To qualify for the Graduate visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Completed Degree: Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or higher from a registered UK Higher Education Provider.
• Compliance with Visa Rules: The applicant’s sponsor Higher Education Institute must have a track record of compliance with Student visa requirements. The student should have adhered to immigration rules and actively engaged with their studies.
• Valid Student Visa: Applicants must hold a valid Student visa at the time of application. The Graduate visa application must be submitted before the Student visa expires.

There is no financial requirement, no minimum salary threshold, and no annual cap on the number of applicants. However, applications can only be submitted from within the UK.

How Long is the Graduate Visa Valid?

• Standard Graduate visa: 2 years
• PhD or Doctorate holders: 3 years

This visa cannot be extended. If a Graduate visa holder wishes to stay in the UK beyond the granted period, they must switch to a different visa category.

What Are the Work Restrictions?

The Graduate visa is highly flexible, allowing holders to:

1. Work in any role, regardless of salary level
2. Switch jobs freely without impacting visa status
3. Be self-employed

However, if a visa holder wants to stay in the UK after their Graduate visa expires, they must switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa. This requires a qualifying job offer that meets the minimum salary requirement and other eligibility criteria.

Can Family Members Join a Graduate Visa Holder?

Dependents can only be included if they were already on the applicant’s Student visa. This applies to:

• Partners and children under 18 who were in the UK as dependents on the Student visa.
• Children born in the UK during the applicant’s Student visa period.

New dependents cannot be added to a Graduate visa application.

Does the Graduate Visa Lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

The Graduate visa does not directly lead to ILR. However:

• Time spent on this visa counts towards the 10-year Long Residence route, which can be used for ILR applications.

How We Can Help

Ultimate Visas provides expert guidance on Graduate visa applications, including:

1. Reviewing eligibility and application requirements
2. Assisting with document preparation
3. Helping switch to other visa categories like the Skilled Worker visa

If you need assistance with your Graduate visa application or are considering switching to another visa route, contact us today!