Graduate Visa
Stay & Work After Your UK Degree
Important date: From 1 January 2027, the visa length reduces from 2 years to 18 months.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently in the UK on a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- Successfully completed an eligible course (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PGCE, or other qualifying course)
- Your university has reported your completion to the Home Office
- No job offer required
- No English language test (already proved for student visa)
Visa Length & Important Dates
| Application date | Length of stay |
|---|---|
| Before 1 January 2027 | 2 years (24 months) |
| On or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months |
What You Can & Cannot Do
Allowed
- Work in most jobs
- Self‑employment / freelance
- Voluntary work
- Look for work
Not allowed
- Access public funds
- Work as professional sportsperson
- Extend this visa
- Bring dependants (unless already in UK)
Important: No Settlement on This Visa
Time spent on a Graduate visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. You must switch to a Skilled Worker or other settlement‑eligible visa before it expires.
How to Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa
1
Find sponsor
Employer with sponsorship licence
2
Get job offer
Meet salary & skill requirements
3
Apply to switch
From inside UK before visa expires
Graduating Soon? Plan Your Next Step.
We help graduates switch to Skilled Worker visas before their Graduate visa expires.
Check Your Options Book Consultation