Graduate visa
A Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course in the UK.
Eligibility
You can apply for a Graduate visa if all the following are true:
- you’re in the UK,
- your current visa is a Student visa,
- you studied a UK bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree with your Student visa, and
- you’ve successfully completed that course at a degree level, as stated on your CAS.
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.
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 £880, and
- pay the healthcare surcharge - £1,035 per year.
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,
- travel abroad and return to the UK.
You cannot:
- apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension,
- work as a professional sportsperson,
- in most cases you cannot study.
Frequently asked questions
What will be the end date of my Graduate Visa?
Your visa will be valid from the day it was granted for two years (or three if you have completed a PHD level course).
When can I start a permanent employment?
If the Graduate Route application is submitted in time you will be able to start a full-time permanent job (with no end date) between making the Graduate route application and receiving a decision on it.
When can I start self-employment or work as an entertainer?
You will not be allowed to start self-employment or work as an entertainer until you are granted Graduate permission.
Can I travel outside the UK when my visa is being decided?
If you leave the UK your Graduate route visa application may be void, you are advised to travel after your visa is granted.
My course is finished when can I travel outside the UK?
You can travel outside and come back to the UK within the last 4 months of your student visa. I would advise you to come back to the UK in a good time to apply for the Graduate Route before your student visa expires. You should take into consideration any travel disruptions, as you will not be able to enter the UK without a valid visa.
For further advice please contact internationalsupport@solent.ac.uk or visit the UKCISA website