Graduate visa
The Graduate visa is a work visa category introduced by the UK government to allow international students who have completed their degree in the UK to stay and work in the country for a certain period after graduation.
If you are considering applying for a Graduate visa, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.
If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
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What is a Graduate visa?
The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to remain in the UK for two years (or three years for doctoral students) after their studies to work or seek employment.
Graduate visa holders are permitted to work in most roles or at any skill level. There are no restrictions on the type of employment they can pursue.
UK Graduate visa requirements
You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following are true:
- you're in the UK
- your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- you studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you've successfully completed your course
You can ask your education provider if you're not sure whether they've told the Home Office you've successfully completed your course.
Depending on the type of your application and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
Documents required for Graduate visa
When you apply for your Graduate visa you will need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- a letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid for both your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
- proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
How to apply for a Graduate visa?
Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
- Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
- Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
UK Graduate visa processing time
Once you've applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision on your Graduate visa within 8 weeks.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
Contact UK immigration solicitors today
If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions (Graduate Visa UK)
The Graduate visa allows graduates to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies, or three years for doctoral students.
You cannot extend your Graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example, a Skilled Worker visa.
No, applicants do not need a job offer to apply for the Graduate visa. However, they are expected to seek employment during their stay in the UK.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.