The Graduate Route Visa is a post-study work visa introduced by the UK government to allow international students like you to stay and work in the UK after completing a degree. Imagine this: You’ve just completed your UK degree, you’re excited, and you’re not quite ready to leave. With this visa, you can stay in the UK for up to two years (three years if you’ve completed a PhD) to find work, gain experience, and start your career.
For many students, including myself, this visa is an absolute game-changer. It gives you the freedom to explore work opportunities without needing immediate sponsorship from a company.
How Does The UK Graduate Route Visa Work?
The Graduate Route Visa is pretty straightforward. Here’s the breakdown:
- Length of Stay: This visa allows you to stay in the UK for two years after completing your degree. If you’ve completed a PhD, you get three years.
- No Job Sponsorship Required: Unlike many other work visas, you don’t need a job offer or a sponsoring employer to apply.
- Any Job, Any Industry: With this visa, you can work in any field. You don’t have to find a job related to your degree, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to explore different fields.
- Freelance and Self-Employment Friendly: Yes, you can also work as a freelancer or start your own business with this visa.
Pro Tip: Think of this visa as your “work exploration pass.” Whether you want to work in a big company, a startup, or try freelancing, the Graduate Route Visa lets you test different waters to find your best fit.
Who is Eligible for the Graduate Route Visa?
Eligibility is pretty simple but has a few key points:
- You must have completed a UK degree (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD) at a recognized higher education provider.
- You need to be on a valid Student Visa when you apply. This means you should apply before your current Student Visa expires.
- Your university must be a licensed sponsor for this program, which most UK universities are (so it’s rarely an issue, but double-check with your school just to be sure).
When to Apply: Timing is Everything
You’ll want to apply before your Student Visa expires, so keep an eye on the expiration date! I recommend applying as soon as you get your final results from your university. Here’s why timing matters:
- If Your Visa Expires Before You Apply: You might have to leave the UK, and reapplying later can be more complicated.
- Quick Processing: It usually takes around eight weeks for the Graduate Route Visa to be processed, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Pro Tip: Mark the visa expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder. Trust me, it’s easy to get caught up in final exams and graduation excitement and forget about this deadline!
The Application Process: Step-By-Step Guide
The application is online, and here’s the process broken down step by step:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): This is the BRP card you received when you first arrived in the UK.
- Confirmation of Degree Completion: Some universities send an official email or a letter confirming that you’ve completed your degree. You’ll need this document.
- Proof of Student Visa Status: This is usually on your BRP, but double-check that it’s valid for your application.
Step 2: Apply Online
- Head to the UK government’s website and complete the application form. It’s straightforward and takes about 30-45 minutes.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
- The visa application fee is £715. You’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is around £624 per year. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Step 4: Submit Your Biometrics
- If the UK immigration office needs your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), they’ll let you know. Sometimes, they’ll use the data from your last application, so you may not need to submit new ones.
Pro Tip: Make sure all your documents are updated and valid before you submit. If there’s an issue with even one document, it can delay your application.
Job Hunting with the Graduate Route Visa: What You Need to Know
Now that you’ve got your Graduate Route Visa, it’s time to jump into job hunting! Here’s how you can make the most of your post-study work opportunities in the UK.
Use University Resources
- Most universities offer career services, even after you graduate. Check out job fairs, networking events, and job boards for alumni. These resources are usually free, so make the most of them!
Networking is Key
- Networking is huge in the UK job market. Attend events, connect with alumni, and don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your field on LinkedIn. When I first started networking, I was a bit nervous, but remember—people are generally happy to share advice and insights.
Consider All Kinds of Jobs
- Since there are no restrictions on job type with the Graduate Route Visa, you can try different fields. Maybe you start in your field but also work part-time at a startup to learn about different business areas. Many students use this visa to explore careers they might not have considered otherwise.
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa: Your Path to Staying Longer
The Graduate Route Visa is a great start, but it’s a temporary visa. If you want to stay in the UK long-term, you may want to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa before your Graduate Route Visa expires. Here’s how that works:
- Find a Job with Sponsorship: To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need a job offer from a company that can sponsor visas. Not all companies are licensed to do this, so it’s worth asking during the interview process.
- Meet the Salary Requirement: For the Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need to earn a minimum salary (currently £26,500 per year or the “going rate” for your job).
- Apply Before Your Graduate Route Visa Expires: Timing is key here. You can apply to switch as soon as you have a job offer and meet the other requirements.
Pro Tip: Start your job search early, ideally in the first year of your Graduate Route Visa. This way, you’ll have more time to find a sponsoring employer before your visa runs out.
Conclusion
The Graduate Route Visa opens doors to incredible career opportunities in the UK. It’s a chance to explore different roles, build a professional network, and gain experience that will strengthen your career, no matter where you go next. I always tell students that this visa isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about finding the right job that aligns with their goals.
So start your job search with an open mind, use your university’s resources, and network like a pro. With a little preparation and a lot of excitement, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in the UK. Good luck, and remember—I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Graduate Route Visa
Q: Can I work any job with the Graduate Route Visa?
A: Yes! This visa gives you complete flexibility. You can work in any field, be self-employed, freelance, or even start your own business.
Q: Do I need to have a job offer to apply for the Graduate Route Visa?
A: No, you don’t need a job offer or sponsorship to apply. It’s designed to give you the freedom to search for jobs once you’re in the UK.
Q: Can I bring family members with me on the Graduate Route Visa?
A: You can bring dependents if they’re already in the UK on a Student Visa with you. However, you can’t bring new dependents from outside the UK on this visa.
Q: Can I extend the Graduate Route Visa?
A: Unfortunately, no. The Graduate Route Visa can’t be extended, so your options for staying longer include switching to a Skilled Worker Visa or another eligible work visa.
