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Vishang Shah
Your graduation is on the horizon, and you may be wondering about the options to stay in the UK and build your career right here. After completing your studies in the UK as an international student, the time is near to take a new path of your career and thrive.
In the thriving journey of your career, the UK Graduate Visa is going to play the role of your ship to sail your goals. It offers an excellent opportunity for eligible students like you to remain in the UK for up to two years or three years if you have a PhD or doctorate after completing your studies.
Here, we walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Graduate Visa to help you figure out the process and collectively answer the question of how to get a UK graduate visa.
Let’s move forward!
What is the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa is a post-study visa that permits international students to remain in the UK after completing an eligible course at a UK higher education institution. It’s a fantastic opportunity if you wish to gain work experience, go after a permanent career, or start a business in the UK.
This visa enables you to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing your degree. If you’ve completed a PhD or other doctorate qualification, you can stay in the UK for three years. During this time, you can work in most jobs, even in roles that are not directly related to your degree.
So, the Graduate Visa provides you a chance to get valuable UK work experience and look for a lifetime career in the UK. And before you apply for the Graduate Visa, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Let's learn about it.
Requirements for the Graduate Visa
- You are present in the UK
The Graduate Visa is only available to applicants who are already in the UK on a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. - You have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK
You need to prove that you have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. However, some other UK courses may prove you eligible, like certain law conversion courses and postgraduate diplomas. - Your education provider has notified the Home Office
Your university or college must inform the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. First, ensure that your institution has done that. - You have a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
You must be in the UK on a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 visa at the time of your Uk graduate visa application.
If you meet these requirements, there come required documents to apply for your graduate visa in the UK. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
Documents Required for the Graduate Visa
- A valid passport or travel document showing your identity and nationality.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number you received when you applied for your Student Visa or Tier 4 visa to confirm that you’ve completed UK course.
- Proof of valid immigration status via either your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you have one even if it has expired or proof of your immigration status online if you hold a UK eVisa.
- Evidence of your qualifications through your degree certificate or other proof.
- Relationship evidence (if applicable) if your dependent id applying with you. You need to prove your relationship with your partner or children, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate for children.
- A certified translation, if any of your documents are not in English or Welsh.
- Once you’ve these documents, you can proceed to your Graduate Visa application process.
How to Apply for UK Graduate Visa?
1. Check Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements as we discussed earlier. Make sure your course qualifies for a Graduate visa and your education provider has informed the Home Office. If not, then reach out to your university for clarification.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Assemble all the required documents such as your passport, CAS reference number, and any additional proof of your qualifications and relationship with dependants (if applicable).
3. Submit Your Application Online
Apply online through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website, fill out the details and upload your documents.
4. Prove Your Identity
Prove your identity as part of the application. Either use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your passport or attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service centre to provide your biometric information like fingerprints and photos.
5. Pay the Fees
Pay the application fee of £822, along with the healthcare surcharge, which is generally £1,035 per year when you are in the UK. For a two-year visa, the healthcare surcharge will cost you £2,070, and for a three-year visa, it will be £3,105
6. Wait for a Decision
Once you’ve completed your application and provided all necessary documents, you’ll receive a decision from the Home Office within 8 weeks. Until you get the decision, you can stay in the UK while waiting for it.
How Long Can You Stay on UK Graduate Visa?
How long you can stay on your Graduate Visa depends on the level of study you’ve completed.
If you have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK master’s degree, or an eligible course, you can stay for up to two years. If you’ve completed a PhD or any doctorate qualification, you can stay for up to three years.
Keep in mind that you cannot extend your Graduate Visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you secure a job in the UK after your two or three years.
What You Can Do with a Graduate Visa
- Work in most jobs
You can work in any job you are qualified for. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do in the UK during your time on the Graduate Visa. - Look for a job
If you’re unsure about your next step, you can spend time looking for work without worrying about your visa status. - Be self-employed
You can set up your own business or work as a freelancer while staying in the UK. - Continue living with your dependants
If you have dependants such as a partner or children who were previously in the UK on your Student Visa, they can stay with you on the Graduate Visa as well. - Travel abroad and return to the UK
If you want to travel abroad during your stay, you can leave and re-enter the UK as long as your visa is valid.
What You Cannot Do with a Graduate Visa
- You cannot apply for public funds
The Graduate Visa does not allow you to access public funds or claim the State Pension. - You cannot work as a professional sportsperson
If you want to build career in professional sports, you will not be eligible to work as a professional sportsperson under the Graduate Visa. - You cannot extend the Graduate Visa
The graduate visa is only valid for two or three years, depending on your degree and you cannot extend it further. If you wish to stay longer in the UK, you must switch to a different type of visa.
Your Dependants with Graduate Visa
If your partner and children under 18 are in the UK as dependants on your Student Visa, they can also apply to stay with you on your Graduate Visa. If your child was born in the UK during your time on a Student Visa, they can apply without being a dependant. You must apply and pay the visa fee separately for each dependent.
Final Thought
Thus, applying for a graduate visa has a simple process if you are eligible and have required documents. Graduate visa can be you fresh start to begin your professional career whatever you choose like going for job, make a startup or just explore opportunities in the market.
With careful planning and the right guidance, getting the UK Graduate visa is easiest! Remember, Graduate Visa is an ideal path to work, live, and gain valuable experience in the UK after your student visa expire.
If you are ready to apply for your UK graduate visa, consider Westend Consultants’ Help. As one of the best Immigration consultants in the UK we provide immigration consultancy services like personal immigration, business immigration, and sponsor licence.
Our experienced immigration lawyers in the UK follow the Graduate Visa application steps carefully to help you get your visa easily.
Vishang Shah
Co-Founder of Westend Consultants
Vishang is Co-Founder of Westend Consultants and has been helping clients with UK immigration matters since the firm was established in 2008. With nearly 18 years of experience, he has built his practice around giving clear, honest and practical advice to both businesses and private clients.