The Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK after completing an eligible degree, without needing a sponsor or a job offer. From 1 January 2027, the length of the Graduate visa is being reduced from two years to 18 months for most applicants. Students who apply on or before 31 December 2026 will still receive the full two-year period.
At JPS Immigration Lawyers, we assist international students with Graduate visa applications and with planning the switch into longer-term routes such as the Skilled Worker visa before their permission expires.
What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa is an unsponsored, post-study work route. It allows individuals who have completed an eligible course in the UK to work, look for work, or be self-employed at any skill level, without the restrictions that apply to sponsored work visas.
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Graduate visa does not require:
- a job offer
- a sponsoring employer
- a minimum salary
This makes it a flexible bridge between finishing a degree and securing longer-term permission to work in the UK.
How Long Does the Graduate Visa Last?
The length of the Graduate visa depends on your qualification and when you apply.
- Bachelor’s and master’s graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026: granted 2 years
- Bachelor’s and master’s graduates who apply on or after 1 January 2027: granted 18 months
- PhD and other doctoral graduates: granted 3 years, unaffected by the change
Because permission is calculated from the date of application rather than the date of graduation, students completing courses in 2026 should consider the timing of their application carefully.
Who Can Apply for a Graduate Visa?
To qualify, you must normally:
- hold a valid Student visa (or Tier 4 visa) at the time of application
- have successfully completed an eligible course — typically a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or specified professional qualification
- have your education provider confirm successful completion of the course to the Home Office
- apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires
The course you completed must generally be the one your current Student visa was granted for.
What Can You Do on a Graduate Visa?
Graduate visa holders can:
- work in any role, at any skill level
- work part-time or full-time
- be self-employed or set up a business
- switch to the Skilled Worker visa or another eligible route once they meet the requirements
Graduate visa holders cannot:
- extend the visa beyond its granted length
- add new dependants (only dependants who already held permission under the sponsoring Student visa can apply to extend alongside the main applicant)
Documents Required for a Graduate Visa Application
- current passport or travel document
- confirmation from your education provider that you have completed your course
- proof of your Student visa status
- application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment
Graduate Visa Fees
- Application fee: £880 (correct as of the April 2026 fee schedule)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year for most applicants, or £776 per year for dependants who qualify for the reduced student rate, paid upfront for the full length of the visa
For a full breakdown of what the IHS covers and how it is calculated, see our guide to the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What Happens When the Graduate Visa Ends?
The Graduate visa cannot be extended. Before it expires, holders who wish to remain in the UK must switch into another route, most commonly the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a sponsoring employer with a valid sponsor licence.
Time spent on the Graduate visa can also count toward the 10-year long residence route to Indefinite Leave to Remain, where applicable, when combined with other qualifying periods of leave.
Speak to a UK Immigration Lawyer About Your Graduate Visa
Because the rules governing the length of the Graduate visa are changing from January 2027, the timing of your application matters. JPS Immigration Lawyers can assess your eligibility, help you apply before the deadline where relevant, and advise on switching into a long-term work route once your Graduate visa is granted.
Jay Sudra, IAA-Regulated Immigration Adviser & Founder, JPS Immigration
Former UK Home Office Immigration Officer & British Diplomatic Service Entry Clearance Officer
22+ years’ experience | BBC News contributor | LinkedIn profile
Contact our immigration lawyers if you require advice on applying for a UK Graduate visa or switching to a work visa.
Reference: GOV.UK — Graduate visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job offer to apply for a Graduate visa?
No. The Graduate visa does not require a job offer or a sponsor.
Can I extend my Graduate visa?
No, the Graduate visa cannot be extended. You must switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, before it expires.
Will I still get 2 years if I apply in late 2026?
Yes, provided your application is submitted on or before 31 December 2026, you will be granted the full 2-year period even if it is decided after that date.
Can I bring my family on a Graduate visa?
Only dependants who already held permission under your Student visa can apply to extend their stay alongside you. New dependants cannot be added at the Graduate visa stage.
Does time on a Graduate visa count toward settlement?
It can count toward the 10-year long residence route to Indefinite Leave to Remain when combined with other qualifying periods, but the Graduate visa is not itself a direct route to settlement.
