UK Graduate Visa | Eligibility, Application, Jobs & Transition Options

If you’re an international student who has recently graduated from a UK university, the UK Graduate Visa (also called the Graduate Route Visa UK) is one of the best opportunities to stay and work in the UK. It allows graduates to work, search for jobs, or switch to other visas without needing a sponsor.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the UK Graduate Visa, including eligibility, application steps, living and working in the UK, switching to other visas, and common challenges.
If you are in Nepal and want professional guidance, Access Education Network can help you with the complete process, from eligibility assessment to application support.

The UK Graduate Visa: An Overview

The UK Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students to remain in the UK after completing an eligible degree or postgraduate course. It enables graduates to work in any job without needing employer sponsorship, giving them the freedom to change employers, explore different career options, or even start their own business. The visa also provides valuable time for graduates to gain UK work experience and build professional networks. After the Graduate Visa period ends, graduates may be able to switch to a long-term visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if they meet the relevant requirements. 
Learn More : Graduate visa: Overview - GOV.UK

Latest Update (2026/2027) – What You Must Know

Important update: The UK government has been reviewing the Graduate Route, and rules may change in the future.
As of 2026:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates can stay for up to 2 years

• PhD graduates can stay for up to 3 years

From 2027, the UK government has announced that the Graduate Visa duration will be reduced to 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates.
This means that students graduating in 2026 should plan strategically and not rely only on the Graduate Visa for long-term settlement.

 

Why the Graduate Visa is important:

• It gives you time to build UK work experience
   
• You can apply for jobs with sponsorship
   
• You can switch to long-term visas later

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Graduate Visa

To qualify for the Graduate Route Visa UK, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 visa
   
• You must have successfully completed a degree from a UK university
   
• You must have studied in the UK for a qualifying period
   
• You must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
   
• Your university must confirm that you have completed your course

This visa is also known as the Graduate Student Visa UK and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate graduates.

Benefits of the UK Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa offers multiple benefits:

• Work flexibility: Work full-time in any job
   
• No sponsor required
   
• Path to settlement: Switch to Skilled Worker visa later
   
• Opportunity to explore careers and internships
   
• Time to build professional networks

Does Graduate Visa count towards residency UK?
No, The Graduate Visa itself does not count towards permanent residency. However, if you switch to a Skilled Worker Visa and complete 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Can I work full-time on a Graduate Visa?
Yes, you can work full-time without restrictions.

Is the Graduate Visa a post graduate visa UK?
Yes, it is a type of post-study work visa.

UK Graduate Visa for Nepalese Students

Can Nepalese students apply for the UK Graduate Visa?

Yes. Nepalese students can apply for the Graduate Visa only from inside the UK after completing their degree.

Key points Nepalese students must know

• You must be inside the UK while applying
   
• You must have completed your course and received confirmation from your university
   
• You must have a valid UK Student Visa or Tier 4 visa
   

How Access Education Network helps Nepalese students

Access Education Network provides complete support for Nepalese students including:

• Eligibility check & personalized guidance
   
• Document checklist preparation
   
• Application form review
   
• Visa process support
   
• Career planning for post-study work
   

If you need guidance, you can contact Access Education Network for consultation.

How to Apply for a UK Graduate Visa

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

1. Check eligibility
    
2. Prepare documents
    
3. Apply online via UK government portal
    
4. Pay application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge
    
5. Attend biometric appointment
    
6. Wait for decision

Documents Required

• Valid passport
   
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
   
• Confirmation of completion from your university
   
• Proof of funds (if required)
   
• Previous UK visa documents

Application Fees & Costs

The UK Graduate Visa cost includes:

• Application fee
   
• Immigration Health Surcharge
   
• Translation fee (if required)

Application Timeline

Stage	Timeframe
Application submission	Online
Biometric appointment	Within days
Processing time	Usually within 8 weeks
Decision	Visa decision letter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete documents
   
• Applying too late after graduation
   
• Missing biometric appointment
   
• Using expired passport
   
• Wrong details on application form

Living and Working in the UK on a Graduate Visa

Job Opportunities for Graduate Visa Holders

Graduate visa holders can work in any sector. Common industries include:

• IT & Technology
   
• Finance & Banking
   
• Healthcare & Nursing
   
• Engineering
   
• Business & Marketing

You can also apply for graduate jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK while on the Graduate Visa.

Living Expenses (Typical Costs)

Expense Type	Monthly Cost (Approx.)
Rent	£600–£1200
Utilities	£80–£150
Food	£200–£300
Transport	£60–£150

Cultural Adjustment Tips

• Join local communities and clubs
   
• Attend networking events
   
• Learn UK workplace culture
   
• Use local support groups

Rights of Graduate Visa Holders

You have the right to:

• Work full-time
   
• Switch jobs
   
• Access public services
   
• Open a bank account
   
• Rent property

Transitioning from Graduate Visa to Other Visas

Options to Extend Stay

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended beyond its limit. But you can switch to:

• Skilled Worker Visa
   
• Start-up Visa
   
• Innovator Visa
   
• Student Visa

Switching to Skilled Worker Visa

To switch, you must have:

• Job offer from licensed sponsor
   
• Meet salary threshold
   
• English language requirement
   
• Sponsorship certificate

Permanent Residency Pathways

Graduate Visa does not directly lead to permanent residency.
But after switching to Skilled Worker Visa and completing 5 years, you can apply for ILR.

Challenges and Solutions for Graduate Visa Holders

Visa Rejection Reasons

• Incorrect documents
   
• Missing evidence
   
• Invalid passport
   
• Missing biometric appointment

Solution: Reapply with correct documents and consult an immigration expert.

Employment Barriers

• Lack of UK experience
   
• Competition
   
• Limited network

Solution: Build strong CV, attend career fairs, join professional networks.

Financial Management Tips

• Budget monthly expenses
   
• Save on food and transport
   
• Share accommodation
   
• Use student discounts

Networking Strategies

• LinkedIn networking
   
• Attend workshops
   
• Join alumni groups
   
• Participate in job fairs

Mental Health Resources

• University counseling services
   
• NHS mental health support
   
• Community groups
   
• Online support forums

The UK Graduate Visa is one of the best pathways for international students to start their career in the UK. It provides time to gain work experience, build networks, and switch to long-term visas like the Skilled Worker Visa.

If you are a Nepalese student seeking post-study work opportunities, Access Education Network can support you through the entire process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I extend my Graduate Visa?
No. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. You must switch to another visa type such as Skilled Worker.

Can I apply for Graduate Visa from Nepal?
No. You must apply from inside the UK after completing your degree.

Can I switch to Skilled Worker Visa after Graduate Visa?
Yes, if you get a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet salary and skill requirements.

Want a consultation?

Contact Access Education Network to assess your eligibility and get personalized guidance for the UK Graduate Visa.