Switching from Student Visa to Graduate Visa

If you've completed your studies in the UK on a Student visa, you can apply to change or ('switch') to a Graduate visa before your Student visa expires.

To successfully switch from a Student visa to a UK Graduate visa, you must complete your course, meet eligibility criteria, and be in the UK when you apply.

At Vanguard Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors in London provide clear advice and ensure your application is error-free to avoid delays or refusals.

If you want to switch from a Student to a Graduate visa, contact our immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or fill in the enquiry form for legal assistance.

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What is a Graduate visa?

The UK Graduate visa (also known as the Post-Study Work visa) allows international students to stay and work in the UK without needing a job offer.

The Graduate visa permits you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after completing your course, or 3 years if you hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.

Switching from a Student visa to a Graduate visa

If you've completed an eligible course in the UK on a Student visa, you can apply to switch from a Student visa to a Graduate visa without leaving the UK.

Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, you don’t need a job offer from a licensed UK employer. It gives you time to explore career opportunities, gain work experience, or even switch to a long-term work visa like the Skilled Worker visa.

Switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa

Graduate visas can't be extended, but you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa or another route from within the UK before it expires.

A Skilled Worker visa allows international students to stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a UK employer approved and licensed by the Home Office.

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (general) work visa and came into effect on December 1, 2020.

You can apply to change ('switch') to a Skilled Worker visa if you're already in the UK on a Graduate visa and have a valid job offer from a licensed employer.

To successfully switch from a Graduate to Skilled Worker visa, you need a valid job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and to meet the salary criteria.

Requirements to switch from a Student visa to a Graduate visa

To be eligible for the UK Graduate visa, you need to complete your course, meet the requirements, and apply from within the UK before your Student visa expires.

When applying for a Graduate visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate, or eligible course
• You must hold a valid Student visa when applying
• You must apply from within the UK
• You must apply before your current visa expires
• Course completion must be reported to the Home Office by your education provider
• Meet any additional eligibility criteria based on individual circumstances

Documents required to switch from a Student visa to a Graduate visa

When applying to switch to a Graduate visa, you must provide:

• Your valid passport or travel document
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if you have one)
• Online proof of your immigration status (if you have an eVisa)
• Course completion confirmation from your university/college
• CAS reference number from your Student visa application
• Proof of relationship (for dependants, if applicable)
• Any additional documents based on your circumstances

How to switch from a Student visa to a graduate visa?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must apply online to change (‘switch’) to a Graduate visa before your current Student visa expires.

Step-by-step process for a UK Graduate visa application:

• Assess your eligibility (consult our immigration solicitors if unsure)
• Gather supporting documents
• Complete and submit the online visa application
• Pay the visa application fee
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Upload supporting documents
• Book and attend your biometric appointment
• Wait for a decision, which usually takes 8 weeks

How much does a Graduate visa cost?

When applying for a UK Graduate visa from within the UK, you must pay a £880 application fee plus a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year.

This means you’ll be required to pay a healthcare surcharge of £2,070 for two years, or £3,105 if your visa is for three years.

How long does a UK Graduate visa take?

A Graduate visa usually takes 8 weeks to get a decision after you’ve applied online, confirmed your identity, and submitted your documents. However, you may be able to use ‘Super Priority Service' to get a faster decision within 24 hours.

How do solicitors support your Student visa to Graduate visa application?

Our immigration solicitors can assist with a UK Graduate visa application in several ways:

• Assess eligibility for switching to a Graduate visa.
• Guide through the required documents.
• Complete the application form accurately.
• Advise on fees and additional costs.
• Ensure compliance with Home Office requirements.
• Submit the application on your behalf.
• Assist with biometric appointment and scheduling.
• Support with appeals or reapplications if needed.

For assistance with switching from a Student visa to a Graduate visa, contact our immigration solicitors today at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our enquiry form.

Contact Vanguard Solicitors for legal assistance

If you want to switch from a Student to a Graduate visa, call Vanguard Solicitors today on 0208 616 5535 or fill out our online enquiry form for legal advice.