What is the UK Graduate Route?
The Graduate Route (also known as the Post-Study Work visa) is an unsponsored work visa that allows international students to stay in the UK after successfully completing their degree at a UK higher education provider.
Launched on 1 July 2021, this route replaced the previous Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa and offers more flexibility for graduates.
Key Benefits
- Work at any skill level without a sponsor
- Be self-employed or start a business
- Switch to other visa categories (e.g., Skilled Worker) while in the UK
- Bring dependents if eligible
- Travel in and out of the UK during the visa period
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Graduate Route, you must meet the following requirements:
Course Requirements
- Successfully completed a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD
- Your institution must be a licensed student sponsor
- Studied full-time in the UK for the required duration
Visa Requirements
- Hold a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application
- Your education provider has confirmed your completion to the Home Office
- Apply before your current Student visa expires
Who Cannot Apply
- Students on extension courses (unless extending to complete a PhD)
- Those with Student Union sabbatical officer permission
- Graduates who already held Graduate Route permission
Duration and Conditions
Visa Duration
- Bachelor's/Master's graduates: 2 years
- PhD graduates: 3 years
- PhD students waiting for results: Can apply after 24 months of study
What You Can Do
- Work in most jobs without restriction
- Be self-employed
- Start a business
- Volunteer
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
What You Cannot Do
- Work as a professional sportsperson
- Access public funds (benefits)
- Extend this visa (must switch to another category)
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Graduate Route visa:
Costs and Fees
The total cost of the Graduate Route application includes:
Application Fee
- Visa application fee: £822
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
Total Cost Breakdown
- 2-year Graduate visa: £822 + £1,552 (IHS) = £2,374
- 3-year PhD Graduate visa: £822 + £2,328 (IHS) = £3,150
Approximate cost in INR: ₹2.5-3.3 lakhs (depending on exchange rate)
Documents Required
Prepare these documents before applying:
Bringing Dependents
You can bring your partner and children as your dependents if:
- They were already your dependents on your Student visa, OR
- You are switching from a Student visa where they were your dependents
Dependent Requirements
- Partner: Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (2+ years relationship)
- Children: Under 18 years old, or over 18 if already in UK as your dependent
Dependent Costs
- Application fee: £822 per dependent
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year per dependent
Switching to Other Visas
While on the Graduate Route, you can switch to other visa categories:
Skilled Worker Visa
- Most common switch for graduates with job offers
- Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Minimum salary threshold applies
- Can lead to settlement (ILR) after 5 years
Start-up Visa
- For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
- Requires endorsement from an approved body
- Valid for 2 years
Innovator Visa
- For experienced entrepreneurs
- Requires £50,000 investment funds
- Can lead to settlement after 3 years
Tips for Success
Before Applying
- Ensure your university has confirmed your course completion
- Check your Student visa expiry date
- Prepare all documents in advance
- Have sufficient funds for the application
During Your Graduate Visa
- Start job hunting early - use university career services
- Network with professionals in your field
- Consider the Skilled Worker route for long-term stay
- Keep your documents and contact details updated