Graduate visa

Overview

A Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course in the UK.

The role of the University

We will notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. Please do not apply until you have been told that this has been done.

How long you can stay

A Graduate visa lasts for two years. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for three years.

Your visa will start from the day your application is approved.

When can I apply?

You can apply as soon as Solent confirms that we have reported your successful course completion to the Home Office.

You do not need to wait for:

• your graduation ceremony, or
• certificate collection.

However, you must apply before your Student visa expires.

How to apply

You must apply online.

You must apply before your Student visa expires.

You can apply as soon as Solent has told you that the Home Office has been notified that you’ve successfully completed your current course, as written on your CAS.

You must apply before your student visa expires. You will not be required to submit a copy of your degree and you do not need to wait until your graduation ceremony.

You can use your expired BRP card on the UKVI Immigration ID Check app to successfully complete the biometrics checks.

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

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.

Dependants

Your partner and children can also apply to stay in the UK if they were your dependants on your previous visa.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within eight weeks.

You must remain in the UK while you wait for a decision. Travelling outside of the UK common travel area will result in your application being cancelled.

How much it costs

When you apply for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to:

• pay the application fee - this is usually £937, and
• pay the healthcare surcharge - £1,035 per year.

Check how much it will cost

Visa conditions

With a Graduate visa you can:

• work in most jobs,
• look for work,
• be self-employed,
• continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible,
• do voluntary work, and
• travel abroad and return to the UK.

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension,
• work as a professional sportsperson, and
• in most cases you cannot study.

For further advice please contact internationalsupport@solent.ac.uk or visit the UKCISA website

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before Solent confirms UKVI notification ( we will email you to confirm notification was made).
• Applying after Student visa expiry.
• Applying while outside the UK.
• Travelling while application is pending.
• Assuming graduation ceremony is required.