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United Kingdom · Work visa
Graduate visa
- Processing
- About 8 weeks
- Cost
- From £1,972 first year
- Validity
- 18 months to 3 years
Post-study route letting international graduates of UK institutions stay to work or look for work without employer sponsorship.
Requirements
- Successfully completed an eligible UK degree/course on a Student visa
- Currently in the UK on a Student visa when applying
- Education provider has reported course completion to the Home Office
Time and cost
- Processing time
- About 8 weeks
- Validity
- 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027; 3 years for PhD graduates
- Cost
From £1,972 first year
Required
- £937 application fee
- £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge
- Path to residency
- Switch to Skilled Worker for a settlement path
Documents
Valid Student visa
Held at the time of application
Proof of course completion
Reported by your UK education provider
Tips
- No job offer or sponsor is required, and work at any skill level is permitted
- Cannot be extended; switch to Skilled Worker or another route to remain
- Only available to those who studied in the UK