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Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is a post-study work pathway designed for international students who have successfully obtained an eligible degree from a UK higher education institution. This visa grants graduates the opportunity to remain in the United Kingdom for a period of two years, or up to three years for those who have completed a doctoral qualification, to seek employment or engage in professional work without the need for employer sponsorship.
While the Graduate Visa itself does not offer a direct route to permanent settlement in the UK, it serves as a valuable transitional step. Individuals on this visa are permitted to switch into other long-term employment-based immigration categories, many of which can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
This route provides a crucial bridge between academic achievement and professional development, offering skilled graduates the flexibility and freedom to explore career opportunities within the UK job market.
The UK Visitor Visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor visa, facilitates short-term visits to the United Kingdom for various purposes. This visa allows individuals to engage in activities such as tourism, visiting family and friends, conducting certain business activities, or undertaking short study courses. Typically, it grants a stay of up to six months, although longer-term visitor visas are available for frequent travelers. It’s crucial to understand that this visa prohibits working, accessing public funds, and long-term residency. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to leave the UK at the end of their visit and possess sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Link and Day Lawyers are specialists in UK immigration law, offering clear and confident guidance at every stage. With a focus on precision and care, we support your journey from start to finish.
UK Graduate Visa: Comprehensive Guide for International Graduates
Graduate Visa Eligible Qualifications
To qualify under the UK Graduate Immigration Route, international students must have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate qualification, or a professional certification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. This must be in a regulated profession that involves legally protected activities overseen by UK law or a public regulatory authority.
Additionally, individuals who have served as Student Union Sabbatical Officers, and were sponsored in this capacity after completing a qualifying academic program, are also eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa.
Minimum Study Requirements for the Graduate Route
Eligibility for a Graduate Visa is contingent upon the applicant having held permission under the Student visa route for a sufficient period during their studies in the UK. This minimum period depends on the course length:
Courses of 12 months or less: Applicants must have held Student visa status throughout the entirety of the course while physically present in the UK.
Courses exceeding 12 months: Individuals must have held permission under the Student route for at least 12 months and have studied in the UK for that duration.
Sponsorship Requirements for the Graduate Visa
The Graduate Route is a non-sponsored visa category. Applicants do not require a job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply. This flexibility provides graduates with the freedom to explore career opportunities across various industries without the constraints of employer sponsorship.
Employment Rights on the Graduate Visa
Graduates under this route are permitted to:
Seek employment without restrictions
Work in any role, at any skill level
Switch jobs freely without notifying the Home Office
Be exempt from minimum salary thresholds typically applicable under other work routes
This makes the Graduate Visa an ideal transitional pathway for those aiming to gain post-study work experience in the UK.
Duration of Stay Under the Graduate Route
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Holders: Eligible to remain in the UK for up to 2 years
PhD and Doctoral Graduates: Permitted a stay of up to 3 years
Extensions and Pathway to Settlement
The Graduate Visa cannot be extended beyond its initial validity. It also does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement in the UK. However, individuals can transition into other immigration categories that do provide a route to settlement, including:
The Skilled Worker route
The Global Talent route
The Innovator Founder route
Eligibility for these routes is subject to meeting the specific criteria outlined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Dependants Under the Graduate Visa Route
Existing dependants who already have valid leave as a Student dependant may continue to stay in the UK under the Graduate Visa category. However, new dependants are not permitted, except in cases where a child is born in the UK during the applicant’s valid Student or Graduate visa period.
Impact of COVID-19 on Eligibility
The UK Home Office introduced temporary concessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which ended on 30 June 2022. These concessions allowed students affected by travel restrictions to retain eligibility for the Graduate Route despite periods of remote learning.
Key scenarios that preserved eligibility included:
Commencing a course of 12 months or less before 21 June 2021 and arriving in the UK on or before 27 September 2021
Starting a 12-month course between 21 June 2021 and 6 April 2022, and arriving no later than 6 April 2022
Applicants who studied remotely for longer courses between 24 January 2020 and 6 April 2022, while holding valid Student leave, also retained eligibility.
Ineligible Graduates (Tier 4 or Student Leave Expired Before 1 July 2021)
International graduates whose Student or Tier 4 (General) visa expired before 1 July 2021 are not eligible for the Graduate Visa. However, alternative immigration routes may still be available, including:
Skilled Worker visa
Innovator Founder visa
Global Talent visa
Each of these pathways has its own set of criteria and may ultimately lead to settlement in the UK.
How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You
At Link And Day Lawyers, we are more than just an immigration service company we are a trusted legal partner for international students and graduates aiming to study, remain, or build their careers in the United Kingdom.
Our highly skilled immigration barristers possess in-depth expertise in UK immigration pathways tailored for students and recent graduates. Whether you’re planning to begin your academic journey, extend your stay, or transition into post-study employment, we provide strategic guidance through the often-complex regulations set by the Home Office.
We distinguish ourselves by offering a personalised, client-focused approach. Our team is both approachable and responsive, committed to understanding your unique goals and delivering tailored immigration solutions with clarity and efficiency.
With a proven track record and a reputation for professionalism, Link And Day Lawyers delivers comprehensive and dependable legal assistance ensuring you take the next step in your UK journey with confidence.
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