Quick answer
You can apply for a Graduate visa if you are in the UK on a Student visa and have completed an eligible course [2]. The visa lasts 2 years (until 31 Dec 2026) or 18 months from 1 Jan 2027; 3 years for PhDs [1]. The cost is £937 fee plus healthcare surcharge of about £1,035 per year [3]. You must apply before your current visa expires and after your education provider confirms completion [5]. You can work in most jobs but cannot access public funds [4]. A decision usually takes 8 weeks [5].
Key facts
| Visa validity | 2 years (until 31 Dec 2026) or 18 months (from 1 Jan 2027); 3 years for PhD[1] |
| Cost | £937 application fee + £1,035 per year healthcare surcharge; consider Health and Care Worker visa if eligible[3] |
| Application decision time | Usually within 8 weeks[5] |
| Eligible visa holders | Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa holders[2] |
| Right to work | Most jobs, self-employment, voluntary work (unpaid for eligible organisations)[4] |
| Can bring dependants | Partner and children can apply if eligible[6] |
| Cannot extend | Cannot be extended; may switch to another visa (e.g., Skilled Worker)[7] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
You must hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa at the time of application.
Your education provider must have notified the Home Office that you successfully completed an eligible course.
You must be physically present in the UK when you submit your application.
Pay the £937 application fee.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of stay.
You cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
You may only study courses that are not eligible for a Student visa.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Ensure your education provider has confirmed to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course [5]
- 2
Apply online for a Graduate visa before your Student visa expires [5]
- 3
Prove your identity and provide required documents; you may need an appointment [5]
- 4
Wait for a decision, usually within 8 weeks; you can stay in the UK while waiting [5]
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my Graduate visa?
No, you cannot extend it. You may be able to switch to another visa such as a Skilled Worker visa [7].
Can I study with a Graduate visa?
Yes, but only if your chosen course is not eligible for a Student visa. If it is eligible, you should extend your Student visa instead [4].
Can I bring my family?
Yes, your partner and children can apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible [6].
How much does the visa cost?
The application fee is £937, and you must pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year [3]. If you work in healthcare, consider the cheaper Health and Care Worker visa [3].
When can I apply?
You must apply before your Student visa expires and after your education provider has confirmed your course completion to the Home Office [5].
What can I do on a Graduate visa?
You can work in most jobs, be self-employed, do unpaid voluntary work for eligible organisations, and travel. You cannot access public funds or work as a professional sportsperson [4].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Graduate visa overview and duration
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Eligibility criteria
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Costs and alternatives
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
What you can and cannot do (including study and ATAS)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Application process and timing
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Dependants
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Visa extension and switching
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.