UK visas
UK Graduate visa: stay and work after your UK degree
A post-study route for students who finish a UK degree. You can work or look for work, with no job offer needed.
- Apply
- From inside the UK
- Length
- 18 months, 3 for a PhD
- Extension
- Not possible
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You hold a UK Student visa and are finishing your course
- You want time to work or find a sponsor
- You plan to switch to a work visa later
The basics
What the authorities look for
- You must be in the UK and hold a Student visa when you apply
- You must have completed an eligible course at an approved provider
- Length is shorter for applications made from 2027 onwards
- You can switch into another route, such as Skilled Worker, if you qualify
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. GOV.UK: Graduate visa
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **Time limit.** The Graduate visa cannot be extended. Plan the next step early.
- **Apply before your Student visa ends.** Missing the window loses the route.
- **Length changes.** Check the length that applies on your application date.
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
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Graduate visa questions
Can I extend it?
No. You can switch into another visa if you qualify, for example Skilled Worker.
Can I apply from India?
No. You must be in the UK, on a Student visa, when you apply.
Keep reading
Other UK visa pages
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