Graduate Work Visa: 2021 Changes and Current Requirements
The Graduate work visa route came into force on 1 July 2021, representing a significant policy shift that replaced the previous Post-study Work visa route for international graduates. This new immigration category provides valuable opportunities for qualified international students to remain in the UK following their studies, offering a crucial bridge between education and long-term employment or settlement pathways.
Overview of the Graduate Route
The Graduate route is specifically designed for international students in the UK who have successfully completed a course of study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above and wish to work or seek employment in the UK. This route recognises the value that international graduates bring to the UK economy and provides them with time to establish their careers.
Key characteristics of the Graduate route include:
- No requirement to have secured employment before applying
- Freedom to work in most sectors and occupations
- Opportunity to switch between employers without restriction
- Time to explore career opportunities and establish professional networks
- Flexibility to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or self-employment
No Sponsorship Required
Unlike many other UK work visa categories, applicants for the Graduate route do not need a sponsor. This removes a significant barrier and provides greater flexibility for both graduates and employers. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not a route to settlement.
Following successful application, graduates will be granted permission to stay in the UK for either a 2-year or 3-year period, depending on their qualification level. At the end of this period, graduates must either:
- Secure sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route or another sponsored work category
- Find an alternative immigration route to remain in the UK
- Leave the UK if no suitable pathway is available
Eligibility Prerequisites
Before applying for the Graduate route, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Must currently hold, or have last held, permission to stay in the UK as a Student
- Must have maintained their student status throughout their studies
- Must not have any outstanding compliance issues with their previous student visa conditions
- Must apply before their current student permission expires
Dependent Family Members: Applicants who have partners and/or children in the UK as student dependents can include them in their Graduate route application, allowing the entire family to extend their stay under this category.
Graduate Work Route Requirements – Points-Based Assessment
The Graduate route operates under a points-based system where applicants must score 70 points to qualify for either 2-year or 3-year leave. These points are awarded based on meeting three mandatory requirements:
1. Successful Completion Requirement
To satisfy this requirement, applicants must demonstrate:
- Sponsorship by a recognised UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance
- Maintenance of a clean compliance record as a student at the date of application
- Successful completion of their course of study during their last grant of Student permission
- Receipt of official confirmation from their education provider of course completion
2. Qualification Requirement
Applicants must have successfully completed a qualifying course of study leading to:
- A UK bachelor’s degree or above from a recognised institution
- A defined relevant qualification equivalent to bachelor’s level or higher
- An integrated master’s degree or standalone master’s degree
- A PhD or other doctoral qualification
3. Study in the UK Requirement
This requirement ensures that applicants have spent a minimum period studying physically in the UK. The minimum period varies based on course duration:
| Total Length of Course | Required UK Study Period |
|---|---|
| 12 months or less | Full duration of course |
| Longer than 12 months | At least 12 months |
Important Note: Periods of study abroad as part of approved exchange programmes or mandatory placements do not count against the UK study requirement, provided they were officially sanctioned by the education provider.
Permission Periods and Qualification Types
The length of Graduate work permission depends on the level of qualification achieved:
| Type of Qualification | Permission Period |
|---|---|
| PhD or other doctoral qualification | 3 years from date of decision |
| All other qualifying degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) | 2 years from date of decision |
Conditions of Stay
Graduate route permission is subject to specific conditions that applicants must observe throughout their stay:
Employment Restrictions
- May work in any occupation except as a professional sportsperson
- Can work for any employer without restriction
- Permitted to be self-employed or start a business
- May work on temporary, permanent, part-time, or full-time basis
- Can undertake multiple jobs simultaneously
Public Funds Restriction
- Must not access public funds including benefits, tax credits, and housing assistance
- Cannot claim unemployment benefits or income support
- Must maintain financial independence throughout the permission period
Study Permissions
- Certain types of study are permitted with approved sponsors
- Can undertake professional development courses
- May pursue additional qualifications that complement career development
- Cannot undertake courses that would normally require a Student visa without switching routes
Additional Requirements
- Must register with police where this requirement applies (typically for nationals of certain countries)
- Must notify authorities of any change of address
- Must maintain valid passport throughout the permission period
Strategic Career Planning
The Graduate route provides valuable time for career development, but successful graduates should use this period strategically:
Early Career Development
- Build professional networks within chosen industry sectors
- Gain relevant work experience to strengthen future visa applications
- Develop skills that align with Skilled Worker route requirements
- Research potential sponsor employers and their licensing status
Future Immigration Planning
- Monitor salary thresholds for Skilled Worker applications
- Understand occupation-specific requirements and skill shortages
- Explore alternative routes such as Innovator Founder or Global Talent visas
- Consider timing of applications to maximise chances of success
Application Process and Documentation
Graduate route applications must be submitted online with supporting documentation including:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Academic qualification certificates and transcripts
- Confirmation of completion from the sponsoring education provider
- Evidence of English language proficiency (usually satisfied through UK study)
- Financial evidence demonstrating ability to support oneself
- Previous immigration history documentation
Professional Guidance
Given the complexity of UK immigration rules and the importance of career planning during the Graduate route period, we recommend that graduates seek professional advice to:
- Ensure full compliance with visa conditions
- Develop strategic career plans that align with future immigration options
- Understand employer sponsorship requirements and processes
- Navigate the transition to long-term work visas or settlement routes
- Address any compliance issues that may affect future applications
The Graduate route represents a significant opportunity for international students to establish their careers in the UK. However, success requires careful planning, compliance with visa conditions, and strategic preparation for future immigration pathways. Early professional guidance can help graduates maximise the benefits of this route while building foundations for long-term success in the UK.
