Graduate Visa Route · 2-Year Post-Study Work Right Explained

The Graduate Route visa is the single most important policy change for international students in the UK in the past decade. Introduced in 2021, it allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their degree.

Key Facts

• Duration: 2 years (bachelor’s and master’s), 3 years (PhD)
• Work rights: Unrestricted—no minimum salary, no sponsorship required, any sector
• Cost: GBP 822 application fee + GBP 1,035/year IHS surcharge = GBP 2,892 total for 2 years
• Eligibility: Must have completed a degree at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance
• Switch to Skilled Worker: Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a sponsoring employer

The Application

You must apply from within the UK before your Student visa expires. Your university reports your successful completion to UKVI, which triggers your eligibility.

Documents needed:

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of degree completion
• Current BRP

The application is entirely online and typically processed within 8 weeks.

Strategic Use

The Graduate Route is most valuable as:

1. A job-search buffer: 2 years to find a role that qualifies for Skilled Worker sponsorship
2. An experience builder: Work in your field, build a CV, then apply for sponsorship
3. A pathway to settlement: Time on Graduate Route counts toward the 10-year Long Residence ILR route (but not toward the 5-year Skilled Worker route)

The Transition to Skilled Worker

To switch from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker, you need:

• A job offer from a licensed sponsor
• A role at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent)
• A salary meeting the going rate for the occupation (or GBP 26,200, whichever is higher)

Graduate Route holders benefit from “new entrant” status, which allows lower salary thresholds: 70% of the going rate, as long as the total is at least GBP 20,960.