Graduate Route

The Graduate visa category caters to Students who have successfully completed a course of study in the UK at a Bachelor’s degree level or above and who wish to remain in the United Kingdom to look for work or undertake employment or self-employment.

This is an unsponsored route. The Graduate visa does not lead to settlement in the UK.

Partners and children who hold valid leave as a Dependent of a Student, can apply to extend their permission on the Graduate route.

In order to be successfully granted the Graduate visa, the applicant must have, or have had, permission as a Student and must earn at least 70 points based on the following criteria:

• Successful completion criteria

• Qualification requirement

• Study in the UK requirement

If the visa application is successful, leave will be granted for 2 or 3 years, depending on the type of qualification completed in the UK. For undergraduate or Master’s degree graduates applying on the Graduate route on or after 1 January 2027, the validity will change from 2 years to 18 months.

For further information about the Graduate visa and for tailored advice on a specific case scenario, please do not hesitate to contact our Immigration Team.

*Please note that the requirements may vary from case to case based on the nuances of a situation. The information on this page is not intended to replace legal advice.