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Graduate visa (United Kingdom)

✓ Checked against GOV.UK on 2026-07-13

According to gov.uk guidance, the Graduate visa lets international students who are in the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, and who have completed an eligible UK bachelor's, postgraduate or other qualifying course, stay in the UK after their studies. The official guidance states that applicants must apply online while still in the UK, before their current student visa expires. Permission to stay lasts for at least 18 months, with the exact duration depending on when the application is made and the level of qualification completed.

Key requirements, as officially published

You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following are true: you're in the UK; your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa; you studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa; your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you've successfully completed your course.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

You must be in the UK when you apply.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

The Graduate visa application fee is £937.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

The healthcare surcharge is £1,035, usually charged for each year you'll be in the UK.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

Your partner and children can also apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

You cannot extend your Graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

A Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 18 months after successfully completing an eligible course in the UK.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

A Graduate visa lasts for: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

Once you've applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

Documents, as listed in the official guidance

As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

Process steps, as officially published

You must apply online for a Graduate visa.
You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
You can apply after your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office that you've successfully completed the course you took with your Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa. You do not have to wait until you've graduated or have been given a certificate.
Your application may take longer if you need an appointment to do this. You'll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Official sources

Graduate visa - GOV.UKretrieved 2026-07-13

Information checked against the official pages linked above on 2026-07-13. Requirements can change. Check the official links for the current version.

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