The Graduate Visa is a type of work visa for international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education institution. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates) after completing your studies to work or look for work at any skill level.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Graduate Visa:

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Completed an eligible course:
   • You must have completed a degree-level course (or higher) at a UK higher education institution.
   • The course must have been a full-time program and led to a recognized qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD.
   • You must have successfully completed your studies, with proof of your degree (for example, a graduation certificate or official confirmation from your institution).
2. Tier 4 (Student) Visa holder:
   • You must have been on a Tier 4 (General) student visa or a Student visa before applying for the Graduate Visa.
   • You must have been in the UK to complete your course.
3. Course completion:
   • Your course must be completed at an eligible higher education provider in the UK. Some institutions and courses might not qualify for the Graduate Visa.
4. Application Timing:
   • You must apply for the Graduate Visa before your Student visa expires. You cannot apply after your Student visa has expired.
5. Location:
   • You must apply for the Graduate Visa from within the UK, meaning you must still be in the UK when you apply.

Duration of the Graduate Visa

• For Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates: You can stay in the UK for 2 years after successfully completing your course.
• For PhD or Doctoral graduates: You can stay in the UK for 3 years after completing your studies.

After the Graduate Visa expires, you can apply for other visa options, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you have a job offer that meets the required salary and skill level.

Work Rights on the Graduate Visa

• The Graduate Visa allows you to work at any skill level, meaning you are not restricted to jobs that require a high level of expertise.
• You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed.
• You can work in most sectors, including non-graduate level jobs (although your visa will be temporary, and there are conditions to switch to a more permanent visa like the Skilled Worker Visa).

However, the Graduate Visa does not grant you permission to:

• Stay in the UK permanently: The Graduate Visa is temporary, and you must apply for a different visa (such as the Skilled Worker Visa) if you want to stay long-term.
• Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Application Process

1. Complete the Application: Apply online through the official UK government website.
2. Documents Required:
   • Proof of identity: You’ll need a valid passport or other travel document.
   • Confirmation from your educational institution: Proof that you’ve successfully completed an eligible course (such as a degree certificate or transcript).
   • Current visa details: You must apply while on a valid Student visa.
3. Biometric Information: If required, you may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center.
4. Application Fee: The application fee for the Graduate Visa is £700.
5. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You will need to pay the IHS, which gives you access to the NHS (National Health Service). The cost is typically around £624 per year.

Graduate Visa and Switching to a Different Visa

• If you find a job that meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa or another eligible work visa, you can switch from the Graduate Visa to another visa type without having to leave the UK.
• You can also explore other immigration routes, such as the Start-up Visa or Innovator Visa, depending on your circumstances.

Benefits of the Graduate Visa

• Work freedom: You can work for any employer at any skill level, giving you flexibility to explore job opportunities across various industries.
• Work experience: It provides you with the chance to gain valuable UK work experience after your studies, which can enhance your resume and career prospects.
• Pathway to settlement: After 2 or 3 years, if you switch to a Skilled Worker Visa or another eligible visa, you could eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent residency.

Conclusion

The Graduate Visa provides an excellent opportunity for international students who have completed their studies in the UK to stay and work in the country. It allows you to gain valuable work experience in the UK, which can be beneficial for your career and can also provide a pathway to longer-term settlement if you later qualify for other types of visas. If you’re planning to apply, make sure to do so before your current Student visa expires and gather the necessary documents for a smooth application process.