The Graduate Visa, also known as the ‘Graduate Route,’ is a post-study immigration route in the United Kingdom that became available on July 1, 2021. This visa is designed for international students who have successfully completed their studies in the UK and wish to stay in the country.
Key points about the Graduate Visa:
Key points about the Graduate Visa:
You must have studied at an educational institution that is a licensed sponsor, and you must have studied for 12 months or the full length of your course, whichever is shorter.
Eligible courses include:
– Bachelor’s degrees
– Master’s degrees
– PhD or doctorates
– Law conversion courses approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
– The Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
– The Bar Practice Course in England and Wales or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
– Foundation programmes in medicine or dentistry
– Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE)
– Postgraduate Diplomas in Education (PGDE)
Meeting these requirements is essential to qualify for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK and work after completing your studies.
On the Graduate Visa (Graduate Route), you can:
However, there are some limitations to what you can do on this visa:
The Graduate Visa is a great opportunity for international students to gain work experience and continue living in the UK after completing their studies. It offers flexibility and the ability to explore career opportunities in the country.
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To be eligible for the Graduate Visa (Graduate Route), you must meet the following requirements:
It’s important to have completed your studies and meet these requirements to apply for the Graduate Visa and enjoy the benefits it offers.
It’s crucial to apply for your Graduate Visa before your student visa expires. While waiting for a decision on your Graduate Visa application, you’ll still be subject to the immigration rules of your student visa. This means that you can continue working, but your working hours and the types of jobs you can do may be subject to the restrictions of your student visa. Once your Graduate Visa is approved, it will be valid from the date of approval, and you’ll have the freedom to work in most jobs and switch between jobs without the previous limitations.
The processing time for a Graduate Visa application is typically around 8 weeks. Once your application is approved, your Graduate Visa will be valid for 2 years, or 3 years if you hold a PhD or another doctoral qualification. This visa provides international students with the opportunity to live and work in the UK after completing their studies.
Yes, family members in the UK who already have immigration status as a student dependent can apply to stay as dependents on your Graduate Visa. Eligible family members typically include partners and children. Each family member will need to complete a separate online application and pay the application fee and health surcharge. This allows your family members to continue living in the UK while you’re on the Graduate Visa.
