The Graduate Route is one of the most valuable visa options available to international students. It lets you stay in the UK and work for 2 years after graduation (3 years if you have a PhD) — with no employer sponsorship required. You can work in any job, at any salary level.
To apply for the Graduate Route you must: (1) Have completed a UK degree at a registered Higher Education Provider, (2) Have held a valid Student visa for your studies, (3) Apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires, (4) Not have previously held a Graduate visa. Your university must be a licensed Student sponsor — all major UK universities are.
This is the most important rule. You must apply online while you are still in the UK and your Student visa is still valid. The Home Office recommends applying as soon as your results are confirmed and before your graduation ceremony if possible. Do not wait — if your Student visa expires before you apply, you lose the right to apply for the Graduate Route.
Apply through the UK Visas and Immigration online service. The fee is £822 (2024). You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the duration of the visa — currently £1,035 per year (£2,070 for 2 years). Total cost approximately £2,892. You'll need your passport, current visa details, and proof of your degree completion.
With a Graduate visa you can: work full-time in any job with any employer, switch jobs freely without informing the Home Office, study part-time, be self-employed or freelance. You cannot extend the Graduate visa — after 2 years you must switch to another visa (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, etc.) or leave the UK.
Final year: Check your Student visa expiry date — this is your deadline. Results confirmed: Apply immediately. Processing time is usually 8 weeks but can be longer. You can continue to work using your Student visa conditions while waiting. Once Graduate visa is granted: full-time work in any role.
If you want to stay in the UK long-term, the Graduate Route gives you 2 years to find a job that qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa. You need: a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the relevant salary threshold (currently £26,200 minimum or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher). Start looking for sponsored roles from year 1.