Picture this: you've just tossed your graduation cap in the air after completing your degree in the UK. The excitement is palpable, but so is the uncertainty—what's next? For many international students, the dream doesn't end with graduation. Enter the UK Graduate Route, a golden opportunity to kickstart your career in the UK without the immediate pressure of securing a job offer. Whether you're from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, or elsewhere, this visa pathway offers a chance to gain valuable work experience and immerse yourself further in British culture. Ready to dive in? Let's break it down.
Table of Contents
- The UK Graduate Route allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (three for PhD holders).
- No job offer or sponsorship is required to apply.
- Applications must be made from within the UK before your current student visa expires.
- The visa costs £822, plus an annual Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035.
- After the Graduate Route, options include switching to a Skilled Worker visa or other long-term routes.
What Is the UK Graduate Route?
The UK Graduate Route is a post-study work visa introduced in July 2021. It allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work at any skill level. This unsponsored route means you don't need a job offer to apply, providing flexibility to explore various career opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Graduate Route, you must:
- Be in the UK with a valid Student or Tier 4 visa at the time of application.
- Have successfully completed an eligible course (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD, or other approved qualifications).
- Have studied in the UK for at least 12 months or the full duration of your course, whichever is shorter.
- Ensure your university has informed the Home Office of your successful course completion.
Note: If you were financially sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency covering both tuition and living costs, you'll need written consent from the sponsor to apply.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you've met all the criteria mentioned above.
- Wait for Confirmation: Your university must notify the Home Office of your course completion.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents (see next section).
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the official UK government website.
- Verify Identity: Use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your passport or biometric residence permit.
- Pay Fees: Pay the £822 application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).
- Await Decision: Processing typically takes up to 8 weeks. You'll receive an email confirmation upon approval.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your most recent Student visa application.
- Letter of consent from your financial sponsor, if you were sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency.
Costs and Processing Time
The application fee for the Graduate Route is £822. Additionally, you'll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 per year. For a two-year visa, the total cost would be £1,857; for a three-year visa, £2,892. Processing times can vary, but most applicants receive a decision within 8 weeks.
Life on the Graduate Route
With the Graduate Route visa, you can:
- Work at any skill level, including self-employment and voluntary work.
- Switch jobs without notifying the Home Office.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
However, you cannot:
- Apply for most public benefits or the State Pension.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
- Extend the Graduate Route visa; it's a one-time opportunity.
Transitioning After the Graduate Route
As the Graduate Route visa cannot be extended, you'll need to consider other immigration routes to stay in the UK longer:
- Skilled Worker Visa: Requires a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence and a role that meets salary thresholds.
- Global Talent Visa: For individuals recognized as leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology.
- Innovator Founder Visa: For those looking to establish an innovative business in the UK.
Each route has specific requirements and can lead to settlement in the UK.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for the UK Graduate Route from outside the UK?
No, the application must be submitted from within the UK while your current Student visa is still valid. You cannot apply if you have already left the UK or if your visa has expired.
Can I bring dependants on the Graduate Route?
Only dependants who were with you in the UK under your Student visa can extend their stay under the Graduate Route. You cannot bring new dependants under this visa.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa while on the Graduate Route?
Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa at any time during your Graduate Route stay if you meet the eligibility criteria, including a job offer from a licensed sponsor and the required salary level.
Does time on the Graduate Route count toward permanent residency?
No, the Graduate Route does not count toward the five-year period required for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, time spent under other qualifying visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, can be counted.
