Stay in the UK with the Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa lets international students who have completed an eligible UK degree stay and work in the UK after their course. Here's what you need to know for 2026/27.

Key change: if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, you'll get 2 years. If you apply on or after 1 January 2027, you'll get 18 months. PhD and other doctoral graduates get 3 years either way.

Will I be eligible?

You can apply if:

• you're in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) student visa)
• you studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for the minimum time required
• your university has told the Home Office that you've successfully completed your course

You can check whether your course qualifies, and how long you need to have studied, on GOV.UK.

How long can I stay?

• Master's and bachelor's graduates: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
• PhD and other doctoral graduates: 3 years

Your visa starts from the date it's approved. You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of proving your identity and providing your documents, and you can stay in the UK while you wait. Don't travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision, or your application will be withdrawn.

When should I apply?

As soon as your university has reported to the Home Office that you've completed your course. You don't need to wait for your graduation ceremony or certificate, but you must apply before your Student visa expires. If you're finishing a master's now, applying on or before 31 December 2026 gets you the longer 2-year visa.

How much does it cost?

• Application fee: £937
• Immigration health surcharge: usually £1,035 for each year you'll be in the UK. That's £2,070 for 2 years, £1,552.50 for 18 months or £3,105 for 3 years.

If you're a doctor, nurse or health or social care worker, check whether you can apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead, which doesn't charge the surcharge.

Do I need a job to apply?

No. On a Graduate visa you can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed and do voluntary work. You can also travel abroad and return to the UK. You can't claim most benefits (public funds) or work as a professional sportsperson.

Can my family stay with me?

Your partner and children can apply to stay as your dependants if they were already your dependants on your Student visa. A child born in the UK during your stay can also apply. Each family member applies separately and pays the fee, and their visas end on the same date as yours.

If you started a taught master's from January 2024, you won't have been able to bring dependants on your Student visa. Only students on PhD and other research-based postgraduate courses can.

What happens when my visa ends?

You can't extend a Graduate visa. To stay longer, you'll need to switch to another visa, most commonly the Skilled Worker visa. That needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor at graduate level (RQF level 6) or above, usually paying at least £41,700 or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher. Lower salary rates can apply to new entrants and to some PhD-level jobs.

How do I apply?

You apply online on GOV.UK. You'll need:

• your passport or travel document
• the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa application
• your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you have one. An expired BRP can be used for up to 24 months after its expiry date, but only until 31 December 2026.
• a letter from your sponsor, if a scholarship or sponsor paid your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

If your application is approved, you'll get an eVisa, which you view through a UKVI account.

Is there anything else to consider?

A Graduate visa doesn't guarantee a graduate-level job. Budget for the visa fee, the health surcharge and your living costs, and think about the job market where you want to live. If you'd like to stay in the UK long term, look early at which roles qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. The rules change often, so check the latest guidance on GOV.UK before you apply.

Last updated: 30 October 2026