A Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK.
You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following are true:
- you’re in the UK
- your current visa is a student visa or Tier 4(General) student visa.
- you studied a UK
3.1 bachelor’s degree,
3.2 postgraduate degree
3.3 other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course
How long you can stay
A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You cannot extend your Graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa.
What you can:
With a Graduate visa you can:
- work in most jobs
- look for work
- be self-employed
- continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible
- do voluntary work
- travel abroad and return to the UK
You cannot:
- apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
- work as a professional sportsperson
