Graduate immigration route

The Graduate Route is a new post-study work visa scheduled to be introduced from 1 July 2021. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master's degree will benefit from two years' work experience in the UK. Students who complete their PhD will be able to stay for three years.

Graduates on the route can work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.

What you can and cannot do with a Graduate Visa

• You will receive a 2-year Graduate visa if you have completed an undergraduate or masters degree and a 3-year visa if you have completed a PhD
• It is not possible to extend your permission under the Graduate route
• While your Graduate route application is pending, you can continue to work under your Student or Tier 4 visa conditions
• Once your Graduate route permission is issued, you can do any work, including self-employment, except working as a professional sportsperson or coach
• You cannot access public funds
• You cannot study any course which could be sponsored under the Student route, such as an MSc degree or a full-time BSc. You may enrol on some professional or recreational courses
• This scheme doesn't lead to settlement (permanent residency in the UK)

How do I apply for a Graduate Visa, and how much does it cost

Applications open at 0900 on 1 July 2021.

• You must submit your application after you have successfully completed your programme and the completion has been reported to the UKVI by SRUC. We will report successful completion after June for BSc students and after October for MSc students
• You must submit your application before your current Tier 4/Student visa expires
• You can only apply in the UK
• You will need to know the CAS number you used to support your latest Tier 4/student visa application. You would have received this by email
• There is no requirement to show you have a certain amount of money ('maintenance requirement'). However, we recommend that you have enough money to support yourself until you find work. Remember that you will not have access to public funds
• The application fee is £700. Nationals of the 26 European countries that come under the CESC agreement will have a £55 discount
• You will also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £624 per year of permission that you are applying for (3 years for PhD graduates, 2 years for others)
• You do not need to demonstrate your knowledge of English
• If a Government or international scholarship agency paid your tuition fees and living costs during the last 12 months, you must provide written consent from them to make your application
• If you apply in the UK to switch to the Graduate route, you should not travel until the outcome of the application. Travelling outside the Common Travel Area automatically withdraws your application

More information

The government and UKCISA webpages provide up to date information on the new Graduate Immigration Route.

• GOV.UK: Fact sheet
• UKCISA: post-study work visa
• UKVI statement on new immigration system