Two years of work rights after your UK degree, no employer sponsorship needed. Eligibility, costs, application steps, and what you can actually do on it.
What is the Graduate Route?
The Graduate Route allows international students who have completed a degree at a licensed UK university to stay in the UK and work for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without needing employer sponsorship.
Who Qualifies?
- You completed a degree (undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD) at a UK university with a Student visa
- Your university must have been on the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors at the time of your application
- You must apply from inside the UK
- Application fee: GBP 822
- Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035 per year (GBP 2,070 for 2 years)
What Can You Do on the Graduate Route?
Almost anything. You can work in any job, switch employers freely, do multiple jobs simultaneously, and study. The one restriction is you cannot extend this visa. After 2 years you need to switch to another route such as Skilled Worker.
Costs in 2025
How to Apply
You apply online on the UKVI website. You need to apply before your student visa expires. Processing is typically 8 weeks.
Transitioning to Skilled Worker
The Graduate Route is your window to find a Skilled Worker visa sponsor. Use the 2 years strategically: build UK work experience, find a sponsor employer, and switch before your Graduate Route expires.
Ready to start your application?
Book a free consultation with Saurabh Dey and get a personalised plan built around your actual profile.