Welcome to First Migration’s UK Graduate Visa Guide. This free guide provides you with an overview of the visa, the eligibility requirements, and the benefits of the visa. If you need any help with your application, contact us at First Migration, London’s most trusted visa immigration consultancy.
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The UK Graduate Visa is a popular post-study work visa aimed at international students who want to work in the UK at the end of their studies. The visa targets students who have studied within the UK for at least 12 months and attained a higher level qualification, typically of bachelor’s degree level or above. You can submit an application if your qualification meets the requirements and you satisfy all the other eligibility criteria. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a 2- or 3-year graduate visa based on the specific qualification obtained.
The Graduate Visa has many benefits, including working and living in the UK without restrictions. Unlike many other work visas, there is no requirement for sponsorship by an employer, giving you the freedom to work across various companies and sectors. There’s also the possibility of working as a contractor or on a self-employed basis. The Graduate Visa is often seen as a stepping stone to other work visas, which can then lead to permanent residence within the UK and Indefinite Leave to Remain.
A statement made this evening by James Cleverley, the UK Home Secretary, will have a massive impact on Graduate Visas in 2024 and beyond. In the statement, a series of amendments to the UK immigration system were announced. Amongst these changes was a review of Graduate Visas. In the year to June 2023, it was reported that 98,000 Graduate Visas were issued, reflecting the substantial demand for them from overseas students.
While there have not been any specific details provided to date, it’s likely that the review will focus on so-called ‘abuse’ of the system. Given historical precedents and the direction of the government immigration policy, it’s likely that this review will restrict Graduate Visa holders from bringing dependant partners or children with them. This would be consistent with the recent changes to student visas that revoke the privilege of international students to bring their dependants unless enrolled in postgraduate research programs. The other potential changes could be to their definition of acceptable qualifications, approved universities, and possible changes to the duration of the visa.
We appreciate these changes are concerning developments and may have far-reaching implications for many students and their families. If you plan on applying for a Graduate Visa or Graduate Dependant Visa in the next 12 months, we recommend contacting us at your earliest convenience to discuss your circumstances and how you should proceed.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will commence a review of Graduate Visas in January 2024. The review will focus on “the visa route to ensure that it is operating in the best interests and priorities of the UK, and ensuring the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system is maintained.” The review is expected to run for most of 2024, so it’s not anticipated there will be any immediate changes in the short to medium term.
Do you still have questions about the UK Graduate Visa? We’ve tried to address the most regularly asked questions in our FAQ below. However, if you still need help, contact us by submitting the form at the top of the page.
There are four key criteria that need to be satisfied for you to be eligible for a UK Graduate Visa. All of the following conditions need to be met for you to be eligible:
Providing you satisfy all of the above criteria, you will be able to make an application for a UK Graduate Visa.
The process for applying for a Graduate visa in the UK involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step overview:
The application fee for a UK Graduate Visa in 2023 is £822. In addition to the application fee, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which costs £624 per year. Therefore, the IHS charge for 2-year Graduate Visas will be £1,248 and £1,872 for 3-year Graduate Visas. In addition to the application fee and the IHS fee, a biometric appointment fee may also be payable.
The processing time for a Graduate Visa begins once the application has been fully submitted along with the applicant’s supporting documents and biometric information. From this point, most applications are processed in around 8 weeks. Sometimes, applications can be processed faster, while others can take longer. This is especially true for applications made during the summer months, as this is the end of the academic year and when most degrees are awarded. Regardless of the processing time, you will be able to remain in the UK until a decision has been made on your visa application.
Having a Graduate visa enables you to:
However, there are certain limitations. You are not eligible to:
If you want expert advice about the UK Visa options available to you or if you are preparing your UK Visa application and want access to a UK Visa Expert’s knowledge and experience, this is the service for you.
If you wish to prepare your UK Visa application, why not let our Visa Experts be your insurance policy to ensure your application is approved and you do not lose the very high government fees you will be paying.
To secure your visa approval as easily as possible, provide your UK Visa Expert with the documents they request using the document list and templates provided, and they will do everything else for you.
Our Priority Service provides you with all the benefits of the Full Consultancy Service plus we will prepare and submit your application within 48 working hours of receiving the supporting documents.
Many clients choose First Migration for its long history of excellent service and track record of successful visa applications. However, what we feel is our biggest strength and what makes us unique is our small dedicated team that offers a truly personalised service. We genuinely love what we do, and our team relishes making a difference to the lives of our clients.
Do you still have questions about the UK Graduate Visa? We’ve tried to address the most regularly asked questions in our FAQ below. However, if you still need help, contact us by submitting the form at the top of the page.
UK Graduate Visas are typically issued for 2 years. However if you have completed a PHD or other doctoral qualification, then you will be issued with a 3 year visa.
Your visa will start from the day your application is approved.
Unfortunately the graduate visa cannot be extended, however it can often lead to an offer of sponsorship by your employer. If your employer holds a Certificate of Sponsorship and your role is suitably skilled, then it’s possible to extend your stay in the UK under the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.
The UK Graduate Visa can only be applied for and obtained from within the UK. If you leave the UK or your Tier 4 Visa has expired, you cannot apply for the visa.
You can include dependents on your application for a UK Graduate Visa. As the visa is within the UK’s Points-Based System, any dependants will be treated as PBS Dependants. The cost for each dependant is £822, and you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each dependant. This is currently £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children under 18.
Firstly, you must apply before your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa expires. You can apply as soon as the University or College you attended has told the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course. It is not necessary to wait until you’ve formally graduated or you have your degree certificate. You should check with your education provider if you’re in any doubt about whether they’ve informed the Home Office about the successful completion of your course.
You must have one of the following qualifications to apply:
You can also apply if you completed one of the following qualifications:
There is no maintenance requirement for UK Graduate Visas as applicants will have been in the UK for over 12 months.
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