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Graduate Visa Eligibility Checker

Last updated: April 2026

Visa And Course Details

Do you currently hold a UK Student visa (or Tier 4)?

How did you study?

Are you currently in the UK?

Have you previously held a Graduate visa?

✅ You appear to be eligible for the Graduate visa. You have 60 days to apply before your Student visa expires on 19 August 2026.

Conditions Checklist

1. Student visa status

You currently hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa.

2. Qualifying degree level

Your qualification is at an eligible level.

3. Studied in the UK

You meet the UK study presence requirement.

4. Not previously held Graduate visa

You have not previously held a Graduate visa.

5. Applying from within UK

You are applying from inside the UK.

6. Application before visa expiry

Your Student visa has not expired based on the date entered.

Visa duration2 years
Latest application date19 August 2026
Days to apply60 days

📋 To apply for the Graduate visa:

  1. Apply online via the UKVI website
  2. Pay the £700 application fee
  3. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/yr standard - use our IHS Calculator)
  4. Apply before your Student visa expires
  5. You cannot apply from outside the UK

About this calculator

The Graduate Visa Eligibility Checker helps international students understand whether they may meet the main timing and study requirements for the UK Graduate route. It is useful after course completion when planning work options, visa expiry dates, and application timing. The route has specific requirements around Student permission, qualification level, sponsor reporting, and applying from inside the UK.

Methodology

The checker compares course completion, current permission, qualification type, and application timing against the main Graduate route conditions.

  • Eligible timing = application before Student visa expiry and after successful course completion reporting

How to use the Graduate Visa Eligibility

  1. Enter the main value or details requested by the calculator.
  2. Check the unit, date, rate, or category selected before calculating.
  3. Review the result and any supporting breakdown shown on the page.
  4. Change one input at a time if you want to compare scenarios.
  5. Keep the result with the source record if you need to refer back to it later.

Worked example

Course completed

Input: Degree completed and Student visa still valid

Result: The calculator may indicate that timing looks suitable, subject to sponsor reporting and route rules.

Planning scenario

Input: A user enters the main details requested by the Graduate Visa Eligibility.

Calculation: Eligible timing = application before Student visa expiry and after successful course completion reporting

Result: The result gives an estimate that can be checked against source documents, official guidance, or the relevant record.

How to read the result

The Graduate Visa Eligibility is designed to make the method visible, not only to produce a final number. Read the result alongside the formula, the assumptions entered, and any supporting notes on the calculator page.

If the result affects money, eligibility, deadlines, health, study planning, or legal rights, keep a copy of the inputs used. That makes it easier to explain or update the estimate later.

Inputs worth checking

Dates and periods
Dates, billing periods, tax years, academic years, and deadline periods can change the result. Make sure the period entered matches the document or question you are checking.
Rates and thresholds
Where rates, thresholds, tariffs, or grade boundaries are involved, use the current source rather than an old note or rounded memory.
Rounding
Small differences are normal when a calculator rounds intermediate steps differently from a bill, statement, payslip, or official table.

Limitations

This calculator provides general information only and is not legal advice.

  • It cannot verify sponsor reporting or Home Office records.
  • Eligibility should be checked against current official guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply from outside the UK?

The Graduate route generally requires applying from inside the UK.

Does every course qualify?

No. Qualification level and sponsor reporting matter.

Can dependants apply?

Dependant rules are specific and should be checked for the current year.

What should I check before relying on the Graduate Visa Eligibility?

Check the inputs against the source document or real-world record that controls the calculation. For rules-based topics, also check the latest official guidance because thresholds and definitions can change.

Can I use the result as a final decision?

Use the result as an educational estimate and planning aid. It should not replace professional advice, official decisions, lender quotes, medical guidance, legal advice, or tax advice where those apply.

Related calculators

  • Student Visa Maintenance Calculator
  • Skilled Worker Salary Threshold Calculator
  • UK Visa Fee Calculator
  • Immigration Health Surcharge Calculator

What is the Graduate visa?

The Graduate visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have completed a qualifying UK degree to live and work in the UK for 2 years, or 3 years for PhD graduates. There is no requirement to have a job offer. You can work in any job at any salary level, switch jobs freely, and work for yourself.

Which degrees qualify?

You must have completed a bachelor's degree, master's degree, PhD, foundation degree of at least 2 years, or another postgraduate qualification at RQF Level 7 or above at a UK-licensed student sponsor. Qualifications below bachelor's level do not qualify. The degree must have been studied primarily in the UK. Distance learning does not count.

When must I apply?

You must apply for the Graduate visa before your Student visa expires. You cannot apply from outside the UK. If your Student visa is expiring soon, apply as early as possible. There is no benefit to waiting. You can apply as soon as your university confirms your degree completion.

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from the Graduate visa?

Yes. The Graduate visa is commonly used as a bridge to a Skilled Worker visa. While on the Graduate visa, you can work for any employer and look for a job that meets the Skilled Worker criteria. Once you have a qualifying job offer, your employer can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa and you can switch without leaving the UK.

Is the Graduate visa being scrapped?

As of April 2026, the Graduate visa remains open. The Migration Advisory Committee reviewed the route in 2024 and recommended it stay open, finding no significant evidence of abuse. However, immigration policy can change, so always check the current rules on GOV.UK before applying.

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