What Is the Graduate Route?
The Graduate Route is a UK visa that allows international students to remain in the UK for 2 years after graduation (or 3 years for PhD/doctoral graduates) to work, look for work, or set up a business. There is no job offer required to apply.
This replaced the previous Post-Study Work visa and has been available since July 2021. It is one of the biggest draws for international students choosing the UK over other destinations.
Who Is Eligible?
- You must have a valid UK Student Visa when you apply
- You must have successfully completed a degree-level qualification (or above) at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance
- You must be in the UK when you apply
- You must not have previously been granted a Graduate visa
- Foundation years and pre-sessional courses alone do not qualify — you need to complete the main degree
What Can You Do on the Graduate Route?
On the Graduate visa you can:
- Work in any job at any salary level (unlike the Skilled Worker visa)
- Be self-employed or set up a business
- Switch to other visa categories such as Skilled Worker or Start-up visa from within the UK
You cannot extend the Graduate visa. After 2 years (or 3 for PhD holders), you must either switch to another visa or leave the UK.
Application Process and Costs
You apply online through the UKVI website. Key costs:
- Application fee: £822
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776/year (£1,552 for 2 years; £2,328 for 3 years)
Apply after you have received official notification of your results from your university. Do not wait until your student visa expires — apply while it is still valid.
Upcoming change: For applications submitted from 1 January 2027, bachelor's and master's graduates will receive 18 months on the Graduate Route (rather than 2 years), under revised UK Home Office rules confirmed October 2025. PhD graduates continue to receive 3 years. Students completing their course before this date are not affected.
Graduate Route and the Path to Settlement
The Graduate visa does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, time spent on the Graduate visa can count towards the 5-year qualifying period for settlement if you switch to an eligible visa (like Skilled Worker) and complete the remaining years.
For Nepali graduates, the typical pathway is: Student visa ? Graduate visa (work experience) ? Skilled Worker visa ? ILR after 5 years total.