Background and Policy Intent

The UK Graduate Visa (Graduate Route) was introduced in July 2021, allowing international students who have obtained a recognised qualification in the UK to remain in the country for a certain period after graduation to work or seek employment. The aim of this scheme is to attract and retain global talent, thereby promoting economic growth and strengthening the competitiveness of UK higher education. Graduates may stay in the UK for two years after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and for three years after completing a doctoral degree, without requiring employer sponsorship.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must have successfully completed a degree or an eligible qualification at a recognised UK higher education provider.
• Applicants must hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa at the time of application and must apply from within the UK.
• Applicants must not have previously been granted permission under the Graduate Route or the Doctorate Extension Scheme.
• Applicants must not fall for refusal on suitability grounds.
• This is an unsponsored route, so no job offers or Certificate of Sponsorship is required.

Work and Study Rights

Graduate Visa holders may work in any occupation and at any skill level, except as a professional sportsperson. Self-employment and voluntary work are permitted, and there are no restrictions on the number of hours or employers. Study is also permitted, except for courses or institutions requiring Student Route sponsorship. The visa is valid for two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, and three years for doctoral graduates.

Settlement (ILR) Provision

The Graduate Visa does not provide a direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Those wishing to settle in the UK must switch to a work-based visa such as the Skilled Worker route and meet the relevant requirements, including the necessary period of lawful residence.

Rules for Dependants

Dependants (partners or children) may only extend their stay on the Graduate Route if they were already granted leave as dependants under the main applicant’s Student or Tier 4 visa. New dependants are not permitted, except for children born in the UK during the period of Student or Graduate leave. In practice, only a small proportion of Graduate Visa holders have dependants, most of whom are partners or children, and the majority of partners are economically active.

Graduate Visa User Experience and Employment Status

User Motivations and Job Search Experience

According to the Graduate Route Evaluation published in May 2025, 44% of applicants were aware of the Graduate Route before coming to the UK, mainly via online searches or word of mouth. 69% stated they would not have remained in the UK if the Graduate Route did not exist. Work opportunities in the UK (85%) and gaining work experience (65%) were cited as the main reasons for staying.

Regarding job search, 75% found it challenging to secure employment, often due to employers’ reluctance to sponsor visas or hire graduates with limited experience. Many graduates plan their future stay in the UK based on the likelihood of switching to a sponsored work visa before their Graduate Visa expires.

Status and Economic Activity of Dependants

Only 2% of Graduate Visa holders had dependants, of whom 93% were partners and 50% were children. Among partners, 84% were economically active (69% full-time, 11% part-time, 4% self-employed). The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), in its 2024 rapid review, recommended retaining the Graduate Route in its current form and found no evidence of widespread abuse.

Since January 2024, restrictions on dependants have been implemented, which are expected to reduce the number of main applicants and dependants on the Graduate Route. The MAC highlighted the potential negative impact of further restrictions on higher education funding and the sector’s reliance on international student fees, urging the government to consider broader economic and educational effects in policy decisions.

Graduate Visa Trends and Policy Changes

Application and Employment Trends

According to the UK Government White Paper published on 12 May 2025, the number of graduates staying in the UK on the Graduate Route surged from under 100,000 in 2022 to approximately 250,000 in 2024, with 72% being main applicants. 62% of graduates started earning income within the first month of their visa, and 90% within six months.

Original Purpose and Actual Employment Outcomes

The White Paper highlights that the original intent of the Graduate Route was to facilitate entry into graduate-level (RQF 6 and above) occupations that contribute to the UK economy. However, in practice, fewer than one-third (about 30%) of visa holders are employed in professional occupations, while 31% are in administrative or secretarial roles (RQF 3 and below). The remainder are either in other roles or did not report their occupation.

Proposed Policy Reforms

The White Paper proposes to reduce the post-study stay period for most graduates from two years to 18 months (three years for PhDs will remain unchanged). The government is also considering introducing a levy on higher education provider income from international students, to be reinvested in the higher education and skills sector. The system will be further refined to ensure that graduates transition into professional roles and make a substantial economic contribution.

Support for HPI and Targeted Talent Migration

The government will continue to support and expand targeted migration routes for high-potential individuals, such as the High Potential Individual (HPI), Global Talent, and Innovator Founder routes. In particular, the number of qualifying institutions for the HPI route may be doubled, with a continued focus on individuals who can make a significant contribution to the UK workforce.

The UK Graduate Visa remains a flexible post-study work route for international graduates but is subject to ongoing review and tightening of rules. While the number of users and their economic activity has increased, the proportion entering professional roles remains low. Dependants are now strictly limited, and further restrictions such as shorter visa duration and a levy on international student fees are expected.

While the government maintains routes for highly skilled talent, the overall reform of the Graduate Route is expected to be announced by the end of 2025. Prospective applicants should closely monitor policy changes and long-term career and immigration objectives and seek professional advice where appropriate.

Should you require tailored guidance on your circumstances or further clarification regarding any aspect of the Graduate visa, please contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave a message.