Confirmation of course completion from your education provider.
  • Proof of payment for the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
  • A valid passport or other official identity document.
  • Biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, if required.
  • Confirmation of your immigration status in the UK, such as a previous visa.
  • Documentation for any dependants applying with you, if applicable.

Fees & Processing Time for Graduate Visa

  • The application fee for the Graduate Visa is £822, in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge.
  • The Immigration Health Surcharge must also be paid as part of your application.
  • Processing times may vary, but generally, graduate visa applications are processed within eight weeks.
  • If your application is successful, you will be granted a Graduate Visa for up to two years (three years for PhD holders).

Process of Graduate Visa

1

Select the Visa Type as Graduate Visa
document

2

Gather Your
Documents
application

3

Complete the
Application

4

Pay Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
biometric-identification

5

Submit Biometric
Information

6

Await Decision from the Home Office

Process of Graduate Visa

1
Select the Visa Type as Graduate Visa
document
2
Gather Your
Documents
application
3
Complete the
Application
4
Pay Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
biometric-identification
5
Submit Biometric
Information
6
Await Decision from the Home Office

How West End Consultants Can Help?

West End Consultants is a UK-based OISC-regulated immigration consultancy firm with over 15 years of experience in supporting businesses and individuals through visa processes. We specialise in UK expansion worker visas, offering comprehensive assistance to ensure you meet all the requirements.

Our professional team assists businesses in navigating the complexities of obtaining and maintaining sponsor licences, ensuring that you comply with all regulatory standards. We handle all aspects of the application process, from gathering and verifying documentation to managing communications with immigration authorities.

For individual applicants, we provide you with support throughout the visa application process. This includes help with preparing necessary documents, proving English language proficiency, and securing valid job offers.

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How We Work?

Our client-centred methodology accommodates your goals and availability. Contact us to find out how we can help you with your immigration-related concerns

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FAQs

1How long can I stay in the UK with a graduate visa?
You can stay in the UK with a Graduate visa for 2 years. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, you can stay in the Uk for 3 years. Your visa deadline will begin from the day your application is approved.
2What can I and cannot do with a graduate visa in the UK?

Under the Graduate route, you are allowed to take up extra study, but you cannot study with a student sponsor on a course which would meet the requirements of a student visa, and you cannot study at a state school.

You are not allowed to bring new dependants, however, those dependents who are already been with you as per your student visa route can also stay with you under the graduate visa.

3Can I extend my graduate visa or apply for settlement in the UK?
No, you cannot extend your graduate visa and does not allow you to settle in the UK permanently. You and your dependents need to switch to other immigration route to stay in the UK after 2 or 3 years of stay with graduate visa.

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