The Graduate Route Visa is a new work route for those who've successfully completed a degree (undergraduate, master's, or doctoral), or other relevant qualification with an approved UK Higher Education provider.
If you're granted the Visa, you can undertake any employed or self-employed work, with the exception of working as a professional sportsperson or coach. Most successful applicants will be granted two years, and PhD graduates will be granted three years in the UK.
How do I apply?
You must apply online for a Graduate Route Visa before your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa expires. The application must be made within the UK, and you must have received official confirmation of your final award before you complete and submit your application.
You'll receive an email from Student Admin confirming when your final award has been reported to the Home Office, which is when you can begin your application. You won't be reported to UKVI for visa eligibility if you decide to leave the University without completing a full degree or achieving all course credits.
The application form can be accessed via the Government website.
Will I receive any application support?
As it isn't sponsored or endorsed by the University, we wouldn't offer a 1:1 application service for the Graduate Route Visa. However, we would offer support with queries relating to eligibility requirements and provide information to help prepare you for the application process, which would be delivered via the Compass enquiry management portal.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is £822, and you'll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 for each year you'll be in the UK. You'll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.
What type of visa must I currently have so I can apply to switch to the Graduate Route Visa?
When you apply, your current UK immigration status must be valid permission as a student. Paragraph 6.2 of the Immigration Rules explains that "student" means someone with a Tier 4 Visa or a Student Route Visa. You can't switch to the Graduate Route Visa from any other type of immigration permission.
What if I have any dependants?
We understand that you may want to bring family members with you to the UK while you're studying, as well as during the period of your Graduate Route Visa. Family members who are already in the UK as a Tier 4 or Student Route dependant can apply to switch to become a Graduate Route dependant, but this doesn't apply to any family members outside the UK.
What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your visa application, you shouldn't travel outside the UK until you've received a decision, otherwise your application will be automatically withdrawn.
While you're awaiting a decision, you can continue to work in the UK under your Tier 4/Student Route work conditions printed on your BRP card. You may be required to submit documentation on your eligibility to work in the UK after your studies. If you require this, you'll need to request an International Working Letter.
Studying with a Graduate Route Visa
This visa is intended to provide graduates (of a relevant course) the opportunity to find work in the UK, therefore, studying is restricted. The terms and conditions of the visa explain that you can't study any course which could be sponsored by a study provider under the Student Route Visa category.
Examples of permitted study include:
- Part-time undergraduate courses
- English language courses
- Some professional courses
- Any study at a college or university that isn't a Student Route Visa sponsor
- Online study
- Evening classes
- Recreational courses.
You'll need to contact the course provider to clarify whether you can study your desired course as a Graduate Route Visa holder.