Graduating from a UK university is a huge achievement, but for many international students, the next big question is: What happens after graduation?
The UK’s Post-Study Work Visa, officially known as the Graduate Route, allows international graduates to remain in the UK and gain valuable, real-world work experience.1 This guide explains who can apply, how to apply, what it costs, and what to expect during the process, using the latest official UK Government figures and links.
What Is the UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)?
The Graduate Route Visa lets international students stay in the UK for up to 2 years after completing a degree (or 3 years for PhD/doctoral graduates). It is an unsponsored route, meaning you do not need a job offer from an employer to apply.
- Purpose: It bridges the gap between student life and full employment, helping graduates gain critical UK work experience before switching to longer-term work visas, like the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Work Flexibility: During this time, you can work at any skill level, switch jobs freely, be self-employed, or simply look for full-time opportunities.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The eligibility requirements are strict and must be met exactly.
You can apply if you meet the following core criteria:
- Valid Visa: You must currently hold a valid Student Visa (or Tier 4 General Student Visa) when you submit your Graduate Route application.
- Location: You must be physically present in the UK when you apply. Applying from outside the UK will result in your application being refused.
- Course Completion: You must have completed a degree-level or higher course at a Student Sponsor institution (your university).
- University Notification: Your university must have formally notified the Home Office (UKVI) of your successful course completion before you apply.
- Study in the UK Requirement: You must have studied in the UK for a minimum period of time, which is:
- For a course of 12 months or less: the whole period of the course.
- For a course longer than 12 months: the most recent 12 months of your course.
Note on COVID-19: Students who were required to study remotely overseas due to the pandemic may still be eligible, provided they returned to the UK before their Student Visa expired and met specific, historical study periods as set out in the UK immigration rules.
Documents and Fees Required for Application
You must gather your documents and be prepared for the financial outlay, which includes the application fee and the mandatory health surcharge.
Documents You’ll Need
- Valid Passport or travel document.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your most recent Student Visa application. You do not need a new CAS.
- BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit) or proof of your digital immigration status (if applicable).
- Proof that your university has confirmed your successful course completion to the Home Office (often an email from your university’s student services/visa compliance team).
Confirmed Fees (as of late 2025)
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
| Application Fee | £880 (was £822) | Paid once per applicant. This has increased. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | You must pay for the full duration: £2,070 for a 2-year visa, or £3,105 for a 3-year PhD visa. |
Total Cost for 2-Year Visa: £880 (Application Fee) + £2,070 (IHS) = £2,950
4. How to Apply for the UK Post-Study Work Visa
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application:
- Get University Confirmation: Wait until your university officially informs you that they have reported your successful completion to the Home Office. Do not apply before this notification.
- Apply Online: Apply through the official UK Government Visa Portal. You must start the application from the UK.
- Prove Your Identity: As part of the online process, you will typically use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or passport. If you cannot use the app, you will be told to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the mandatory £880 application fee and the full Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) amount online.
- Submit and Wait: Submit your application before your current Student Visa expires. You can stay in the UK legally while you await a decision (known as 3C leave), even if your Student Visa expires during the processing period.
- Decision Time: Most applications are processed within 8 weeks. If successful, you will receive an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).
Application Process with ULC
- University Confirmation Example: For instance, University College London (UCL) typically reports completion dates for final degree results in late July or mid-September, depending on your course and term. Plan to monitor university announcements and emails carefully.
- Identity Verification: If you study at the University of Manchester or the University of Edinburgh, use the official ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app for a smooth submission. If you encounter issues, book an appointment at a local Visa Application Centre.
- Fee Payments: Budget for the payment of £880 application fee plus £1,035 per year of visa duration for the health surcharge. Many universities share guidance on paying and uploading payment confirmations during this process.
5. What You Can and Can’t Do
The Graduate Route offers substantial freedom but comes with a few restrictions:
| You Can | You Can’t |
| Work at any skill level in almost any job. | Apply for public funds or benefits. |
| Be self-employed or freelance. | Extend the Graduate Route Visa; it is a one-off opportunity. |
| Travel freely in and out of the UK. | Work as a professional sportsperson or coach. |
| Switch to a different visa (e.g., Skilled Worker) from within the UK. | Bring new dependants to the UK; only those already on your Student Visa can apply with you. |
6. What Happens After the Visa Expires?
Once your 2-year (or 3-year) visa expires, you must either secure a new visa or leave the UK. This route does not lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) directly, but it acts as a bridge to other routes that do.
Your options are to:
- Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa: This is the most common route. You must secure an eligible job offer from a licensed UK sponsor before your Graduate Route visa expires.
- Apply for other visa categories: This includes the Start-up, Innovator, Founder, or Global Talent visas.
- Return home: Leave the UK with strong international experience on your CV.
7. Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Start Preparing Early: Your university’s international student support team is your best resource. Contact them weeks before your course formally ends to understand their process for notifying the Home Office.
- Confirm Completion Date: Ensure you know the exact date your university plans to report your successful course completion to the Home Office, as this is the earliest date you can safely apply.
- Don’t wait: Apply as soon as you have the completion confirmation and before your Student Visa expires. You can’t start the application from outside the UK.
- Keep Your CAS: You will need the CAS number from your Student Visa, so keep a digital and physical copy of your original visa application documents.
Conclusion
The UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) offers international graduates a unique, two-to-three-year opportunity to begin their professional journey in the UK. By understanding the updated eligibility criteria, preparing your documents, and following the steps carefully, you can transition seamlessly from student life to a rewarding global career.
Official Resources and References
Use these links for the most current information directly from the UK government and leading student advisory bodies: