The Graduate Route Visa - Understanding The Landscape
The UK government recognizes the value that international graduates bring to the economy, innovation, and cultural exchange. The Graduate Route Visa, introduced in July 2021, was designed to retain this talent, providing a pathway for international students to transition from education to the workforce. By understanding the government’s objectives, you can align your career ambitions with the opportunities available under this visa scheme.
The Graduate Route Visa allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK to stay and work for a period of two years (three years for doctoral graduates). This visa offers unmatched flexibility, enabling you to work in any role or sector, at any skill level, without requiring a job offer or sponsorship from an employer.
Key Benefits
- Flexibility - Work, switch jobs, or start your own business without restrictions.
- Extended Stay - Remain in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing your studies.
- No Sponsorship Required - Freedom to explore different career paths without the need for employer sponsorship.
- Dependants - Family members already in the UK can stay with you under the same visa conditions.
Graduate Route Visa - FREE Guide
Our free comprehensive e-guide highlights the differences between this and other visa types, eligibility, the application process, and how to avoid common yet costly mistakes.
While the Graduate Route Visa is the most straightforward option for recent graduates, it is essential to understand how it compares to other visa options, such as the Skilled Worker Visa. For graduates with a specific job offer, the Skilled Worker Visa may be more appropriate, especially for those considering long-term settlement in the UK. Our FREE comprehensive e-guide explains the differences in detail. Download the e-guide, or chat with us directly.
A few, key differences are listed below:
Graduate Route Visa:
- Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD).
- Work Restrictions: None.
- Path to Settlement: No direct path to settlement; switching to another visa type is required.
Skilled Worker Visa:
- Duration: Up to 5 years, with the potential for extension and settlement.
- Work Restrictions: Limited to the role offered by the sponsoring employer.
- Path to Settlement: Direct path after 5 years.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements include:
- Academic Requirements
- Residency and Study Requirements
- Immigration History and Current Visa Status
- Notification from the Education Provider
Our FREE guide provides lots of detail about eligibility, including tips on improving your graduate route visa application, and your employability. Please download now to avoid errors or delays with your visa application.
The Application Process
Preparation is key to a successful Graduate Route Visa application. This chapter will guide you through the meticulous preparation needed before you begin the online application process.
Document Checklist:
- Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.
- BRP (Biometric Residence Permit): If applicable, have your BRP ready.
- Confirmation of Course Completion: Ensure your university has confirmed your course completion with the Home Office.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Receipt: Ensure you have evidence of IHS payment.
Completing the Online Application
The application is submitted online via the UK Government’s official portal. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the online form, download our fee guide. This ensures you provide accurate information and avoid common pitfalls.
Making Payment
The Graduate Route Visa requires two key payments:
Application Fee: £822.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year, payable upfront.
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Application Fee: Non-refundable once the application is submitted.
IHS: Provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS is calculated based on the duration of your visa (e.g., £2,070 for a two-year visa).
Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you may be required to attend a biometrics appointment. This involves providing your fingerprints and a photograph at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
What to Expect:
Appointment Booking: Book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Required Documents: Bring your passport, BRP (if applicable), and appointment confirmation.
Processing Time: Biometrics processing typically takes a few minutes, but the overall wait time at the centre may vary.
Receiving Your Decision
Once your application is submitted, and biometrics are provided, the Home Office will process your application. The decision is typically communicated via email.
Understanding Decision Timelines:
Standard Processing Time: Up to 8 weeks.
Expedited Processing: Premium services may be available for faster processing at an additional cost.
What to Do After Receiving Your Visa
After receiving your Graduate Route Visa, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under this visa type.
Post-Visa Checklist:
Update Employers: If you were previously employed under a Student Visa, notify your employer of your change in visa status.
BRP Collection: If applicable, collect your new Biometric Residence Permit.
Maintain Legal Status: Adhere to all conditions of your visa to avoid complications.
There are many common pitfalls with the graduate route visa, we would advise downloading our free e-guide which provides details on how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Graduate Route Visa?
The Graduate Route allows students who have successfully completed a degree-level or higher program to apply for a visa. Undergraduate and Masters students can apply for a two-year visa, while PhD students can apply for a three-year visa. No job offer or sponsor is required to apply.
Can I apply for the Graduate Route Visa from outside the UK?
No, you must be physically present in the UK at the time of your application.
When is the earliest I can make an application?
What if my Student Visa expires before I apply?
You must apply for the Graduate Route Visa before your Student Visa expires. If your visa has already expired, you may need to leave the UK.
Can I extend my Student/Tier 4 visa after completing my studies just to become eligible?
You can only extend your Student/Tier 4 visa if you have legitimate studies remaining. Extending your visa solely to meet eligibility for the Graduate Route is not permitted.
I am a 12-month MSc student with deferred/re-sit assessments in January. Can I extend my visa to ensure it's valid when results are released?
You can be sponsored for the January assessments, but you’ll need to apply for your new visa before the final day of the assessment week. After this date, you won’t be eligible to apply since no further academic engagement is required. Contact the team for advice, as not everyone can extend their visa within the UK.
I took a break from my studies and had a gap in my visas. Will I still be eligible?
The Graduate Route guidance states that all time spent on a Student visa is considered when calculating the minimum period requirement. The term “deferred” is used by UKVI for an interruption of studies, which may not apply to deferred assessments and is likely subject to caseworker discretion.
If I transfer to a different program, will I still be eligible for the Graduate Route?
Transfers that can be completed within the original visa duration are eligible for the Graduate Route, such as switching from one 9-month program to another. If your new program requires a visa extension, you will not be eligible for the Graduate Route. This also applies if you’ve added a year abroad that isn’t an integral and assessed part of your degree, as the Home Office considers it a new program.
How will I know if my successful completion has been verified with the UKVI?
You will receive an email confirming that your successful completion has been verified, along with your previous CAS number, which you’ll need for your application. Verification typically occurs within five working days of the official release of your results.
What if I don't receive an email within five days?
There could be several reasons why your verification with the UKVI hasn’t been completed:
- If you have outstanding tuition fees, and your results are withheld, verification cannot proceed without permission from Fees, Income, and Credit Control. This is because verifying you for the route would indicate that you’ve been awarded your degree.
- If you are not on a Student visa, such as if you were issued a CAS but didn’t use it for a visa application.
- If there is an ongoing misconduct case against you, which prevents your results from being fully confirmed.
- If there is an issue with your record that prevents your details from being captured in the report.
- If your CAS was not marked as “Used” by the caseworker, it won’t be included in the report. In this case, you will need to contact us for verification.
Can I request to have my verification expedited?
Since verification is done through a bulk upload, it’s unlikely that individual requests can be expedited, as this would slow down the overall process.
As a PhD student, when will I be verified if there is no official results release date?
PhD students are verified to the UKVI on a rolling basis, based on the award date set by the relevant authority. You will be individually verified to the UKVI when the award date is confirmed. If you have already been granted a Tier 4/Student Doctorate Extension Scheme visa, you will not be eligible for the Graduate Route. Additionally, if you complete your PhD early, the relevant authority must first inform the UKVI of your early completion before verifying you for the Graduate Route.
Can I apply for another visa after my Graduate Route Visa expires?
Yes, you can switch to a different visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
We help our clients through their Graduate Route Visa Applications. Talk with us today.
Please call 0161 527 3123 or email our enquiries team today to start your journey with My Immigration Services.