Immigration law
Graduate Visa
Turn your degree into time to work, and use it to reach the next visa.
Applications made by 31 December 2026 get 2 years. From 1 January 2027, the visa will last 18 months (PhD graduates still get 3 years). Rules checked October 2026.
Is this you?
Who this is for
- You have completed a UK bachelor's or master's degree on a Student visa
- You have completed a PhD or other doctorate
- You want time to find work before switching to Skilled Worker
What the rules require
- In the UK
- You must apply from inside the UK, before your Student visa expires.
- Course completed
- Your university must have told the Home Office you completed the course.
- Length
- 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 18 months on or after 1 January 2027; 3 years for doctorates.
- No extension
- The Graduate visa cannot be extended, so plan your next route early.
A summary, not legal advice. The Immigration Rules change often; we confirm what applies on your application date.
Free first step
10 minutes with a solicitor about your graduate visa matter.
Often goes with
Prepare
Your document checklist
Tick off what you already have. Bring the rest to mind before your consultation, and we'll tell you what really matters for your case.
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A general guide. Your solicitor confirms exactly what your case needs. Your ticks are saved on this device only.
The process
How it works
- 1Free consultationWe check your dates, especially around 31 December 2026.
- 2Completion reportedWe confirm your university has notified the Home Office.
- 3SubmitOnline, from inside the UK, before your Student visa expires.
- 4Identity checkUsually through the ID check app.
- 5Plan the next stepWe map your route from Graduate to Skilled Worker or another category.
Fixed.
How our fees work
After your free consultation we quote a fixed fee in writing, covering exactly what we will do. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately to the government, and we tell you the current amounts before you commit.
Free
Your first 10 minutes with a solicitor.
In writing
A fixed fee for the agreed work, before anything starts.
No surprises
Government fees quoted up front and paid to the Home Office.
FAQs
Graduate Visa: your questions
Still unsure? A ten-minute call usually settles it.
Is the Graduate visa being shortened?
Yes. If you apply on or after 1 January 2027, it will last 18 months instead of 2 years. What matters is the date you apply, not the date you graduate. Doctoral graduates keep 3 years.
Do I need a job offer or a sponsor?
No. You can work, look for work or be self-employed, with no sponsor and no minimum salary.
Can I extend it?
No. To stay longer you must switch into another route, most often Skilled Worker, before it expires.
Can my family stay with me?
Only family members who were already your dependants on your Student visa can apply to stay with you.