The Graduate visa, previously known as the Post Study Work (PSW) visa, is a post-study immigration route in the UK that allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) after their studies without needing a job offer or sponsorship. The Graduate route visa is granted for 2 years to those who have completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree course and 3 years to those who have completed a PhD course. The Graduate visa cannot be extended further. However, if eligible, you can switch to another visa, like a Skilled Worker visa.
- Page Contents
- Ask a Question for Free Advice
- Requirements for Graduate Visa
- Our Team of Solicitors
- Book An Appointment
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question for Free Advice
Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in Graduate visa applications. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about the Graduate visa UK. You can either call our free immigration advice helpline, 0044 20 3930 3900, to simply ask a question to our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London for fast and friendly free immigration advice and consultation, or you can schedule an appointment online for comprehensive and detailed immigration advice & consultation with one of our top-rated UK immigration solicitors and lawyers.
Requirements for a Graduate Visa UK
To qualify for a Graduate visa UK, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Valid Application: The applicant must submit a valid graduate visa application by completing the specified form and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and application fee.
Current UK Immigration Status: You must be in the UK and hold a valid Student visa (or Tier 4 visa) at the time of your Graduate visa application. You cannot apply from outside the UK. You must apply before your Student visa expires.
Eligible Qualification: You must have successfully completed one of the following UK qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (UK Level 6)
- Master’s degree (UK Level 7)
- PhD or doctorate (UK Level 8)
- Or another eligible qualification (e.g., PGCE or law conversion courses, as specified in the Immigration Rules)
A UK Higher Education Provider, with a track record of compliance, must have awarded the qualification.
Course Completion Notification: Your university or college must notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
Study in the UK Requirement: You must have studied your course in the UK for a minimum period:
| Course Duration | Time Required to Study in the UK |
| 12 months or more | At least 12 months in the UK |
| Less than 12 months | The entire course duration in the UK |
No Previous Grant: The applicant must not have been previously granted permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or as a Graduate.
Writeen Consent of the Financial Sponsor: If the applicant has, in the 12 months before the date of application, been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a Government or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, they must provide written consent to the application from that Government or agency;
Suitability Requirements: The applicant must not fall for refusal under Part 9: grounds for refusal.
Not be in Breach of Immigration Laws: The applicant must not be:
- in the UK in breach of immigration laws, except that where paragraph 39E applies, that period of overstaying will be disregarded; or;
- on immigration bail.
Our Team of Leading UK Immigration Solicitors in London
Premium Solicitors Ltd is a London-based law firm specialising in providing high-quality legal services to individuals seeking a Graduate visa. Their expertise in immigration law ensures that clients receive personalised and thorough assistance throughout the Graduate visa application process. The firm is particularly skilled in handling complex immigration cases. Their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law allows them to navigate these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Premium Solicitors Ltd is known for its client-focused approach, offering clear communication and support throughout the process. They understand the emotional and financial stress involved in UK immigration matters and work diligently to alleviate these concerns by providing transparent and reliable legal services. By choosing Premium Solicitors Ltd, clients benefit from a high level of expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for their Graduate visa application. The firm’s reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and success makes it a top choice for individuals seeking to apply for a Graduate visa.
The exceptional quality of our UK visa and immigration services is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients expressing their satisfaction. Our dedicated team of London-based UK immigration solicitors is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing unwavering dedication and outstanding legal support for the Graduate visa UK.
At Premium Solicitors, located in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled UK immigration services through our team of dedicated and specialist immigration solicitors. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who possess a deep understanding of the complexities involved in UK immigration laws. This expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Meet Our Key Team of UK Immigration Solicitors and Lawyers:
Arshad Mahmood
Specialist UK visa and Immigration Solicitor with experience of more than 20 years.
Tushita Scalzullo
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Nargis Khodadady
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Asad Malik
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration SolicitorIf you need expert immigration advice and representation for your Graduate visa application, look no further than Premium Solicitors in London. Our team of seasoned UK immigration solicitors is here to provide you with the professional support you need to navigate the complexities of your Graduate visa application. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your Graduate visa goals. At Premium Solicitors, your successful Graduate visa is our top priority. Let our expertise be your advantage.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Immigration Solicitors
Looking for the best immigration advice and consultation for your Graduate visa application? Our team of leading immigration solicitors for the Graduate visa are ready to give specialist legal advice for your Graduate visa. Our expert team of UK visa solicitors and advisors can provide comprehensive and detailed immigration advice and consultation face-to-face in our offices in London or Birmingham or virtually through Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or Phone etc. Book your appointment today with one of our experienced UK visa solicitors using the appointment booking link provided below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Graduate Route Visa
The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Graduate visa UK:
The Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD or other doctoral qualifications) to work or look for work without needing a sponsor.
To qualify for the Graduate route visa UK, you must:
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Be in the UK on a Student visa.
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Have successfully completed a degree or other eligible course at undergraduate level or above.
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Have studied with a licensed student sponsor.
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Have completed the course during your last grant of permission as a Student.
The eligible qualifications for a Graduate visa UK include:
- UK bachelor’s degree
- UK master’s degree
- PhD or other doctoral qualification
- Certain professional qualifications (e.g., PGCE, LPC)
You can apply for the Graduate visa UK after your university has informed the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. You must apply before your current Student visa expires.
Yes. You can:
- Work in most jobs (including self-employment)
- Do voluntary work
- Switch jobs or employers without restriction
You cannot:
- Work as a professional sportsperson
- Claim public funds (benefits)
The Graduate visa is granted for:
- 2 years for most applicants
- 3 years if you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification
Yes. Before your Graduate visa expires, you can switch to a different visa route from within the UK, such as:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Student visa
- Spouse/Partner visa
- Parent of a child visa
- Global Talent visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Leave to remain based on 7 years child residence
You can only sponsor those dependants already in the UK as your dependants on your Student visa. You cannot bring new dependants unless switching to another eligible route e.g. Skilled Worker visa.
No, the Graduate route is not a settlement route, so you cannot apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Graduate. Also, the time spent under the Graduate visa cannot be combined with other visa categories to qualify for ILR after 5 years.
However, all the time spent on the Graduate visa does count towards the 10 years long residence required to qualify for ILR based on living 10 years continuously and lawfully in the UK.
You can only study while on a Graduate visa if the course you want to study is not eligible for a Student visa. Generally, a person on a Graduate visa cannot study a course that would require sponsorship under the Student visa route.
You can remain in the UK for the full duration of the visa to look for work. However, you must leave the UK or switch to another visa route when your Graduate Visa expires.
You may be able to switch to the following visa routes, depending on your circumstances, without being sponsored by a UK employer:
- Student visa
- Spouse/Partner visa
- Parent of a child visa
- Global Talent visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Leave to remain based on 7 years child residence
You can challenge the refusal of your Graduate visa by requesting an Administrative Review (AR) of the refusal decision. You must file an Administrative Review (AR) within 14 days of the refusal decision.
You can submit a fresh Graduate visa application within 14 days of the refusal of the Graduate visa application or within 14 days of the decision on the Administrative Review (AR), if you submitted your Graduate visa before the expiry of your leave to remain.