Post Study Work Visa in UK: Eligibility, Apply, Costs
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The UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Visa) provides international students with a valuable opportunity to remain in the UK and gain work experience after completing their studies. For many students, the Graduate Visa is a crucial step in their long-term career and immigration goals. It serves as a transition phase from student life to professional employment, providing a pathway to more permanent visa options, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Start-Up Visa, or Innovator Visa. This blog covers everything you need to know about the Graduate Visa in 2025, including eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, costs, and work restrictions.
What is Graduate Visa in the UK?
The Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have completed an undergraduate degree or higher at a recognized UK higher education institution to stay in the United Kingdom to work or seek employment for up to two years. PhD graduates are granted an extended stay of up to three years. This visa was introduced in 2021 to help retain skilled international graduates, supporting the UK’s goal of attracting global talent.
Unlike sponsored work visas, the Graduate Visa does not require a job offer at the time of application, meaning graduates have full flexibility to work in any sector, switch jobs, or even start their own business. This visa also acts as a steppingstone for those who may later transition into a more permanent visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Innovator Visa. Below are the key features of Graduate Visa:
| Feature | Details |
| Validity Period | 2 years (for undergraduate and master’s degree holders); 3 years (for PhD holders) |
| Job Sponsorship Requirement | Not required |
| Work Flexibility | Can work in any sector or switch jobs without restrictions |
| Self-Employment | Permitted under specific conditions |
| Dependents Allowed | Only if they were already dependents on the student visa |
| Pathway to Other Visas | Can switch to the Skilled Worker Visa or other relevant work visas |
What are the benefits of Graduate Visa in UK?
The Graduate Visa is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain professional experience, explore career opportunities, and establish themselves in the UK job market. Unlike employer-sponsored visas, the Graduate Visa offers flexibility, allowing graduates to work in any sector, switch jobs, or even start a business without restrictions. This visa provides an excellent platform for career growth, networking opportunities, and long-term residence prospects, helping graduates transition into full-time employment in the UK.
Many UK-based employers actively seek international graduates, and holding a Graduate Visa significantly increases job opportunities. The visa also allows dependents to remain in the UK, ensuring family support for those who already had dependents during their study period. Below are the key benefits of the UK Graduate Visa in 2025:
| Benefit | Details |
| Work Without Sponsorship | Graduates can work for any employer in any job sector without needing a work sponsorship. |
| Career Growth | Provides a pathway for career progression, helping graduates secure permanent positions in their fields. |
| Increased Employability | UK work experience enhances CVs, making candidates more competitive for global job opportunities. |
| Pathway to Settlement | Graduates can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa or other relevant work visas for long-term residence. |
| Entrepreneurial Opportunities | Graduates can start a business, work as freelancers, or become self-employed under specific conditions. |
| Family Support | Dependents (spouse/children) can stay in the UK if they were already included on the student visa. |
| No Salary Threshold Requirement | Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, there is no minimum salary requirement to qualify for the Graduate Visa. |
| Access to UK’s Job Market | Many UK employers actively hire Graduate Visa holders, offering opportunities in various industries. |
How much does the Graduate Visa cost?
The cost of applying for the Graduate Visa includes an application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The total cost depends on the visa duration, and PhD graduates pay higher fees due to their three-year visa validity. Another thing to note is that the Graduate Visa fees are subject to change annually. So, it is very important to always check the UK government’s official website for the most updated costs. It’s crucial for applicants to factor in all costs before applying. Below is the cost breakdown of Graduate Work Visa:
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Application Fee | £822 (flat fee for all applicants) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Total Cost for 2-Year Visa | £2,892 (Application Fee + IHS for 2 years) |
| Total Cost for 3-Year Visa (PhD Holders) | £3,927 (Application Fee + IHS for 3 years) |
| Additional Dependents (Spouse/Children) | Additional IHS charges apply per dependent per year |
Eligibility Criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa in UK
To qualify for the Graduate Visa, applicants must meet specific UK Home Office eligibility criteria. The main requirements focus on current visa status, academic qualifications, and compliance with UKVI sponsorship rules. Only students who have successfully completed an eligible degree from a recognized UK institution can apply. Students who have completed foundation courses, diploma programs, or vocational training courses do not qualify for the Graduate Visa. Below are the eligibility criteria for Graduate Visa or Post study Visa in the UK:
| Criteria | Details |
| Current Visa Status | Must hold a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa at the time of application. |
| Qualification Level | Must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree at a recognized UK university. |
| Institution Compliance | The university must be on the UK Home Office’s list of approved institutions with a track record of compliance. |
| Timing of Application | Application must be submitted before the current Student Visa expires. |
| Mode of Study | The course must have been attended in person for at least one academic year. |
| Financial Requirements | No proof of maintenance funds required for this visa. |
| Dependents Eligibility | Only dependents who were already in the UK under the Student Visa can apply. |
What are the documents required for Post Study Work Visa in UK?
To successfully apply for the Graduate Visa, applicants must provide the necessary identity documents, proof of qualification, and supporting materials. Ensuring that all documents are complete, accurate, and up to date will help avoid delays or rejections in the application process. All documents need to be scanned clearly and submitted electronically via the UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) online portal. Below are the Documents Checklist for Graduate Visa Application in 2025:
| Document | Requirement |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid and up to date for identity verification. |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | If issued during the student visa period, BRP details must be provided. |
| Confirmation of Course Completion | An official letter from the university confirming that the degree has been successfully completed. |
| CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Number | The same CAS number used during the Student Visa application is required. |
| University Sponsor License Number | The institution’s sponsor license number, as listed on the CAS letter. |
| Dependent Documentation (if applicable) | If applying with dependents, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) is required. |
| Proof of Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment | Receipt confirming that the IHS fee has been paid. |
How to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK?
Applying for a Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Visa) in the UK is a straightforward online process, provided applicants meet all eligibility criteria. The application must be submitted before the expiration of the current Student Visa. Unlike employer-sponsored visas, applicants do not need a job offer at the time of application. The process requires essential documents, including proof of graduation, identity verification, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. Applicants also need to pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) before their application can be processed. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the UK Graduate Visa in 2025:
| Step | Details |
| Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents | Gather essential documents such as passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), CAS reference number, and proof of graduation. |
| Step 2: Apply Online via the UKVI Portal | Visit the official UK Government website, create an account, and complete the Graduate Visa application form. |
| Step 3: Pay the Required Fees | Pay the £822 application fee and IHS fee (£1,035 per year) for NHS access. |
| Step 4: Submit Biometric Information | Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify identity, or visit a UKVCAS center for biometric submission. |
| Step 5: Receive Decision | UKVI processes most applications within 8 weeks. Decision notifications are sent via email or postal correspondence. |
| Step 6: Collect Your Digital Visa (eVisa) | If approved, you will receive a digital visa (eVisa) that confirms your Graduate Visa status. |
What can and cannot do with a UK Post Study Work Visa?
The Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) offers international graduates a wide range of employment opportunities in the UK. However, while it allows considerable work flexibility, it does come with certain restrictions. Graduates are allowed to become self-employed or start a business, provided they meet specific conditions. However, the Graduate Visa does not provide direct settlement rights. It cannot be extended beyond its two-year (or three-year for PhD holders) validity, meaning those who wish to remain in the UK must switch to another visa category before their Graduate Visa expires. Below is a detailed comparison of what is permitted and what is restricted under the Graduate Visa in 2025.
| Category | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Work in the UK | Can work full-time or part-time in any job sector | Cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach |
| Employer Sponsorship | Not required; can work for any employer | Cannot apply for sponsored roles under the Skilled Worker route |
| Self-Employment | Can start a business, freelance, or become self-employed (under certain conditions) | Must meet specific criteria to work self-employed or open a company |
| Study in the UK | Can study additional courses if it is not funded by a Student Visa | Cannot study courses that require Student Visa sponsorship |
| Bringing Dependents | Dependents already in the UK under the Student Visa can stay | Cannot bring new dependents unless they were already in the UK |
| Pathway to Settlement | Can switch to Skilled Worker Visa, Start-Up Visa, or Innovator Visa | Does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) |
| Visa Extension | Cannot extend the Graduate Visa beyond its validity | Must switch to a different visa category to stay in the UK |
Conclusion
The UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Visa) offers international graduates an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, expand their professional networks, and establish themselves in the UK job market. The visa provides flexibility, allowing graduates to work in any job sector, switch employers, or even become self-employed. However, since the visa cannot be extended, applicants must plan their next steps carefully to ensure they transition into long-term employment opportunities before their visa expires. Ultimately, the Graduate Visa is a steppingstone that allows students to establish their careers in the UK while exploring different employment pathways. If you are an international graduate looking to gain UK work experience, this visa could be the perfect bridge to long-term professional success and settlement.
