Working and staying in the UK after graduation is possible through the UK Graduate visa (previously called the Post-Study Work visa). It gives you up to two years to live and work in the UK after you finish your degree.
This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, what you can do while on the Graduate visa, and what your options are when it ends.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal or immigration advice. UK immigration policies and visa requirements change regularly. Always check the official UK Government website (gov.uk) for the most current and accurate information.
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What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa is a UK immigration route that allows international students to stay in the UK after they complete an eligible degree or other qualification. It replaced the old Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa and was reintroduced in July 2021.
The Graduate visa gives you the freedom to work in the UK without needing a job offer or an employer sponsor before you apply. You can work in any role, at any skill level, or be self-employed.
Note: The Graduate visa cannot be extended. Once it expires, you must leave the UK or switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa. Planning your next step before your Graduate visa ends is important.
Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Visa?
To apply for the Graduate visa, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You studied in the UK on a valid Student visa (previously a Tier 4 visa).
- You successfully completed an eligible course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Your institution must hold a valid UKVI sponsor licence.
- You are applying from inside the UK, before your current Student visa expires.
- You have not previously been granted a Graduate visa.
Note: Not all UK institutions are eligible to sponsor Graduate visa applications. Before choosing where to study, confirm that your university or college is on the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors and holds a track record of compliance rating.
How to Apply for the Graduate Visa
You must apply online before your Student visa expires. You cannot apply from outside the UK. Here is what to expect:
- Confirm your eligibility with your university. Your institution must confirm to UKVI that you have successfully completed your course. Most universities do this automatically after results are issued.
- Apply online through the UK government website. Complete the Graduate visa application at gov.uk. Have your passport, eVisa, and course details ready.
- Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your Graduate visa.
- Provide your biometric information if requested, or use the UK Visas and Immigration app to verify your identity digitally.
- Wait for a decision. Applications are usually processed within a few weeks, but processing times can vary. Apply as early as possible, especially if your Student visa is nearing its expiry date.
Warning! You must apply before your Student visa expires. If your Student visa expires before you submit your Graduate visa application, you may lose your right to remain in the UK and to apply for the Graduate visa. Do not leave this until the last minute.
Understand your UK Student visa first
You need an active Student visa to qualify for the Graduate visa. Read our UK Student visa guide to make sure you are on track.
What Can You Do on the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa gives you a lot of flexibility. On the Graduate visa you can:
- Work in any role, at any skill level, for any employer.
- Switch jobs or employers as many times as you want.
- Be self-employed or run your own business.
- Study part time alongside your work.
- Travel in and out of the UK freely.
You cannot extend the Graduate visa and you cannot use it as a direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the UK's form of permanent residency. Time spent on the Graduate visa does not count toward the qualifying period for ILR on its own.
Tip! Use the Graduate visa period strategically. Many graduates use it to gain UK work experience, build professional connections, and find an employer who can sponsor them for a Skilled Worker visa. Having relevant UK experience on your CV significantly strengthens your Skilled Worker visa application.
What Are Your Options after the Graduate Visa?
When your Graduate visa ends, you have several options for staying in the UK long term. The most common route is the Skilled Worker visa.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa (previously called the Tier 2 General visa) lets you live and work in the UK if you have a job offer from a UKVI-licensed sponsor employer. To qualify, you generally need to:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid UKVI sponsor licence.
- Have a job that meets the required skill level (RQF level 3 or above, which is roughly equivalent to A-level qualifications).
- Meet the salary threshold set by UKVI for your occupation.
- Meet the English language requirement.
On the Skilled Worker visa, you can stay in the UK for up to five years. After five years of continuous residence on eligible visas, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Note: Salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa are set by UKVI and can change. Some shortage occupations may have different requirements. Always check the UK government's Skilled Worker visa page for the latest requirements before starting your application.
Other Visa Routes After Graduation
Depending on your circumstances, there may be other UK visa options available to you:
Note: UK immigration rules change regularly. The routes listed above are accurate at the time of writing, but always confirm the current options on the UK government's work visa page before making any immigration decisions.
The Path to Permanent Residency in the UK
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK's form of permanent residency. It means you can live and work in the UK without any time limit or visa conditions. Most routes to ILR require you to have lived in the UK lawfully for five continuous years on eligible visas.
Time spent on the Graduate visa alone does not count toward ILR. You typically begin counting your five-year qualifying period from when you switch to a visa like the Skilled Worker visa. After five years, you can apply for ILR and, one year later, British citizenship, if you meet all other requirements.
Tip! Keep accurate records of your UK residence throughout your studies and post-graduation period. Dates of entry and exit, payslips, and employment contracts are all evidence that may be needed for a future ILR or citizenship application.
Working in the UK: What International Graduates Should Know
Once you have your Graduate visa, finding work in the UK involves some practical steps that are worth knowing about before you start your job search.
Right to Work Checks
Every UK employer is legally required to check that you have the right to work in the UK before they hire you. This is called a right to work check. You will typically share your immigration status digitally through the UKVI online service. Your Graduate visa gives you the right to work, so this process is straightforward.
National Insurance Number
You will need a National Insurance (NI) number to be paid in the UK and for your tax and benefits record. You can apply for an NI number online after arriving in the UK on a Graduate visa.
Tax
Most UK employees pay income tax and National Insurance contributions automatically through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Your employer deducts these from your salary each month. If you are self-employed, you will need to register for Self Assessment and file a tax return each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working in the UK after Graduation
No. The Graduate visa is available only to students who completed an eligible course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Pathway programs and English language courses do not qualify on their own. You must complete a full degree or equivalent qualification at an eligible institution.
No. You must have studied in the UK in person to be eligible. Students who studied entirely online, or who spent significant time outside the UK during their course, may not meet the residency requirements for the Graduate visa. Contact your university's student visa or international office to check your eligibility before applying.
Only in limited circumstances. You cannot bring new dependants (a partner or children) to the UK when switching to a Graduate visa. A dependant can only apply on your Graduate visa if they were already present in the UK as your dependant while you held your Student visa.
There is an additional restriction to be aware of: since January 2024, only postgraduate research students (such as PhD candidates) and government-sponsored students are permitted to bring dependants on a UK Student visa at all. Students on taught master's programs and bachelor's degrees cannot bring dependants to the UK on the Student visa route. This means most bachelor's and master's graduates will have no existing UK-based dependants eligible to extend their stay on the Graduate visa route.
If your family situation is complex, speak with a registered UK immigration adviser for guidance specific to your circumstances.
No. Time spent on the Graduate visa alone does not count toward the five-year continuous residence required for ILR. To begin accumulating qualifying time toward ILR, you would typically need to switch to a visa like the Skilled Worker visa. Plan ahead so you can make that switch before your Graduate visa expires.
If your Graduate visa expires and you do not have another valid UK visa, you will need to leave the UK. You may be able to apply for a different visa from your home country if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you are in this situation, speak with a registered UK immigration adviser for advice specific to your circumstances. ApplyBoard counsellors can help connect you with the right resources.
Graduating from a UK university is a major achievement, and the Graduate visa gives you a valuable head start on building your career in the UK. Use the time wisely, whether that means gaining work experience, building your network, or finding an employer who can support your long-term stay. Your ApplyBoard counsellor can help you understand your visa options and plan the steps ahead.
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