1. Understanding the Student → Graduate Pathway

The Graduate Visa gives you:

• 2 years to work freely in the UK (3 for PhD holders)
• No restrictions on job type
• Flexibility to change roles easily
• Time to build UK experience
• A chance to prove yourself to employers

The Graduate Visa does NOT give you:

• The right to bring dependants*
• Residence eligible for settlement

* UNLESS they already have permission under your Student visa

2. Are You Eligible to Switch?

To switch from Student Visa to Graduate Visa, you must have:

✔ Last had permission as a Student (NOT already on theGraduate or Doctorate Extension Scheme routes)

✔ Still in the UK with permission on a Student Visa

✔ Successfully completed an eligible qualification

3. Step-by-Step Process to Switch From Student to Graduate

Here is your full switching roadmap.

Step 1 — Successfully Complete Your Eligible Course

• Your course must lead to you being awarded a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK post graduate degree, or another equivalent level qualification, such as, postgraduate law courses or PGCEs.
• Your Student Sponsor (which must be a higher education provider with a track record of immigration compliance) must notify the Home Office by the date you apply, that you have successfully completed your course of Study.
• You must have studied for this course within the UK for either the full duration of the course if 12 months or less, or at least 12 months for longer courses.

Step 2 — Apply Online For a Graduate Visa

You apply from inside the UK. You will:

• Complete the Graduate application form
• Upload your documents
• Pay the visa fee
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Book your biometrics (if needed)
• Receive your eVisa

Step 3 — Continue Working Or Looking For Work on Your Student Visa Until Decision

While your Graduate Visa application is pending:

• You can continue working under your Student Visa conditions
• If you apply in time (before your Student visa expires), you may continue to have permission to stay in the UK while you await a decision under section 3C rules (provided the conditions apply).

Step 4 — Receive Your Decision

Processing times:

• Standard: usually within 8 weeks
• Priority (if available): faster, but not always guaranteed

Once approved:

• You switch to Graduate Visa which you can remain on for 2 years (3 for PhD's)

4. Common Mistakes When Switching From Student to Graduate Visa

These are the issues we see most frequently — and they can cause serious problems.

❌ Mistake #1: Applying after the expiry date of the Student Visa

This is a mistake you really need to avoid as you will have to leave the UK and are unable to apply for a Graduate visa. You would then have to apply directly for a skilled worker visa, this requires you to have a qualifying job offer. 

❌ Mistake #2: Not completing qualification before applying

Your Student Sponsor must notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your qualification before you can apply for a Graduate Visa.

❌ Mistake #3: Qualification at the wrong level

Only degree level and higher qualifications will be eligible for a Graduate Visa

❌ Mistake #4: Student Sponsor no longer licensed/with track record of compliance

Your Student Sponsor must still be licensed with the Home Office and have a good record of compliance with UK immigration rules.

5. How UKVisaTeam Helps You Switch Safely

We support you from start to finish.

✔ Validity and Eligibility check

We will check through all your documentary evidence, and complete your visa application form correctly for you – leaving you plenty of time to check before it needs to be submitted.

✔ Risk assessment

We identify and fix issues early to avoid refusals.

Immigration rules can change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. If you are unsure, consider seeking guidance from a regulated adviser.

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for a Graduate visa after my Student visa expires?

You must submit your Graduate visa application while your Student visa is still valid. If you apply in time, you can stay and work in the UK while you wait for a decision.

Q: Do I need my graduation certificate to apply?

No — you do not need the physical certificate, but your university must have confirmed to UKVI that you have successfully completed your course before you apply.

Q: Can I work while my Graduate visa application is pending?

Yes — once you have submitted a valid application before your Student visa expires, your leave continues while the Graduate visa is being decided, and you can work.

Q: Can my partner and children stay with me?

Yes — your partner and children can remain if they already have valid dependant permission when you make your application. New dependants typically cannot join on the Graduate visa.