Spread Love
Acquiring a postgraduate work permit in the UK subsequent to completing your master’s program enables you to seek employment in the United Kingdom for a minimum of two years post-graduation. This opportunity not only grants international students access to top-tier education and infrastructure but also opens doors to collaborate with global corporations, thereby enhancing their prospects for future employment opportunities.
For individuals aspiring to pursue a master’s degree in the UK, understanding the significance of the UK graduate work visa is crucial. This visa facilitates legal employment within the country post-graduation. In this article, we delve into comprehensive insights regarding the UK graduate work visa.
Secure Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master’s Degree in the US or Canada – Check Your Eligibility Now
Explore further:
Who Qualifies for a UK Graduate Work Visa?
To be eligible for a graduate work visa in the UK, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in the UK currently under a student visa.
- Have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible courses for a minimum of 12 months under a student visa.
- The educational institution must provide evidence to the Home Office verifying the successful completion of the course.
Advantages of Applying for a UK Graduate Work Visa
The UK graduate work visa offers several benefits, including:
- Permission to reside and work in the UK for 2 years or 3 years (for individuals with a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification).
- Opportunity for partners or children to accompany the visa holder as dependents, provided they reside together during the study period.
- Flexibility to seek employment, engage in volunteer work, or opt for self-employment.
Conditions Associated with the UK Graduate Work Visa
Upon receiving the visa, it is imperative to adhere to the stipulated conditions:
- Prohibition on sponsoring new dependents.
- Eligibility for the Graduate route visa only once.
- Ineligibility to access public funds or State Pension.
- Restriction from engaging in professional sports.
- Permission to pursue further studies, excluding courses requiring a UK student visa sponsorship or enrollment in a state school.
Qualifying Degrees for a UK Graduate Work Visa
To be eligible for a work visa in the UK, candidates must have completed one of the following degrees or courses:
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Master’s Degree.
- PhD or higher doctoral degree in any discipline.
- Approved law conversion course by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- Legal Practice Course in England or Wales.
- Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland.
- Professional legal practice diploma in Scotland.
- Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or Bar Course in Northern Ireland.
- Foundation program in medicine or dentistry.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
- Any course regulated by UK law or a UK public body.
Discover more:
Essential Documents for the UK Graduate Work Visa
The following documents are necessary for applying for a work visa in the UK:
- Valid passport.
- Biometric residence permit, if obtained during the student visa or general work visa application.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from the student visa application.
Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as:
- Evidence of relationship with partner and children if included in the application. This may include marriage or civil partnership certificate, joint financial statements, utility bills, or local taxation records.
- Approval letter from scholarship or sponsorship provider.
NOTE: Non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations if not in English or Welsh.
Learn more:
Application Process for the UK Graduate Work Visa
Initiate the application process for a UK graduate work visa by visiting the and completing the online application form. The application procedure involves the following steps:
- Submission of requested documents: Upload the specified documents as part of the online application process. Documents can be in PNG, JPG, JPEG, or PDF formats.
- Fee payment: After document submission, proceed to pay the requisite application fees. Payment should cover both healthcare surcharge and application fees when applying online.
- Identity verification: Utilize the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to download the scan of your biometric residence permit (BRP) if applicable. Provide necessary data and scan the BRP.
- Appointment scheduling: Book and attend an appointment at the (UKVACS) to provide biometrics if a BRP is not available. Appointment scheduling can be done during the application process.
- Submission of additional documents: Occasionally, applicants may be requested to provide supplementary documents. These can be submitted online or during the UKVCAS appointment.
NOTE: Applicants from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Lichtenstein may scan their passports instead. In cases where scanning is not feasible, fingerprints and photographs must be taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point.
Read on:
Biometric Residence Permit
Candidates who have completed biometric data submission at a visa application center will receive a Biometric Residence Permit. For applicants within the UK, the BRP is dispatched via courier within seven to ten days post-receiving the decision letter from the Home Office. The BRP serves as proof of:
- Identity.
- Right to study.
- Entitlement to public services or benefits.
Timelines for UK Graduate Work Visa Application
It is imperative to apply for a graduate work visa before the student visa expires. Commence the application process once the educational institution notifies the Home Office regarding course completion. Ensure compliance with identity verification and document submission requirements during the application.
Visa Duration
The UK Graduate Work visa is valid for two years, extendable to three years for individuals with a PhD or equivalent qualification. To prolong the stay, switching to an alternative visa is necessary.
Unveil more details:
Extension of the UK Graduate Work Visa
Extending the visa post-expiry is not feasible. However, transitioning to another visa category like the UK Skilled Worker Visa is an option, provided all prerequisites are met.
Visa Transition Process
Upon securing employment, applicants must fulfill the eligibility criteria for the intended visa type. Subsequently, submit a fresh visa application through the UK Government Website and UKVACS.
Cost Breakdown of the UK Graduate Work Visa
The visa expenses are outlined as follows:
- Application fee: £822
- Healthcare surcharge for two years: £2,070
- Healthcare surcharge for three years: £3,105
NOTE: Medical professionals can explore eligibility for the Health and Care Worker visa, offering a more cost-effective alternative without the annual immigration health surcharge.
Visa Processing Duration
Following application completion, an approval or rejection notification is typically received within 8 weeks.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) with a Graduate Visa
Acquiring Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is not feasible with the UK Graduate Work Visa. However, other visa categories such as the Skilled Worker visa enable ILR eligibility post-fulfilling stipulated residency requirements.
Family Reunification
Family members accompanying the visa holder under the current student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa can apply to remain as dependents on the Graduate Work Visa. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner.
- Children under 18, including those born in the UK during the stay.
- Children over 18 residing in the UK as dependents.
- For individuals with children during their UK stay, a dependent visa is essential for seamless travel with the child.
Embarking on an international educational journey is a significant step towards enhancing employability. While the costs associated with studying abroad can be daunting, exploring student loan options offers a viable solution. Providers like and cater to international students, offering loans without necessitating a cosigner or collateral. Initiate the application process today to kickstart your academic aspirations.