The Graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK after completing a UK degree or other eligible course, without a sponsor. It cannot be extended, so the plan for what comes next should be made early.

Length

Two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026.
18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.
Three years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

Who qualifies

You are in the UK on a Student visa when you apply.
You have completed an eligible bachelor's, master's, PhD or other listed course at a licensed sponsor with a track record of compliance.
Your provider has reported your successful completion to the Home Office.
You studied in the UK for the minimum period the rules require for your course length.

What you can do

Work in any job at any level, be self-employed, and look for work. Study is limited to courses that would not qualify for a Student visa. Dependants who were with you as a Student can stay with you.

Cost

Fee £937 plus the immigration health surcharge of £1,035 a year, correct on 13 October 2026.

Before it ends

The route does not lead to settlement and time on it does not count towards most settlement routes. Switching to the Skilled Worker route before the visa expires keeps you lawful and starts the five-year clock; new entrant salary rules may apply to recent graduates.