Graduate Visa

Key features of the Graduate visa include:

Who can apply for a Graduate Visa?

• Eligibility: To be eligible, individuals must have completed a course of study at bachelor’s degree level or above at a UK higher education institution (University) that is a licensed student sponsor and has a track record of compliance. The course duration must have been at least 12 months, or the full duration for which the visa was issued if the course was less than 12 months.

How long is a Graduate Visa valid for?

• Duration: The visa is valid for 2 years for most graduates, and 3 years for doctoral graduates. It is not extendable, but holders may switch to other visa categories (such as the Skilled Worker visa) if they meet the requirements.

Which jobs are valid with a Graduate Visa?

• Work Rights: Graduate visa holders can work in most jobs, look for work, and be self-employed. There are no salary minimums or caps on hours, unlike some other work visas. However, they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Are dependents of the Graduate eligible to stay in the UK with a Graduate Visa?

• Dependents: Dependents of the graduate may also be eligible to stay in the UK if they are already in the UK as the graduate’s dependent.

What is the application process for a Graduate Visa?

• Application Process: Applicants must apply from inside the UK before their student visa expires and after they have received their final course results. They also need to show they have sufficient knowledge of English, which they can often do by virtue of having completed their degree.

Is there a fee for a Graduate Visa or is there a healthcare surcharge to the NHS?

• Fees: There is a fee for the visa application, and applicants must also pay the healthcare surcharge for the duration of their visa, granting them access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Research from UUK in Feb 2024 found only a very small minority (3%) of the public realise the scale of the economic contribution made by international students, or the size of the contribution to the NHS via the Immigration Health Surcharge.

In the UUK and London Economics research on Graduate Visas and International Students, the survey found that only 3% selected the highest option offered, of £700, with the average figure across respondents coming out as £346.59. The NHS surcharge is currently £776 per year.  Research from London Economics calculates that in 2021/22, the annual cost per student or dependent to the health service was £232, making international students a substantial net contributor to the NHS.

Graduate Visa and developing work experience for International Students

The Graduate visa offers a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience in the UK after their studies, contributing to their professional development and the UK economy. It reflects the UK government’s strategy to attract and retain highly skilled workers from around the world.

The Graduate visa has brought a new dawn to the UK employers who didn’t have the sponsor licence. They too can now hire the best and the brightest overseas students who have completed their graduate studies from a recognised UK university and start working for them.

What does the UK Government say about the Graduate Visa?

When the Graduate Visa was launched in 2021 the then Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan,said,“ International students are a vital part of our society, and those who graduate from our world-leading universities should have the opportunity to stay and build meaningful careers here, in the UK. That is why we are introducing this new route for international graduates, enabling British businesses to attract and retain some of the brightest, most talented graduates across the globe, and helping this nation build back better from the pandemic.”

The Home Secretary (for 2021) Priti Patel said, “ As we build back better, it is vital that the UK continues to be a beacon for talented young people across the globe who want to make a difference. The new Graduate route does just that, giving the best and brightest graduates the opportunity to continue contributing to the UK’s prosperity and the freedom to kickstart their careers in the UK.”