Graduate visas

A clear starting point

Plan your next step after eligible UK study and understand the limits of the Graduate route. This page sets out the questions to consider before choosing an application and paying any charges.

Eligible graduates in the UK whose education provider has reported successful completion of a qualifying course. The correct approach depends on the exact permission, application location and immigration history involved. A similar-looking case may be subject to a different rule or transitional arrangement.

Who is this for?

Eligible graduates in the UK whose education provider has reported successful completion of a qualifying course.

General eligibility and requirements

Check your current Student permission, course completion, location and application timing. The Graduate route has its own conditions and is not an automatic route to settlement.

Check the current official guidance for the intended submission date. If you have a previous refusal, an approaching expiry date or a change in circumstances, include that in your initial enquiry. These details may affect what is possible and how urgently you need advice.

Supporting documents

A useful evidence file addresses the specific requirements, with clear dates and consistent personal details. Depending on your circumstances, the following may be relevant:

• Passport
• current immigration record
• course and provider details
• confirmation of completion
• details of any eligible dependants

This is a preparation list, not an exhaustive submission checklist. Check required formats, relevant evidence periods and translation requirements. Keep an exact copy of the final application and evidence. See our document preparation guide for a practical way to organise your records.

The application process

1. Confirm that the course and current Student permission qualify and that the education provider has reported successful completion to the Home Office.
2. Check the location and application timing requirements before travel. Review whether any existing dependants can apply and what evidence is needed.
3. Use the official Graduate application process and read the resulting conditions. Plan a later switch in good time if a longer stay or settlement is your objective.

For appeals, protection and employer compliance matters, the relevant procedure may be a review, tribunal process or ongoing duty rather than a visa application. The official source below identifies the appropriate starting point.

Government fees & processing times

Professional fees are separate from government charges. Ask for a written quote confirming scope, any VAT, exclusions and additional costs. Our fees information explains what to clarify. Paying for a faster service does not guarantee approval or a decision by a particular date.

Common issues to consider

Applying before completion has been reported, travelling at the wrong stage and assuming the permission can simply be extended.

Where a record is missing or inconsistent, explain the issue honestly and establish which evidence can address it. Do not amend a document to make it appear to meet a requirement. For help preparing for a discussion, read our consultation preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions