Post-Study Work · United Kingdom
UK Postgraduate Visa: Work in the UK After Graduation
Once you finish your degree in the UK, you can stay and work in the country with the Postgraduate Visa (Graduate Route). It gives you the chance to gain work experience, find job opportunities, and start building your career — without needing an employer sponsor.
- No job offer required
- 2–3 years to work in the UK
- Switch to Skilled Worker Visa
Overview
What is the UK Postgraduate Visa?
The UK Postgraduate Visa is for international students who have completed their studies in the UK. It allows you to stay in the UK after graduation and work legally.
Unlike many work visas, the Graduate Visa does not require a job offer or sponsorship. Graduates are free to work, change employers, become self-employed, or explore career opportunities while living in the UK. The Graduate Route replaced the old Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa and is now the main visa for students who want to work in the UK after finishing their studies.
- No job offer or sponsorship required
- Freedom to work, switch employers, or become self-employed
- Successor to the former Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa
We prepare your application with confidence
At Globalized Visa Experts, we help graduates apply for the Graduate Route with confidence. We help you prepare and submit your application correctly and on time.
From eligibility checks to CAS verification, our team supports you at every step.
Advantages
Benefits of the UK Graduate Route
The Graduate Route offers several advantages for international students, making it one of the most attractive post-study work options available to international graduates.
Stay for 2–3 Years
Stay in the UK for 2 years after completing a bachelor's or master's degree, or 3 years after completing a doctoral qualification or PhD.
Work Without Sponsorship
Work for any employer without sponsorship, become self-employed or freelance, and gain valuable UK work experience.
A Path Forward
Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa when eligible, travel freely in and out of the UK, and apply with no requirement to show maintenance funds.
Eligibility
Eligibility UK Postgraduate Visa eligibility requirements
To apply for the Graduate Visa, you must meet the requirements set by the UK Home Office.
Successfully Completed Your Course
You must finish your course at a UK university or college approved by the Home Office, including bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certain approved professional qualifications.
Dependants Under the Graduate Route
Existing dependants already in the UK on a Student Visa may continue their stay and apply alongside the main applicant, though new dependants generally cannot join.
Apply Before Your Visa Expires
You must submit your Graduate Visa application before your current Student Visa expires.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Your university must have sponsored your studies through a valid CAS, confirming to the Home Office that you have finished your course.
Study Period Requirement
Students need to complete their UK studies before applying for the Graduate Route visa.
Hold a Valid Student Visa
You must currently hold a valid Student Visa and be inside the UK when you apply.
Check Before You Apply
Who cannot apply for the Graduate Visa?
You may not be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route in the following circumstances:
1
You studied under a Short-Term Study Visa
2
You are outside the UK at the time of application
3
Your Student Visa has already expired
4
You previously held a Graduate Visa
5
Your institution is not a licensed student sponsor
Also note: Graduate Visa holders cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach under the conditions of the visa.
Duration
How long does the Graduate Route last?
The length of your Graduate Visa depends on the qualification you completed. The visa cannot currently be extended, though graduates often switch to other immigration routes such as the Skilled Worker Visa after gaining employment.
Bachelor's & Master's
2 Years
Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degrees
Graduates who complete a bachelor's or master's degree can stay and work in the UK for 2 years under the Graduate Route.
Doctoral Qualification
3 Years
PhD & Other Doctoral Degrees
Graduates who complete a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification can stay and work in the UK for 3 years under the Graduate Route.
Process
How to apply for the Graduate Visa
Seven steps stand between finishing your course and starting work in the UK.
1
Check your eligibility
Confirm that you have successfully completed your course and still hold a valid Student Visa.
2
Verify university sponsorship
Make sure your university is an approved Student Sponsor and has issued your CAS.
3
Apply for the Graduate Route online
Submit your application through the official UK Government application system.
4
Pay the application fee
The current Graduate Visa application fee is £700.
5
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
Applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to NHS healthcare services during their stay.
6
Provide biometric information
You may be required to submit fingerprints and a photograph as part of the application process.
7
Wait for a decision
Most applications are processed within approximately 8 weeks after submission.
Can you work on a Graduate Visa?
Yes — the Graduate Route offers broad employment rights. You can work full-time or part-time, take multiple jobs, become self-employed, start a business, undertake internships, and continue developing your career in the UK. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
- Full-time work
- Part-time work
- Multiple jobs
- Start a business
- Self-employment
- Internships
Looking Ahead
Graduate Visa and future immigration options
The Graduate Route helps international students move from study to work. Many graduates use this period to gain UK work experience, build professional networks, secure sponsorship from an employer, switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, and progress towards long-term UK immigration opportunities. PhD graduates often use their visa time to begin careers in high-demand sectors like science, healthcare, and engineering.
Recent Graduate Route developments:
The UK Government continues to review immigration policies and post-study work opportunities, and the Home Office has discussed possible changes such as an 18-month post-study work period. Current Graduate Route permissions remain at 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates and 3 years for doctoral qualification holders. Applicants should always check the latest guidance before applying.
Why Globalized Visa Experts
Applying for a Graduate Visa may appear straightforward, but errors can delay it
Globalized Visa Experts offers comprehensive support for students who want to study in Sweden. Our experienced team is committed to helping students achieve their academic and career goals with confidence.
- Graduate Visa eligibility assessments
- Document verification
- Dependant application advice
- Skilled Worker Visa transition guidance
- Application form guidance
- CAS and university sponsor checks
- Home Office compliance support
Talk to our advisors
Our advisors can assess your family's circumstances and explain the latest Home Office rules regarding dependant applications.
- Graduate Route
- CAS Verification
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Dependant Applications
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The UK Graduate Visa lets international students stay and work in the UK after finishing their studies.
Yes. You do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply for the Graduate Route.
A CAS is a reference number from your university that confirms your Student Visa sponsorship.
Dependants can stay in the UK under the Graduate Route if they meet the rules and were already in the UK.
Graduate Visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.
You can remain in the UK for 2 years after completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree. After a PhD, you can stay for 3 years.
Yes. Many graduates switch to a Skilled Worker Visa after finding a qualifying employer willing to sponsor them.
Ready to Work in the UK After Graduation?
Let Globalized Visa Experts help you prepare and submit your Graduate Route application correctly and on time.