Graduate visa 2026: how to stay in the UK after study — length, cost, conditions

The Graduate visa (the Graduate route) lets a graduate of a UK university stay in the country after study, to work or look for work without a sponsor. It is a useful bridge between a Student visa and, for example, a Skilled Worker visa. But the rules are changing, and the length depends on your application date.

How long is the Graduate visa granted for?

For holders of a bachelor’s or master’s degree (non-doctoral) the visa is granted for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and for 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. For holders of a PhD or other doctoral qualification the length is 3 years. The visa starts from the day your application is approved.

Who is eligible to apply?

At the time you apply you must be in the UK and meet all the conditions: your current visa is a Student visa (or former Tier 4 General), you studied an eligible UK course for the required period, and your education provider has told the Home Office you completed it successfully. You must apply before your Student visa expires; you do not need to wait for graduation or a certificate.

Do you need a job or a sponsor?

No. The Graduate visa requires neither a job offer nor a sponsor. With it you can work in most jobs, look for work and be self-employed. That is the main difference from the Skilled Worker visa, which needs a sponsoring employer.

How much does it cost?

The application fee is £937. On top of that you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge — usually £1,035 per year of your stay. Doctors, nurses and some health and care workers may be better suited to the cheaper Health and Care Worker visa, which has no annual health surcharge.

Can the Graduate visa be extended?

No. The Graduate visa cannot be extended. But you can switch to another visa, such as Skilled Worker, if you find a sponsoring employer and meet the conditions. Plan the switch in advance: when the Graduate visa ends you must either change status or leave.

Can you bring family on a Graduate visa?

You cannot make a fresh application for family members on the Graduate visa. But a partner or child already in the UK as your dependants on a Student visa can, if the conditions are met, remain your dependants for the Graduate visa period too. Check the details and limits on GOV.UK before you apply.

How do you move from a Graduate visa to Skilled Worker?

Because the Graduate visa cannot be extended, many use it as time to find a sponsoring employer. To switch to Skilled Worker you need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a salary at or above the set threshold, and a certificate of sponsorship. You can apply to switch without waiting for the Graduate visa to end. Plan ahead: the five-year count towards settlement (ILR) usually starts from Skilled Worker, not from the Graduate route.