What Is the Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

What Is the Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

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The Graduate Route Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay and work after graduation. Launched in July 2021, this visa gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the UK without needing a job offer.

This blog explains what the Graduate Route Visa is, who can apply, how to apply, and how Pollster Education can help you.

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Who Can Apply for the Graduate Route Visa?

You can apply for the Graduate Route Visa if you:

• Are in the UK on a Student Visa

• Have successfully completed an eligible degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD)

• Studied at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance

• Apply before your current Student Visa expires

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How Long Can You Stay?

• 2 years: If you completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree

• 3 years: If you completed a PhD or doctoral degree

You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed. There is no restriction on the type of job.

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Key Features of the Graduate Route Visa

• No sponsorship required

• No minimum salary requirement

• You can switch jobs freely

• You can stay in the UK and search for work after graduation

• Dependents (spouse/children) can also extend their stay if they were in the UK with you on your student visa

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When and How to Apply

You must apply after you finish your course and before your Student Visa expires.

Steps:

1. Prepare Documents

   • Current passport

   • BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)

   • CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

   • Proof of course completion (your university will report it to UKVI)

2. Apply Online

   • Fill the Graduate Route application form on the official UK Government website

3. Pay the Fees

   • Application fee: £822

   • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (usually £2,070 for 2 years)

4. Biometric Appointment

   • Upload your documents and attend a biometric appointment (if required)

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When Will You Get a Decision?

Most applications are processed within 8 weeks. You can stay in the UK while waiting for your decision.

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What You Can and Can’t Do

You Can:

• Work in any job

• Be self-employed

• Switch to a Skilled Worker visa later

You Can’t:

• Extend this visa beyond 2 or 3 years

• Access public funds

• Work as a professional sportsperson

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After the Graduate Route Visa

Near the end of your Graduate Visa, if you get a job offer with sponsorship, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa and continue working in the UK.

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How Pollster Education Can Help

At Pollster Education, we support students beyond university admission. We help you:

• Understand UK visa options after graduation

• Choose universities that offer strong career support

• Prepare your documents for the Graduate Route

• Connect with employers and job portals

• Plan your switch from Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

We guide you at every step so you can focus on your career goals confidently.

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The Graduate Route Visa is a golden opportunity for international students to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies. With no sponsorship requirement and the freedom to explore various jobs, it gives you a strong start to your career.

If you're planning to study in the UK or are already there, this visa could be your next step toward settling or building an international career.