Graduate visa
For international students who have completed an eligible UK degree and want to stay to work or look for work.
The Graduate visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£880 application; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~8 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Graduate visa is for
For international students who have completed an eligible UK degree and want to stay to work or look for work.
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway.
Graduate visa - eligibility criteria
- Successfully completed an eligible UK degree or qualification
- Currently hold a Student visa
- Sponsor confirmed course completion to the Home Office
- Studied in the UK for the required minimum period
- Apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires
Graduate visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Graduate visa (United Kingdom) is ~£880 application; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~8 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Inside the UK only |
| Length of stay | 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) |
| Work rights | Work at any skill level, including self-employment, no sponsor |
| Study rights | Limited study allowed |
| Government fee | ~£880 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~8 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway.
Many applicants also compare Student · Student visa, HPI · High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Graduate visa pitfalls we fix
Graduate visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Graduate visa cost?
The Graduate visa government fee is ~£880 application; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Graduate visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~8 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Graduate visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway.
Can I work on the Graduate visa?
Work rights: Work at any skill level, including self-employment, no sponsor.
Who can apply for the Graduate visa?
For international students who have completed an eligible UK degree and want to stay to work or look for work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority