International students who wish to remain in the United Kingdom after graduating from university can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa. The scheme allows graduates to live, work, or seek employment in the UK without being sponsored.
In this article, you will find information on the UK Graduate Route Visa for 2025 – eligibility, requirements, application process, costs, validity period, and how it can lead to long-term residence.
1. What are the requirements for the UK Graduate Route Visa?
Graduate Route Visas (also known as Post-Study Work Visas) were introduced by the UK government in July 2021. Students from abroad who graduate with an eligible UK degree can work and stay in the UK for a specified period of time after graduation.
A brief overview
- You do not need a job offer to apply.
- It is not necessary to have sponsorship from an employer or university.
- Any job or sector is open to you, regardless of your skills.
- Graduates with a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree are eligible for two years of study.
- The duration of study is three years for PhD graduates and four years for masters graduates.
In addition to gaining work experience, graduating students can switch to skilled employment and build a path to permanent residency.
2. Can anyone apply?
The following requirements must be met to obtain Graduate Route Visas:
- The UK currently allows you to stay in the country if you have a valid Student Visa (Tier 4 or Student Route).
- The degree or other qualification you earned in the UK qualifies you.
- The Home Office has received notification that your education provider (college or university) has completed your course of study.
- Sponsorship during your studies was provided by a licensed sponsor who still holds a valid sponsor license.
- Your application has not been approved for either the Graduate Route or the Doctorate Extension Scheme Visa.
3. Requirements for eligibility
Graduate Route applicants must have completed one of the following degree programmes in the UK:
- The Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.Sc., etc.)
- Degrees in master’s level (MA, MSc, MBA, etc.)
- Earning a PhD or other doctoral degree
- The PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or LPC (Legal Practice Course), provided they meet the eligibility requirements
Study Duration Requirements
- At least 12 months of study in the UK are required unless the course is shorter than a year.
- The entire course must be completed in the United Kingdom if it lasts less than 12 months.
The COVID-19 Distance Learning Rule (for students affected by the COVID-19)
Those who studied remotely during the pandemic remain eligible if they return to the United Kingdom by 30 June 2022.
4. Requirements for eligibility
During the application process, your UK university or college must be a licensed Student Sponsor.
These include:
- Oxford University
- University of Birmingham
- Manchester University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Essex
- University College London (UCL)
The UK Home Office maintains a list of licensed sponsors, which you can check to confirm whether your institution qualifies.
5. What is the best time to apply?
The Graduate Route Visa can be applied for after you have successfully completed your course at your university.
- Do not apply before completion is reported.
- Don’t let your Student Visa expire before you apply.
- After submitting your application, you can remain in the UK while it is processed.
6. Application Process Step-by-Step
When you have all your documents ready, you can apply for a UK Graduate Route Visa entirely online.
First step: Gather all necessary documents
Ensure that all necessary documents are in your possession before beginning your application.
Second step: Submit your application online
- The UK government’s visa website can be accessed here.
- Log in or register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
- It is necessary to complete the Graduate Route Visa application online.
Third step: Make the application fee payment
In addition to the visa fee, you’ll have to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS).
Fourth step: Confirm your identity
Verification of your identity will take place in one of the following ways:
- UK Immigration: You can use the ID Check app (using your BRP and your phone) or
- Contact the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) to schedule an appointment.
Fifth step: Await the decision
After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Typically, decisions are made between 8 and 12 weeks after the request.
You will receive either of the following upon approval:
- Access to a digital immigration status online
- A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) may be issued depending on how your application was processed.
7. Requirements for documents
Prepare the following documents for your application:
- A valid passport (that proves nationality and identity).
- The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if applicable).
- Obtain an official email or degree certificate from your university confirming your degree award.
- Confirmation of course completion from the Home Office (it should have been reported by your university).
- Proof of payment for the health surcharge and visa fee.
- Proof of relationship (if dependents are included).
Note: You don’t need to show financial evidence or maintenance funds for this visa.
8. Costs associated with applying
| Fee Type | Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £822 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
Total estimated cost
- Two-year visa: £1,857 (£822 + £1,035)
- For 3-year visas for PhD holders, the fee is £3,927 (£822 + £2,105).
All online payments can be made with debit or credit cards.
9. Term of validity and duration
- Master’s and Bachelor’s degree graduates: two-year validity.
- Doctoral and PhD graduates: Valid for three years.
The visa cannot be extended after it expires – you must switch to another visa route.
10.
Among the possibilities are:
- Employ yourself as a temporary worker, full-time worker, or self-employed individual.
- Freelancing or working for yourself is an option.
- You are welcome to look for work and stay as long as you like.
- Travel within and outside the United Kingdom is free.
- The UK allows you to bring dependents (if they are already in the country).
Here’s what you can’t do:
- Obtain public funds (no housing assistance or benefits).
- You can become a professional athlete or sports coach.
- Once the visa expires, extend it.
- Adding a new dependent who is not on your student visa.
11. Graduate students’ dependents
Dependents can only be included on the Graduate Route Visa if you meet the following criteria:
- Their status as dependents is already established under your Student Visa.
Among the dependents eligible for benefits are:
- No matter whether they are your spouse, civil partner, or husband.
- An unmarried partner of your choice (with proof of at least two years of cohabitation).
- Residents of the United Kingdom who are under the age of 18.
It is not possible to add new dependents from outside the UK to this visa.
For each dependent, the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid separately.
12. Alternating between the Graduate Visa and another option
Graduate Route Visas are temporary stay visas that provide a bridge to long-term UK residency.
Following graduation, you may be eligible for one of the following visas:
- A skilled worker’s visa
- Those who have made job offers to individuals in the UK.
- Eligible jobs must meet minimum salary and skill thresholds.
- There is a settlement after five years.
- Health and Care Workers’ Visas
- Professionals who work in the NHS or in adult social services.
- There is a discount on visa fees and an exemption from IHS.
- Visa for innovators and entrepreneurs
- This course is designed for entrepreneurs who want to launch innovative businesses.
- Global Talent Visa
- Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to academia, the arts, or research.
- Family or spouse visas
- A UK citizen or permanent resident may marry or join another UK citizen or permanent resident.
A visa switch must be made before the expiration of your Graduate Route Visa.
13. Time required for processing
Graduate Route Visa processing takes between 8 and 12 weeks on average.
Depending on workload or biometric verification using the ID Check app, some applicants may receive a decision sooner.
Here are some tips to speed up approval:
- Make sure your university has reported your course completion.
- Ensure that your BRP and passport details are accurate.
- Multiple applications should be avoided.
14. Applying for a Graduate Route Visa
It is possible to work in any job or sector, including:
- The hospitality industry
- Marketing
- IT and tech roles
- Teaching
- Finance and banking
- Research and science
- Health and social care
There are no restrictions on job types, but the Graduate Visa is meant to help you gain experience and prepare for a skilled career.
15. Choosing a graduate program
Graduate Visa holders can only study in the UK if they meet the following requirements:
- Student Route sponsorship is not available for this course, and
- You can take this course part-time or on a short-term basis without interfering with your work schedule.
Switching back to a Student Visa is required if you want to study a new degree.
16. The path to permanent residency (ILR)
Although the Graduate Visa itself does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), it can help you gain UK work experience that can lead to other long-term visas.
Examples of ILR pathways
- Visa for Graduates (2 years)
- Change to a skilled worker visa (5 years)
- After 5 years, apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker
One year after obtaining ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
17. Avoid these common mistakes
- Applying before the university reports course completion.
- Your student visa expiration date is missing.
- Make sure names match across all records (do not use incorrect documents).
- Failure to pay the full IHS or visa fee.
- There is no requirement for sponsorship on the Graduate Route.
- Assuming it can be extended — it cannot.
18. Benefits of studying in the UK as a graduate
- A flexible work schedule: You are not restricted in what type of job you can do.
- Sponsorship by an employer is not required.
- It’s time to gain experience working in the UK.
- Dependents are free to work and stay at home.
- The path to long-term employment visas.
- Enhances employability in global job markets.
19. Considerations for disadvantages
- Costly visas and health surcharges.
- There is no access to public funds or benefits.
- After the visa expires, it cannot be extended.
- New dependents from outside the UK cannot be brought in.
- Settlement (ILR) period is not directly affected.
20. A summary of the application process
Currently in the UK on a valid student visa
Have completed a qualifying course (degree level or higher)
Report of course completion to the Home Office
A valid passport and BRP are required
IHS and visa fees payment method
Dependents (if any) already living in the UK
Student Visa application made before expiration
21. Conclusions
The UK Graduate Route Visa is an excellent opportunity for international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies. Graduates are able to gain experience, explore job opportunities, and transition to more permanent visas.
Take advantage of your time on this visa if you intend to settle long-term: gain skilled employment, network with potential sponsors, and prepare for your next visa application – such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
A successful career and future in the United Kingdom can be built with careful planning through the Graduate Route.