A Graduate visa is a useful first step for international students to prosper in the UK. In this guide, we will examine what you need to make an application and which visa options you have when your studies are over.

So, you’ve completed your studies and want to make the UK your new home. Great choice, but before you rush off to do any house hunting, you’ll need a visa. The UK Graduate visa is perfect for joining one of the world’s largest economies and can help you become a naturalised British citizen.

What is the UK Graduate visa?

A Graduate visa allows you to seek or start work in the UK, giving you valuable experience. The visa will be valid for two years if you hold a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree or three years if you hold a PhD.

What are the requirements for a UK Graduate visa?

To start your Graduate visa journey, you’ll need:

  • to apply while you’re in the UK
  • to already be on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) Student visa
  • to have studied a course with a duration of no less than 12 months
  • proof you’ve completed it
  • an intermediate level of English language skills

Several nine-month courses are also eligible, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or a foundation programme in medicine or dentistry.

When do you apply for a UK Graduate visa?

Rest easy, you don’t have to wait until you’ve graduated or been granted a certificate before you apply for a Graduate visa. You will, however, need to have your results and proof that you’ve completed your course before you do.

Remember that you need to make your application before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa expires. If you can’t prove your identity with your documents, you must make an appointment at a visa application centre to verify who you are. This information will be communicated to you when you make your application.

How do you apply for a UK Graduate visa?

Applying means proving your eligibility with supporting documentation, from confirmation of completing your course and current visa to proof of enough personal funds.

Your documents must also be in either English or Welsh. If they’re not, you must have them translated and officially certified based on the requirements set by the UK government.

The entire process leaves little room for error, so it may be better to leave it to professionals like Sable International. They’ll save you time and hassle and ensure your application meets all the necessary requirements.

How much does the UK Graduate visa cost?

All Graduate visa applicants pay the same £822 application fee even though only doctorate-level candidates will be granted longer visas. You’ll also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to be given access to the UK’s National Health Service. The IHS fee for a two-year visa would be £2,070, while a three-year visa would be priced at £3,105 (£1,035 for every year your visa is valid).

How long does it take to get a UK Graduate visa?

After submitting your application, it can take up to eight weeks to receive a decision. Ordinarily, applicants have a 98% success rate, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Can you extend your UK Graduate visa?

The Graduate visa cannot be extended and  is not a qualifying visa for indefinite leave to remain. If you plan to stay in the UK, you must switch to a different visa, like the Skilled Worker visa or a Spouse visa. A specialist work visa, like the High Potential Individual ( HPI), or Global Talent visa, is also an option.

Why it’s best to have help when applying for a UK Graduate visa

Don’t underestimate the fact that visa refusals will have a negative impact on your UK immigration track record. This can also affect your future ability to be granted visa access.

To ensure the greatest chance of success, you can work with a specialist like Sable International. Their OISC-registered caseworkers stay up to date with the ever-changing UK immigration laws and will guide you through the entire process and double-check all your documentation.

If you like to make the UK your home for further studies and beyond, please contact one of our experienced migration consultants. They’ll be happy to guide you from start to finish. Feel free to reach us at immigration@sableinternational.com or call on +27 (0) 21 657 2180 or +44 (0) 20 7759 5330.

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