Graduate Visa Route

A Graduate visa gives a student permission to stay in the UK for at least two years once they have completed an eligible university/college course in the UK.

If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, the visa will last for three years.

At the end of the two/three-year period, you cannot extend the visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa such as a Skilled Worker visa.

The process typically takes eight weeks once you’ve applied and provided all the relevant documentation. During this period you can still remain in the UK.

Here at Knightsbridge Solicitors our specialist immigration team are visa experts and have an excellent track record for making successful graduate visa applications for our clients.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to apply for a graduate visa you will need to meet ALL of the following criteria:

You need to currently be based in the UK
Your current visa needs to be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible courses
You have successfully completed the course.

When to apply?

If you are applying for a graduate visa, you must do this before your student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa expires.

You can apply as soon as your education provider (college/university) has informed you that you’ve successfully completed the course you took as part of your student visa. There is no need to wait until you’ve graduated or have received your certificate.

As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

In some circumstances, an appointment may be required to do this, which could lengthen the time your application takes to complete.

What you can and can’t do with a graduate visa

Having a graduate visa allows you to do the following:

Look for work in the UK
Work in the majority of roles
Work for yourself (self-employment)
Do voluntary work
Continue living in the UK with your partner and children (if they are eligible)
Travel abroad and return to the UK

However, you will be unable to apply for most benefits, state pension or work as a professional sportsperson during your visa period.

If your application is successful, you will receive a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa.

Contact Us

You can rely on Knightsbridge Solicitors to support you with your immigration issues. Our experienced immigration team are ready to help you with your immigration issues.