Graduate Immigration Route to UK

Content Curator | Updated On - Oct 12, 2024

The Graduate Visa is a wonderful prospect for students who want to continue their stay in the UK after completing their course. This visa enables one to live in the UK for over two years. It also gives one adequate time to secure employment, search for a job, and even assimilate into the British community.

Last year, 32% of international graduates entering work had a salary of £26,200 (INR 29,42,129) or more. Only 16% of them earned more than £30,000 (INR 33,68,548). It means that most graduates in the graduate route tend to be paid salaries.

Table of Contents

Graduate Immigration Route to UK Eligibility Criteria
Graduate Immigration Route to UK Eligibility Qualification
Graduate Immigration Route to UK Documents Required
Graduate Immigration Route to UK Fees
Duration of the Visa
Application Process for Graduate Immigration Route to UK
Studying While on a Graduate Visa
What is Permitted and Prohibited with a Graduate Visa?
Benefits of a Graduate Immigration Route to the UK
FAQs

Graduate Immigration Route to UK Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for a graduate visa if you meet these conditions:

Make your application in the UK.
Your current visa is either a student visa or a Tier 4 (general) student visa.
You completed a UK bachelor’s degree, a postgraduate degree, or some other acceptable course for the necessary time on your student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa.
Your education provider, such as your university or college, has told the Home Office that you have successfully finished your course.

Graduate Immigration Route to UK Eligibility Qualification

Students need to ensure to meet the eligibility qualifications for Graduate Immigration Route to UK:

A law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Legal Practice Course in England and Wales
The Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland
A Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
The Bar Practice Course in England and Wales
The Bar Course in Northern Ireland
A foundation program in medicine or dentistry
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
A Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Graduate Immigration Route to UK Documents Required

When students apply for the Graduate Immigration Route to the UK, they need to submit several important documents. Checkout the list given below:

A passport or any other recognized document that will show your identity and nationality.
Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you secured this when you were issued with a Student visa.
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
Proof of relationship between you and your partner or children if they apply with you.
A letter from a scholarship or sponsorship provider endorsing your application if they funded your course fees and/or living expenses during the last year.

Graduate Immigration Route to UK Fees

Checkout the fees for the Graduate Immigration Route to UK:

The Graduate Visa costs £822 in application fees from the 4th of October 2023.
You also must also pay £2,070 for the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge at the time of application.
This surcharge fee applies regardless of how many dependents you bring along.
Child dependents will be charged £776 per year for the healthcare surcharge.
PhD graduates will pay a total of £3,105 (£1,035 x 3 years).
UG or PG graduates will contribute £2,892 in total, (£822 + £2,070).

Duration of the Visa

A graduate visa usually lasts 2 years if one has acquired a bachelor's or master's degree. The visa for students with a PhD or other doctoral level is for 36 months. The visa will begin from the day the application is approved.

It needs to be clarified that the graduate visa cannot be extended for any reason. But, depending on the prerequisites, you can transfer to a different visa type, like the Skilled Worker Visa.

Application Process for Graduate Immigration Route to UK

Applying for a Graduate Visa is quite easy since it is done online. Here are the steps to follow:

Ensure that you fulfill all the required criteria before applying for it.
The Graduate Visa can be requested using an online form.
You will need to provide additional documents for your application that must be disclosed. These may include your passport and documents proving that you have completed the course.
You may have to show your identification, so you might need to make an appointment to provide identification information.
You should apply before your current or Tier 4 (general) student visa expires.
You can apply as soon as your education provider sends the Home Office a message about your course completion.

Studying While on a Graduate Visa

You are allowed to study on a Graduate Visa, but it only allows you to pursue a course. It can’t be done under the Student Visa. If you want to study a course that comes under the Student Visa category, then you should think about availing of Student Visa only.

Your study subject may fall under categories such as you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. This certificate ensures that your research will not in any way be a threat to the security of the UK.

What is Permitted and Prohibited with a Graduate Visa?

Work in any job
Look for new job opportunities
Be self-employed
Living in UK with your family
You can open to do voluntary work
Travel abroad and stay back in UK

Here are the things you can’t do:

Claim public funds
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
Study at an institution with Student Sponsor Status on a course that qualifies for a Student Visa.

Benefits of a Graduate Immigration Route to the UK

Here are the benefits of the Graduate Immigration Route to the UK:

Graduates can stay to work or seek employment within the UK
It enables students to overstay their student visas, meaning they spend more time in the program.
The graduates need to have a chance to work in international organizations to gain international experience.
It opens other visas that allow one to stay permanently within the UK.
After completing education, graduates are privileged to secure employment in this market.
The availability of jobs and workplace locations make it easier for graduates to establish professional contacts in the UK.
UK education is renowned globally and enhances job opportunities for graduates.

The Graduate Visa presents a chance for international students to acquire work experience in the UK after they have completed their studies. It lets you take up job searches and meetings and switch to other visas when needed.

It is also important to stay updated and informed about changes in immigration policies and governing laws. The Graduate Visa can help you achieve your career objectives.