Graduate Route Requirements UK 2026
What you need to know
- •Must have completed an eligible UK degree on a student visa.
- •2 years for bachelor's/master's, 3 years for PhD graduates.
- •Full work rights in any job, no sponsor needed.
- •Cannot be extended — plan your next step early.
The Graduate route is available to international students who complete an eligible UK degree. It gives 2 years (3 for PhD) of unrestricted work rights. This guide covers all the requirements.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Graduate route, you must meet all of the following requirements. Full details are on the GOV.UK Graduate visa page.
1. Valid Student Visa
You must currently hold a valid student visa (or Tier 4 visa). You must apply before your student visa expires.
2. Eligible Course
You must have completed one of the following at a UK Higher Education Provider:
- An undergraduate degree (bachelor's)
- A postgraduate taught degree (master's)
- A postgraduate research degree (PhD or other doctorate)
- A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
- Other eligible qualifications at RQF level 6 or above
3. Track Record Institution
Your university must be a Higher Education Provider with a "track record of compliance" with immigration requirements. Most established UK universities qualify.
4. Study in the UK
You must have studied in the UK for the required period. If your course included distance learning (for example, during COVID-19), specific rules apply about the minimum time spent physically in the UK.
5. Successful Completion
Your university must confirm to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. They do this through the Student Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Duration
- Bachelor's or master's: 2 years
- PhD or doctorate: 3 years
The Graduate route cannot be extended or renewed. After it expires, you must switch to another visa or leave the UK.
Work Rights
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
See our Graduate route work rights guide. In summary, you have full, unrestricted work rights with no minimum salary or job type restriction.
Costs
- Visa fee: £822
- IHS: £1,035 per year (£2,070 for 2 years, £3,105 for 3 years)
See the UK visa fees guide.
No English Language Test
There is no separate English language requirement — completing a UK degree satisfies any language requirement.
Dependants
See our Graduate route dependants guide. Dependant access has been restricted.
What You Cannot Do
- Access public funds
- Extend the Graduate route
- Count this time toward ILR directly (see Graduate route to ILR)
Next Steps After the Graduate Route
- Switch to Skilled Worker
- Switch to another work visa
- Consider the Global Talent visa
The Graduate Route Review
The government reviewed the Graduate route in 2024-2026. See our Graduate route review guide for the latest changes and their impact.
Next Steps
If you are about to complete your degree, apply for the Graduate route before your student visa expires. Apply through GOV.UK.
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.