UK Graduate Visa for International Students: Eligibility, Cost and How to Apply

The Graduate visa lets international students who finish a UK degree stay in the UK to work or look for work. This guide summarises the GOV.UK rules on who can apply, what it costs, which documents you need and how long you can stay. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm on GOV.UK before you apply.

Who can apply?

According to GOV.UK:

You must be in the UK when you apply.

Your current visa must be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You must have studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for the minimum required period with that visa.

Your education provider must have told the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

How long can you stay?

2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026.

18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.

3 years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

Your visa starts from the day your application is approved, and you cannot extend a Graduate visa.

When to apply

You must apply before your Student visa expires. You can apply once your education provider has told the Home Office you have completed your course; you do not have to wait until you graduate or receive your certificate.

Cost

Application fee: £937.

Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 for each year you will be in the UK. GOV.UK lists the totals as £1,152.50 for 18 months, £2,070 for 2 years and £3,105 for 3 years.

You are told how much to pay when you apply.

Documents you need

A valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality.

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa application. If you cannot find it, ask your education provider.

Your biometric residence permit (BRP), which proves you hold a valid Student visa. GOV.UK says you can use it for 24 months after the printed expiry date or until 31 December 2026, whichever is earlier.

If they apply to you, you may also need:

Proof of your relationship with a partner or children applying with you.

A letter from a scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid both your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.

A certified translation of any document not in English or Welsh.

How to apply

1. Check which documents you need.

2. Apply online. You can save the form and finish it later.

3. Prove your identity, either with the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app or at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. You are told which applies when you apply.

4. Submit the application. Partners and children must apply separately.

5. Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before you get a decision, or your application will be withdrawn.

You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. You can stay in the UK while you wait.

What you can and cannot do

You can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, travel abroad and return, and do unpaid voluntary work for a registered charity or similar body. Your eligible partner and children can also apply to stay. You cannot claim most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension, and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson. You can only study if your course is not eligible for a Student visa. You may need an ATAS certificate for sensitive subjects.

FAQ

Can I apply from outside the UK?

No. GOV.UK says you must be in the UK when you apply.

Do I have to wait for my graduation ceremony?

No. You can apply once your provider has told the Home Office you completed your course.

Can I extend a Graduate visa?

No, it cannot be extended.

How long does a decision take?

Usually within 8 weeks.

Can I bring my family?

Your eligible partner and children can apply to stay, each with a separate application.