Graduate Route Visa in the UK 2024

The UK Graduate Route Visa also known as the post-study work permit that allows a student to live in the UK 2-3 years after completing their study. There are many strong reasons behind student’s interest in studying in the UK. Among them, one of the most remarkable is the opportunity for a post-study work permit. Let’s know about the Graduate Route Visa in the UK in 2024. 

What Is A Graduate Route Visa?

A Graduate Route Visa allows an international student to work and stay in the UK typically 2 years after completing their graduation and post-graducation. Students with a PhD degree can live in the UK for 3 years with a post-study work permit. To be eligible for a Graduate Route Visa you should start your application before your student visa expires. 

What are the benefits of the UK Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route Visa in the UK offers huge benefits for international students. Such as-

• You can use the time after you graduate to work, or look for work, at any skill level
• You will have the flexibility to gain work experience
• There is no minimum salary requirement
• There is no limit on how many international students can have the opportunity to stay in the UK through the Graduate Route.
• You are not tied to a specific job or employer and you can have multiple jobs at any skill level

What are the requirements for a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

International students can apply for a Post Study Work visa only after they have completed a course in the UK. Here are the UK Graduate Route Visa requirements for international students.

• You must be in the UK
• Your current visa is a student visa
• With your student visa, you have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period.
• Your education provider notified the Home Office about the successful completion of your course in the UK

If you have any doubts, you can ask the education provider if they have told the Home office about the successful completion of your course in the UK.

Courses That Make You Eligible For A Graduate Route Visa 

You must be studied in the UK for at least 12 months and you must be in the UK when you are applying for a Graduate Visa. Here is the course list that will allow you to apply for a PSW-post study work permission after the completion of the course.

• UK Bachelor’s degree
• UK Master’s degree
• UK PhD or doctoral degree

You can also apply if you have completed one of the following courses-

• Law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
• The Bar course in Northern Ireland, or the Bar Practice Course in the England or Wales
• Foundation program in medicine or dentistry
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

How Long Do I Need To Study In The UK To Apply For A Post-Study Work Permit?

• At least 12 months if the length of your course is more than 12 months.
• If your course is shorter than 12 months, you must study the total length of the course to apply for the post-study work permit.

How to Apply for a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

You will need to apply online for a Graduate visa in the UK. You will need to prove your identity as part of your Graduate visa application. You usually need to scan your biometric residence permit with the UK Immigration ID Check app. However, scan your passport instead if you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. If you are unable to scan your BRP or passport with the app, you will be asked to get the photographs and fingerprints at a UKVCAS service point.

When to Apply for a Graduate Visa?

You must apply for the UK student visa before it expires. After the education provider notifies the Home office about the course completion, you can apply for the post-study work permit.  As part of the application, you need to provide your identity or valid documents. However, you don’t need to wait until you have graduated or have been given a certificate.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

When you are applying for a Graduate Route Visa in the UK, you need to pay-

• £822 application fee
• The healthcare surcharge – £1,035 for each year when you’ll be in the UK

What You Can and Can’t Do with a Graduate Route Visa?

With a Graduate Route Visa in the UK, you can stay and work freely in the UK for 2 to 3 years after completing your education. However, as an immigrant, you should also maintain some Do’s and Dont’s with this visa. Here it is-

With A Graduate Visa, You Can-

• Work in most jobs
• Look for work
• Be self-employed
• Living in the UK with your partner and children
• Do voluntary work
• Travel abroad and return to the UK

With A Graduate Visa, You Can’t

• Apply for public funds or state pension
• Work as a professional sportsperson.

Can I Study with a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to study with a Graduate Route visa in the UK. But there is a condition. You can only study with this visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a student visa. However, if your course is eligible for the student visa, you can extend your student visa.

Final Words

So, if you want to know more about the post-study work permit or the graduate route visa in the UK, you can visit AIMS Education, the best student consultancy firm. Our expert counselors will help you by providing up-to-date information.

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