UK · CHAPTER 16
Staying in the UKafter graduation.
The Graduate visa lets you work or look for work without sponsorship. Non-PhD applications made by 31 December 2026 get two years; applications from 1 January 2027 get 18 months. PhD graduates get three years. Afterwards most graduates move to a Skilled Worker visa with a sponsoring employer.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
Source review: · How to use our guides
- Apply by 31 Dec 2026
- 2 years
- Apply from 1 Jan 2027
- 18 months
- PhD graduates
- 3 years
- Sponsor needed?
- No (Graduate visa)
Graduate visa conditions
- Be in the UK on a Student visa
- Complete your course with the university having reported it
- Apply before your Student visa expires
- Pay the application fee and health surcharge
Moving to a Skilled Worker visa
Skilled Worker visas need a job offer from a licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation, paying at least the general salary threshold or the going rate. Since July 2025 the general threshold is £41,700, with lower "new entrant" rates for recent graduates. Occupation lists and rates change; check before accepting an offer.
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Graduate visa: how to apply
- 01
Wait for the result
Your university must report that you completed the course successfully.
- 02
Apply inside the UK
While your Student visa is still valid; pay the fee and the health surcharge at the standard rate.
- 03
Keep your eVisa updated
You can work for any employer, at any level, or look for work.
Skilled Worker visa basics
- A job offer from a licensed sponsor
- A role at the required skill level (degree level for most new roles from July 2025)
- A salary meeting the general threshold or the lower new-entrant rate for recent graduates
- English requirement usually met by your UK degree
- Time on a Skilled Worker visa counts towards settlement; the Graduate visa does not
Settlement (indefinite leave to remain)
Settlement, also called indefinite leave to remain, currently follows five continuous years on a qualifying work route such as the Skilled Worker visa. Time on a Student or Graduate visa does not count. The government proposed in November 2025 to make 10 years the standard qualifying period under an "earned settlement" model; as checked in October 2026 the details and start date depend on new Immigration Rules, so check GOV.UK before you plan around a date.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Two years for non-PhD applications made by 31 December 2026, 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, and three years for PhD graduates.
Yes, if you have a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor, usually after completing your course. Many graduates use the Graduate visa first to find that job.
No. Time on a Graduate visa does not count towards indefinite leave to remain; Skilled Worker years do.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
Jobs & careers in the UK
Sectors hiring graduates in the UK, starting salaries, graduate schemes, sponsor-licensed employers and where to search.
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