Can I extend my Graduate Route Visa after 2 years?

No, the Graduate Visa is a one-time, non-extendable route. To remain in the UK after it expires, you must switch into another immigration category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, or Innovator Founder Visa.

Does the Graduate Visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Not directly. Time spent on the Graduate Route does not count toward the standard 5-year settlement route. However, it does count toward the 10-year Long Residence route for ILR.

Can I bring my family with me on the Graduate Route?

You can only include your partner and children if they are already in the UK as your dependants on your current Student Visa. You generally cannot bring new dependants from your home country to join you on this route.

UKUnited Kingdom · Work Visa

UK Graduate Route

Stay and work in the UK after your studies. Complete guide to the unsponsored UK Graduate Route (PSW) visa, eligibility, duration, and switching to Skilled Worker.

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Processing time

8 weeks

Overview

The UK Graduate Route, commonly known as the Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa, allows eligible international students to stay in the United Kingdom after successfully completing a qualifying degree at a UK higher education provider. It is an entirely unsponsored visa, meaning you do not need a job offer, minimum salary, or employer sponsorship to apply. This route provides graduates with the flexibility to work, look for work, be self-employed, or start a business at any skill level while deciding their long-term career path in the UK.

Key benefits

Unsponsored route: No job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required to apply or maintain your visa.

Flexibility: Work in most occupations at any skill level, switch jobs freely, search for employment, or be self-employed.

Continue living in the UK with your eligible dependants (if they are already in the UK as your Student Visa dependants).

Provides a direct opportunity to secure employment and later switch into a long-term route like the Skilled Worker Visa or Global Talent Visa.

Fee breakdown

Indicative — confirmed after your free assessment.

Visa Application Fee (Main applicant & dependants)£937 per person

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)£1,035 per year of visa duration

Total Government Fee (2-Year Visa)£3,007 approx. (£937 + £2,070)

GAC Advisors service feePKR — quoted after review*

Visa Validity & Stay

For applications submitted on or before 31 December 2026, the visa is valid for 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s). For applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, the duration is reduced to 18 months for Bachelor’s/Master’s. PhD and Doctoral graduates will receive a 3-year visa regardless of the application date. The Graduate Route cannot be extended; you must switch to another eligible visa before it expires.

Eligibility criteria

✓You must currently be inside the UK with a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

✓You must have successfully completed an eligible UK qualification (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, or approved professional course).

✓Your UK higher education provider must have a "track record of compliance" and must have officially notified the Home Office of your course completion.

✓You must submit your online application before your current Student Visa expires.

✓You cannot apply if you have previously been granted permission under the Graduate Route or the old DES (Doctorate Extension Scheme).

Required documents

▸Job offer or sponsorship letter

▸Updated CV and professional reference letters

▸Degrees and professional certificates

▸Skills assessment result, where applicable

▸English test results (IELTS/PTE)

▸Valid passport and photographs

Mandatory Documents

Valid passport or travel document establishing your identity and nationality.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your recent student visa application.
Proof of your current UK immigration status (e.g., an eVisa share code or an eligible Biometric Residence Permit - BRP).
UK Government online account details to link your visa to your digital immigration status.

Supporting Documents

Official consent letter from your financial sponsor or scholarship provider (if they paid your tuition/living costs in the last 12 months).
Proof of relationship documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates) for any eligible dependants applying with you.
Certified English or Welsh translations for any supporting documents not originally in these languages.

DS-160 Application Guide

Applications are submitted strictly online via the official GOV.UK portal. To prove your identity, most applicants can use the free "UK Immigration: ID Check" app to scan their BRP or passport and link it to their UKVI account. If you cannot use the app, you will be instructed to book an in-person biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.

Step-by-step application process

Successfully Complete Your Course

Pass your degree. You do not need to wait for your physical graduation ceremony.

Wait for University Notification

Wait for your university to officially notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your studies.

Verify Identity Online

Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App, or attend a UKVCAS biometric appointment if instructed.

Submit Application & Pay Fees

Fill out the GOV.UK online application and pay the £937 application fee plus the IHS surcharge.

Wait Inside the UK

Processing usually takes 8 weeks. Do not travel internationally during this period.

Receive Your eVisa

Once approved, you will receive a digital eVisa allowing you to live and work freely in the UK.

Visa Interview Guidelines

There is no formal interview for the Graduate Route. The Home Office relies on the electronic notification sent directly by your university confirming that you have successfully passed your degree. Your primary responsibility is to ensure your university has sent this notification before you hit "submit" on your application.

Common mistakes to avoid

✕Applying too early, before the university has officially updated the Home Office regarding course completion.

✕Attempting to apply from outside the United Kingdom, which is strictly prohibited under Graduate Route rules.

✕Leaving the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands) while the visa application is still processing.

✕Assuming the visa counts toward the standard 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It only counts toward the 10-year long residence route.

How we prevent refusals

✓If refused because the Home Office did not receive your completion notification, immediately contact your university's international student compliance team.

✓Administrative Review (AR) is available if you believe the caseworker made an error in assessing your application or university status.

✓Ensure your scholarship provider (if applicable) explicitly stated in their consent letter that they agree to you remaining in the UK on a work visa.

✓Consult an immigration advisor promptly to assess whether you can reapply before your underlying Student Visa expires.

Important Tips for Applicants

✦Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, or the Channel Islands while your application is pending; doing so will automatically withdraw your application.
✦Do not apply until your university explicitly confirms via email that they have notified the Home Office of your successful completion.
✦You cannot claim most public funds (benefits) or the UK State Pension, and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
✦New dependants from outside the UK cannot join you on this route; only dependants already residing with you on your Student Visa are eligible.