The Graduate visa (the “Graduate Route”) lets international students stay and work in the UK after finishing their degree — with no sponsor and no job offer needed. This 2026 guide covers eligibility, how long you get, the cost, and the all-important plan to switch before it ends.
Who is eligible?
You can apply if you’re in the UK on a Student visa and have successfully completed an eligible UK degree (or other qualifying course). Your university or college must confirm to the Home Office that you’ve finished. You apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.
How long do you get?
- Apply on or before 31 December 2026 — 2 years (or 3 years if you hold a PhD/doctorate).
- From 1 January 2027 — the route is reduced to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
The visa can’t be extended, so plan your next move early.
Cost
From 8 April 2026: application fee £937 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £2,070 (about £3,007 total for the 2-year visa). The 18-month version from 2027 carries a lower IHS (around £1,152.50).
What you can do — and what’s next
There’s no sponsor, no minimum salary and no Certificate of Sponsorship: you can work in most jobs, be self-employed, or look for work. Because it can’t be extended, most people use the time to find a sponsored role and switch to the Skilled Worker visa (your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship) for a long-term route to settlement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Graduate visa?
An unsponsored post-study work visa for people who’ve completed an eligible UK degree, letting them stay and work without a job offer.
How long is the Graduate visa?
2 years (3 for PhD holders) if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; from 1 January 2027 it’s 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
How much does the Graduate visa cost?
From 8 April 2026, a £937 application fee plus £2,070 IHS — about £3,007 for the 2-year visa.
Do I need a job offer or sponsor?
No — there’s no sponsor, no minimum salary and no Certificate of Sponsorship; you can work in most jobs.
Can I extend the Graduate visa?
No — it can’t be extended. Switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, before it ends.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students in the UK who have completed an eligible course, with the university confirming completion to the Home Office; you apply from inside the UK.
