For many international students, choosing to study in the United Kingdom is not only about obtaining a degree. Students may also want the opportunity to gain professional experience after completing their studies.
The UK Graduate visa provides eligible international graduates with a period of permission to remain in the UK after successfully completing an eligible course.
However, an important change is coming in 2027. Students planning a UK degree should understand how the change may affect their plans.
IMPORTANT 2026 UPDATE
The Graduate visa is changing in 2027
APPLY BY
31 December 2026
Graduate visa lasts 2 years.
APPLY FROM
1 January 2027
Graduate visa lasts 18 months.
Graduates with a PhD or other doctoral qualification can still receive a 3-year Graduate visa.
1. What is the UK Graduate visa?
The Graduate visa is an unsponsored immigration route for eligible international students who successfully complete an eligible course in the UK.
It allows eligible graduates to remain in the UK and work or look for work after completing their studies.
You do not need an employer to sponsor you for the Graduate visa itself.
2. Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you are in the UK with Student visa permission and have successfully completed an eligible course.
Your university or other education provider must also have notified the Home Office that you successfully completed your course.
Typical eligible qualifications include:
- ✓ UK bachelor's degree
- ✓ UK master's degree
- ✓ PhD or other doctoral qualification
- ✓ Certain other eligible courses
Eligibility depends on the specific course, education provider and study requirements. Students should check the latest official rules before applying.
3. How long does the Graduate visa last?
The duration depends on when you make your Graduate visa application and the qualification you completed.
The 2027 change is particularly important for students starting undergraduate or master's courses in 2026 and later.
4. Can you work on a Graduate visa?
Yes. The Graduate route gives eligible graduates considerable flexibility in the UK labour market.
You can generally:
- ✓ Work in most jobs
- ✓ Look for employment
- ✓ Be self-employed
- ✓ Carry out voluntary work
- ✓ Travel outside the UK and return
Important restriction
Graduate visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons.
The route also does not provide access to most public funds.
5. Can you be self-employed?
Yes. Self-employment is permitted under the Graduate route.
This can provide graduates with flexibility to work for an employer, operate a business or combine different forms of work, subject to the conditions of the visa.
Practical consideration
Although self-employment is permitted, graduates should still comply with UK tax, business registration and other legal obligations that apply to their activities.
6. Can Graduate visa holders bring dependants?
Eligible partners and children may be able to remain in the UK as dependants of a Graduate visa holder.
However, the rules are important: in general, the dependant must already have been the student's dependant while the student held Student or Tier 4 permission, subject to specific exceptions.
Family members should check eligibility separately.
Each dependant normally makes a separate application, and their permission will normally end at the same time as the Graduate visa holder's permission.
7. When should you apply?
You must apply for the Graduate visa while you are in the UK and before your current Student visa expires.
You do not necessarily need to wait until your graduation ceremony or until you receive your physical degree certificate.
Your education provider must first notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
Timing matters
If the duration of the Graduate visa matters to your plans, pay close attention to the application date and the rules in force when you apply.
8. How much does the Graduate visa cost?
Applicants should budget for both the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Fees can change. Always check the official GOV.UK fee information before applying.
9. Can you extend the Graduate visa?
No. The Graduate visa itself cannot be extended.
However, graduates may be able to switch to another immigration route if they meet its requirements.
LONGER-TERM PLANNING
Think about your next route before your Graduate visa ends.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include a Skilled Worker visa or another route for which you qualify.
10. Does the Graduate visa lead directly to settlement?
The Graduate route itself is not a route to settlement.
Graduates who want to remain in the UK longer should consider whether they qualify for another immigration route before their Graduate permission expires.
The appropriate route will depend on the individual's circumstances and the requirements in force at the time.
GRADUATE VISA CHECKLIST
Before applying
Final thoughts
The Graduate visa can provide an important period for international graduates to gain experience in the UK after completing their studies.
However, students planning their UK education should not assume that the Graduate route will always provide two years. From 1 January 2027, most new Graduate visa applications will receive 18 months instead.
For this reason, understanding the current rules and planning ahead can be an important part of choosing a UK study pathway.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This article is provided by Jamestuns Trading Venture for general informational purposes only. Immigration rules, visa requirements and fees can change. This information should not be treated as immigration or legal advice. Applicants should check the latest requirements on GOV.UK and consider obtaining appropriate professional advice where necessary.