Jump to accessibility statement Skip to content
Close menu

Close

Close menu

Graduate Route Visa


Student Journey / Student Information / Support Services / International Student Support / Graduate Route Visa
Students at graduation

Graduate Route Visa

The Graduate Route visa is a work visa route for graduates who have a degree or other relevant qualifications from an approved UK Higher Education provider. It is like the old Tier 1 Post-Study Work route visa that ended in 2012. Most successful applicants will be granted two years. PhD graduates will be granted three years.

Please note that all Graduate Route visa information is subject to change without warning or notification from the Home Office.  The information provide on this website is in compliance with the current Home Office guidance for the Graduate Route visa.  

Graduate Route Visa Presentation

On Friday 14 May 2021 International Student Support delivered an online information session on the Graduate Route Visa. The presentation covered details around the Graduate Route Visa criteria, providing information on the Home Office requirements to submit a valid application.  

*Please note Home Office Graduate Route guidance + COVID-19 concession changes have occurred since the date and time this session was delivered.

Student on an ipad

Applying for a Graduate Route Visa

Applications opened at 9am on Thursday 1 July 2021. The application form is online.

Here you will find out all the information you need to know about making an application.

Find out more
Student on a phone

Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply for a Graduate Route Visa you will need to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The key requirement to be eligible for the Graduate Route visa is that you successfully complete a relevant course in the UK.

Here we show you the eligibility criteria for the Graduate Route Visa which includes information on qualifications, current UK immigration status, and current studies in the UK.

Find out more
A graduate entrepreneur in her shop

Working with a Graduate Route Visa

Here we guide you through the working permissions you will have to adhere to whilst your Graduate Route Visa application is pending, and when you have been granted a Graduate Route Visa.

Find out more
Student in a lab environment

Studying with a Graduate Route Visa

This visa type is designed to provide graduates (of a relevant course) the opportunity to explore work opportunities in the UK. The study condition of the Graduate Route visa explains you cannot study any course which could be sponsored by a study provider under the Student Route visa category.

Find out more
Sabbatical officer talking to students

Dependants

We understand that you may want to bring family members with you to the UK during your time of study as well as throughout the period of your Graduate Route Visa. Here we advise on when you can and can't apply for dependants under the Graduate Route Visa.

Find out more