Graduate Route Visa

For those who have finished their undergraduate studies, a Graduate Route Visa will allow residence in the UK for a further two years. However, there are a number of requirements that applicants must fulfil to be eligible for the Graduate Visa. At JMW, we help people apply for visas by explaining the complex process in an easy to understand way through professional advice.

The Graduate Route is designed for overseas students looking to live and undertake temporary work in the UK, upon completion of a degree level course. It can lead to eligibility for the Skilled Worker Visa route once the two years are over. Applicants must apply for their a Graduate Visa before their Student Visa expires, and any time after you have completed your course.

Applicants will also need to show that they can support themselves financially above a threshold.

If you are looking to work in the UK as part of a graduate course, our expert immigration solicitors will be able to help you to compile all of the necessary information required for the Graduate Route Visa to complete an application, and will guide you through the entire application process.

For Graduate Route Visa guidance, contact our professional immigration team for a free consultation by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and we will contact you at a convenient time for you.

How JMW Can Help

Our firm has had experience with a large variety of immigration cases and our expert solicitors understand this area of the law in great depth. Due to our successes, JMW has earned recognition as a top firm by the Legal 500, and we pride ourselves on approaching every case with the same attention to detail. 

If you are planning on emigrating to the UK, you will be aware of the complex process that lies ahead. Our expert immigration solicitors will handle the legal aspects of your visa application, helping you to gather the right information and fill out the necessary paperwork correctly, so you can focus on the task at hand.

Due to the complexity and fluidity of immigration law, you may miss or be unaware of key requirements for your application. Our solicitors will be able to assess your situation in detail, recommending your next steps.

What are the Requirements of the Graduate Route?

To apply for a Graduate Visa, you must first meet a number of requirements. Only those who are already living in the UK on a Student Visa are eligible. Other applicants who are not already studying in the UK will not be eligible for the Graduate Route and must instead look to one of the Skilled Worker Routes.

You must have been awarded either a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK master’s degree or a UK PhD or doctorate. You may also be eligible for the Graduate Route if you studied on any of the following courses:

• A foundation course in medicine or dentistry
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a diploma (PGDE)
• The Bar Practice Course (or the Bar Course for Northern Ireland) or a law conversion course
• Another professional qualification that required you to study at the level of UK Bachelor or Postgraduate accepted by the UK government

Once you have completed your course, you will need to request that your education provider informs the Home Office of the successful completion of your course.

To apply, you will need to gather the relevant documents to prove your identity and right to be in the UK. These include:

• A travel document that displays your identity and nationality, such as your passport
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP) - if you have one
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number

To apply, you will need to pay a £715 application fee, and an additional healthcare charge, which can vary but is typically £624. Your solicitor will help you to calculate this requirement.

Why Choose JMW?

You should employ the services of a legal professional that you trust. JMW’s immigration law team is made up of experienced professionals who have successfully represented clients across many areas of immigration. Our solicitors will use their knowledge of the field and of updates to visa rules to help you navigate this complex area of the law.

We understand that travelling to work in another country is a huge challenge in many ways, so we aim to make the legal side of the process as stress-free and smooth as possible, so you can focus on your travel. 

Our award-winning firm is dedicated to helping you and many others stay in the country without a hitch by offering Graduate Route Visa UK guidance.

FAQs About Graduate Visas

Can I get a visa after I graduate?

Graduate Route Visas are for those who have previously held a Student Visa to study in the UK, and have subsequently graduated. If you are looking to stay in the country to complete work, you must then apply for a Graduate Visa.

Can I extend my Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa can not be extended. Instead, you will need to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. The only reason for a Graduate Visa lasting longer than two years is if your course lasted four years - in this case, your Graduate Visa will last three years.