Graduate Route visa FAQs

Overview

What is the Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route is a post-study work visa that allows international students to stay in the UK after completing their degree to work or look for work.

• No job offer required - you can apply without a job offer.  You don’t need to work to stay in the UK once you have obtained your Graduate visa
• No employer sponsorship required - the Graduate Route is unsponsored
• Open to graduates with ‘eligible qualifications

Eligibility

Who can apply?

You can apply if:

• You are currently in the UK on a valid, in-date Student visa
• You have successfully completed a UK degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD qualification)
• Goldsmiths has reported your successful course completion to UKVI

When to Apply

When can I apply?

You can only apply after:

• Your results are officially confirmed, and
• Goldsmith’s has notified UKVI of your successful course completion

When is the deadline to apply?

You must apply from within the UK before your current Student visa expires.

Length of Stay

How long does the visa last?

This depends on the course that you have successfully completed:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree: 2 years currently, but this will be reduced to 18 months for applications submitted from 01 January 2027
• PhD/Doctorate: 3 years

Work Rights

What work can I do?

You can:

• Work at any skill level
• Be employed, self-employed, or freelance
• Switch jobs freely

Are there restrictions?

Yes, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson (this is a standard rule)

Application Process

How do I apply?

• Apply online via UKVI
• Application must only be submitted inside the UK – you cannot apply outside the UK
• Please note that Goldsmiths are unable to submit the application for you

What documents are required?

Typically:

• Valid passport
• BRP (if applicable)
• CAS number from your current Student visa. Please note that you will not require a new CAS number from Goldsmiths

Do I need to show funds or English?

No, you do not need to show funds or proof of English language as these were already assessed as part of your Student visa application.

Costs

Costs include:

• Application fee – currently £937
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - this is usually £1,035 for each year of the Graduate Visa

Dependants

Can my dependants apply?

• Only dependants already in the UK as your dependants on your Student visa can apply  
• You cannot bring new dependants under this route

After You Get the Visa

When can I start working?

You can start working full-time immediately after applying, if eligible.

Can I study?

Yes, but only in limited circumstances - not on programmes that can be sponsored by a Student visa.

Switching Visas

Can I switch to another visa?

Yes, you can switch to:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Other work routes

Settlement (ILR)

Does the Graduate Route lead to settlement?

No, it does not count directly toward settlement (ILR) which is why it is important to switch to other routes that do count, for e.g. Skilled Worker. 

Key Advantages

• No sponsorship needed
• Work flexibility
• Opportunity to gain UK experience
• Pathway to Skilled Worker visa

Key Limitations

• Temporary visa that doesn’t count towards settlement route
• Limited dependant options
• Upcoming reduction to 18 months (from 2027)