UK Graduate Visa: A stepping stone to live permanently in the United Kingdom

Some certain restrictions and conditions apply to the UK Graduate route.

Even if you do not currently have a work offer from a UK employer, here is how to settle permanently in the United Kingdom. One can apply for the UK Graduate route, look for work, and then seek to become a permanent resident of the UK. The Graduate route is an unsponsored route, which means you do not need a job offer to apply. You will be able to work flexibly, change jobs, and grow your career in the UK as needed.

The UK Graduate route allows international students who have received their degree to remain in the United Kingdom and work or look for a job at any skill level for two years, or three years for doctorate students.

If you find suitable employment, you will be able to switch to various work routes from the Graduate route. If you fulfill the necessary conditions, you may be able to transition from the Graduate route to the Skilled Worker route, which permits you to remain in the UK and work in authorized employment. It contributes to settlement rights, which means you might be able to apply to live permanently in the UK. It is valid for a maximum of five years.

However, certain restrictions and conditions apply to the UK Graduate route. Extra study is permitted under the Graduate route, but you cannot study with a student sponsor on a course that would meet the requirements of a Student visa. Also, you are not permitted to bring in dependents.

Graduate Route Eligibility

International students who have completed a degree at the undergraduate level or above (or one of the limited number of professional qualifications at the degree level or above) at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application are eligible for the Graduate route.

The route does not require you to show funds or finance, and you do not need to demonstrate English language ability when applying, as you will have already proved English by completing your degree at a UK university. You will need the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your current Student (or Tier 4) visa to apply under this route.

Graduate Route Fees

The Graduate route application fee was £700 (for both two and three-year Graduate route applications), and you must additionally pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application. This entitles you to the UK’s National Health Service on the same terms as a permanent resident. The Immigration Health Surcharge is an additional cost per year and must be paid in full upon applying. From 4 October 2023, the application fee for the Graduate Route has increased to £822.

Application Process

When you apply, you must be in the United Kingdom. Those who apply from outside the UK will be rejected and denied entrance to the UK, and their eligibility to apply for the Graduate route as a whole may be lost. Furthermore, application expenses may not be returned. If your visa expires after you apply for the Graduate route, you will be allowed to stay in the UK while your application is being processed.

Recently, James Cleverly, home secretary, UK, remarked that the government will review the Graduate Route to ‘prevent abuse’ and ‘protect the integrity and quality of the UK’s outstanding higher education sector.’