Last updated: 18 September 2023
The Graduate route is now live and taking applications. If you intend to apply for the graduate route, please do not do so until the University contact you to confirm that the Home Office have been informed of your course completion.
Key Features:
Points to consider:
Frequently asked questions:
Does Graduate route require a new application?
The Graduate route requires a new visa application, which is only be possible from inside the UK.
How do I apply for the Graduate route?
Students wishing to apply for the Graduate route, who satisfy the academic and visa eligibility requirements, are able to submit an online application via the gov.uk website.
Is there a fee to apply for the Graduate route?
A Graduate route application requires payment of a visa fee of £700 and the Immigration Health Surcharge at the full rate of £624 per year.
What additional documentation or evidence is required to apply for the Graduate route?
Students need to know the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) they used for their most recent Student (or Tier 4) application in order to apply for the Graduate route. They must also provide photos or scans of all applicants’ passports and Biometric Residence Permits (BRP).
Will universities be expected to act as sponsors for those students on the Graduate route after they have graduated?
Individuals applying to the Graduate route do not need a sponsor – however, your Student visa sponsor must have notified the Home Office, by the date of your application under the Graduate route, that you have successfully completed the course of study that your Student visa was issued for. Please do not apply for the Graduate route until you have received confirmation from the University that the Home Office have been notified of your completion.
Will this route count towards settlement?
The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to apply to work routes, including the Skilled Worker, which is a route to settlement.
What happens after I have applied for the Graduate route?
The UKVI will assess your application and provide you with a decision within 4-6 weeks of your Biometric Data submission. If successful you should receive your new BRP within 10 working days of the decision date.
Further information:
Information on the Graduate route published by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) on 26 March 2021:
The following detailed information on the Graduate route is based on information published by the Home Office on 4 March 2021:
We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.