What is the UK Graduate Visa?

“Photo by Chris Boland”

The Graduate Visa or Post-Study Work was created in 2021 to attract students to stay in the UK after they graduate. It allows foreign nationals to stay in the UK for at least 2 years to live and work once they graduate from a British university. The advantage of a Graduate visa is that it allows you to work and build relationships with employers who will sponsor you after the visa ends on a longer work visa. This is an advantage over applicants who have never worked in the UK and are applying abroad.

Students must have graduated from a British university to be eligible. However, the High Potential Individual Visa (HPI) is a similar visa aimed at graduates from selected international universities.

Why choose the UK Before and after graduating?

The UK is home to many world-class universities. New data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows the UK now has a international student population of 679,970 as of 2022. British universities are acknowledged globally for their creative and challenging environments, that encourage students to be their best. Their standards are highly regarded, with experts on many academic topics, and they’re generally listed high in the World University Rankings. International students now make up 24% of the UK student population.

The UK wants graduates to have a long-term career in the country which will help fill the skill gap and boost the economy. Job opportunities in the UK are plentiful with the unemployment rate being under 10% for over 30 years.

Eligiblity for Graduate Visa UK

In order to qualify for this visa you must meet several minimum requirements.

• Achieved at least a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university
• Studied at least 12 months of the course in the UK
• You still live in the UK

Occupations eligible for Graduate Visa UK

The Graduate visa allows you to work in any job, including self-employed or voluntary.

Occupations do not need to be registered on the skilled occupations list.

Graduate Visa UK Cost

You must have sufficient funds when applying for the Graduate visa, the total minimum costs will vary depending on your circumstances.

Application Fee

When applying from within the UK the application fee will be £715.

Healthcare

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) entitles you to use the NHS if you become unwell or have an accident while in the UK.

You have to pay the IHS even if you do not use the NHS or even if you have your own private health insurance, the cost is £624 per year.

If you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £624 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £1248.

If you are applying for a 3-year visa you will have to pay £624 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £1872.

Sufficient Funds

You do not need to show funds it you have been living in the UK for 12 months or more with permission on the date of application.

Documentation required for Graduate Visa UK

You must produce relevant documentation that will require some preparation when applying.

• A valid passport for the entirety of the visa
• Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Criminal Record Certificate

If you are applying for certain jobs mostly in the public sector such as healthcare, welfare and education sectors. You will need to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which, since the age of 18, you have been present for 12 months or more in the 10 years before the date of your application.

Identity

Evidence of your Biometric Residence Permit, if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa.

Can I bring my family?

This visa will allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK, they are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident or have an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to bring your family members. The cost for each dependant is £1846 as of January 2024.

Dependants over 18 can work full time in any profession throughout with no restrictions. The length of time allowed to stay is the same as the main applicants work visa.

Can this lead to British citizenship?

This visa does not count towards becoming a British citizen, only other work visas will contribute towards this. The Graduate Visa however does allow you to work and build relationships with employers who will sponsor you after the visa ends. This is an advantage over applicants who have never worked in the UK and are applying abroad.