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A Guide to the UK Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work Permit)

17-May-2025
A Guide to the UK Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work Permit)
Pollstereducation
Study Abroad

A Guide to the UK Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work Permit)

One of the biggest concerns international students have when studying abroad is what happens after graduation. Can you stay in the UK? Can you work? The UK government understands this and has introduced a solution: the Graduate Route Visa, commonly referred to as the Post-Study Work Permit.

If you're an international student in the UK or planning to study there soon, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the UK Graduate Route Visa in 2025—from eligibility and application to job opportunities and future immigration options.
 


What is the Graduate Route Visa?

The Graduate Route Visa is a type of post-study work visa that allows international students to stay in the UK to work or look for work after completing an eligible course. It’s part of the UK government’s efforts to retain talented graduates and provide them with a pathway to a skilled career.
 


Key Highlights of the UK Graduate Route Visa

Feature Details
Purpose Stay in the UK to work after studies
Duration 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
Job Offer Required? No – you can job hunt freely
Sponsorship Required?    No – does not require employer sponsorship
Visa Type Non-extendable, but can switch to skilled worker visa later
Dependants Allowed if they were dependants on your Student visa

 


Who is Eligible for the Graduate Route Visa?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree

  • Have studied at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance

  • Hold a valid Tier 4 (General) or Student Visa at the time of application

  • Apply from within the UK (you cannot apply from abroad)

  • Apply within 60 days of receiving your course completion confirmation

    Note: The course must have been studied in the UK. Due to COVID-19, some flexibility was granted for remote study, but that has largely ended by 2025.


Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Check Eligibility

  • Confirm your course and institution are eligible.

  • Ensure you are in the UK and have a valid student visa.

2. Get Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Details

  • Your university will confirm that you’ve successfully completed the course.

3. Apply Online

  • Visit the UK Government Graduate Route page

  • Fill in your application form

  • Pay the fees

4. Biometric Information

  • Provide fingerprints and a photo via the UK Immigration app or a visa centre.

5. Receive Your Decision

  • You’ll typically get a decision within 8 weeks.
     


Graduate Route Visa Fees

Cost Item Amount
Application Fee £822 (as of 2025)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)   £1,035 per year
Total Cost for 2 Years Approx. £2,892

 


Can You Work on the Graduate Route Visa?

Yes! You can:

  • Work full-time in most jobs

  • Be self-employed

  • Take up internships or freelance gigs

  • Switch jobs without notifying the Home Office

However, you cannot:

  • Work as a professional sportsperson

  • Access public funds or benefits

  • Extend the visa beyond the permitted duration
     


Job Opportunities After Graduation

With a Graduate Route Visa, you can explore roles in:

  • Finance, Marketing, and Management

  • Tech and IT

  • Healthcare

  • Engineering

  • Creative Arts and Design

  • Hospitality and Tourism

    Tip: Start building your LinkedIn profile and CV during your final semester so you're job-ready right after graduation.


What Happens After the 2 or 3 Years?

The Graduate Route is non-renewable, but it can serve as a stepping stone to longer-term UK immigration routes. You can switch to:

✅ Skilled Worker Visa

  • Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor

  • Job must meet salary and skill threshold

✅ Start-Up / Innovator Visa

  • If you have a business idea and plan to become an entrepreneur

✅ Global Talent Visa

  • For highly skilled graduates in fields like digital tech, science, or the arts
     


Advantages of the Graduate Route Visa

  • No job offer needed to apply

  • No minimum salary requirement

  • Open to all fields of study

  • A great chance to build your career in the UK

  • Provides time to gain experience and plan your next move
     


Challenges to Consider

  • The visa is temporary (non-extendable)

  • No access to benefits or public funds

  • You must secure a new visa if you want to stay in the UK after it ends

Despite these, many international students see this route as a valuable career-launch platform.
 


How Pollster Education Can Help

At Pollster Education, we support you not just with your UK university application, but also your long-term career planning:

  • Help you choose courses that enhance employability

  • Guide you on the UK Graduate Route Visa process

  • Provide internship and job search strategies

  • Offer IELTS coaching and pre-departure training
     

 

The UK Graduate Route Visa is a golden opportunity for international students. It allows you to stay, work, and gain international experience that can dramatically enhance your career. Whether you want to stay long-term in the UK or return home with work experience, this visa opens up the next chapter after graduation.

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