Graduate Visa UK

A UK Graduate visa provides international students with an opportunity to live and work in the UK for at least 18 months after completing their studies.

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we have extensive experience in handling Graduate Visa UK applications. Our team of immigration experts is here to support you every step of the way.

For legal advice or assistance with your UK Graduate visa application, call our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 959 7755 or email info@moeenco.com.

Table of Contents

What is a Graduate visa in the UK?

A Graduate visa, also known as PSW, allows you to remain in the UK for at least 18 months after successfully completing an eligible course in the UK. You must be physically present in the UK at the time you submit your application.

Who is eligible for a Graduate visa?

You can apply for a Graduate visa if you are in the UK on a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa, and have completed an eligible UK bachelor's or postgraduate degree (or another qualifying course). Your education provider must inform the Home Office that you've finished your course. If you're unsure whether your provider has done this, you should check with them. Make sure your course meets the eligibility requirements and the minimum study period. If you don't qualify for a Graduate visa, other UK visa options may be available.

Do you need a job to get a Graduate visa?

You do not need a job or a sponsor to apply for a Graduate visa. It allows you to stay in the UK and look for work, and unlike the Student visa, there is no limit on the number of hours you can work each week.

Key requirements for a Graduate visa

International students can apply for a Graduate visa if they meet all of the following:

• Are in the UK at the time of application.
• Hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Have successfully completed an eligible UK bachelor's, postgraduate, or qualifying course.
• Have had their course completion confirmed by their education provider to the Home Office.
• Have met the minimum study period required for their course.

What documents do you need for a Graduate visa?

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

• Valid passport or travel document
• CAS reference number from your Student or Tier 4 visa
• Proof of current visa: BRP or eVisa share code
• Proof of relationship (if applying with partner/children)
• Scholarship/sponsorship letter (if fees and living costs were covered)
• Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents

How to apply for a Graduate visa?

You must submit an online application for the Graduate visa, along with documents and fees, before your Student or Tier 4 (General) visa ends.

Applications can be submitted once your education provider has confirmed your course completion to the Home Office; you don't need to wait for your graduation or certificate. You'll need to prove your identity and provide documents, and the application may take longer if an appointment is required.

Follow these steps to apply for a Graduate visa:

1. Step 1: Initial consultation and assessment of your eligibility.
2. Step 2: Gathering the required documentation.
3. Step 3: Complete the visa application form online.
4. Step 4: Submit your visa application supporting documents and pay the relevant fees.
5. Step 5: Book and attend the biometric appointment.
6. Step 6: Wait for a decision on your application.

To begin your Graduate visa application process, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert legal assistance and ensure that your application is handled with utmost professionalism and care.

How much does a graduate visa cost?

When applying for a Graduate visa, you need to pay an £880 application fee and the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year of stay in the UK. If you work in public sector healthcare (as a doctor, nurse, or in health or adult social care), you may qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, which is cheaper and exempt from the health surcharge. If you start a public healthcare role after paying the surcharge, you might be eligible for a refund.

How long does it take for a graduate visa to be approved?

After submitting your Graduate visa application, proving your identity, and providing your documents, you’ll usually receive a decision within 8 weeks. You can remain in the UK while your application is being processed.

How long can you stay with a Graduate visa?

A Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. For PhD or doctoral graduates, the visa lasts 3 years. The visa starts from the date of approval. While it cannot be extended, you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, to stay longer.

Can I bring dependents on the Graduate visa?

If your partner and children were dependants on your current Student or Tier 4 visa, they can apply to stay as your dependants on a Graduate visa. Children born in the UK during your current visa can also apply. Their visa will expire on the same date as yours.

Who counts as a dependant:

• Partner: husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner
• Child under 18: including those born in the UK during your stay
• Child over 18: if already a dependant with leave to enter or remain

Partner requirements:

• Must have been a dependant on your Student or Tier 4 visa
• Must prove an ongoing relationship (marriage, civil partnership, cohabitation for 2+ years, or long-distance commitment with evidence of communication, financial support, childcare, and time spent together)

Child requirements:

• Must live with you unless in full-time education
• Must not be married or in a civil partnership
• Proof of address needed (bank statement, driving licence, NHS registration, or official university/college letter)

Special cases:

• Children under 18 may not have been dependants if born in the UK during your visa; proof of parentage required (birth certificate or guardianship order)
• Children 18 or over must have been dependants on your Student or Tier 4 visa
• New dependants may join from abroad if you switch to another visa, like the Skilled Worker visa

Need assistance with your Graduate visa?

If you need help with your UK Graduate visa application, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in London by calling 0203 959 7755.