Graduate Visas in UK moving on from a student visa: Basic requirements
- mgibson66
- Sep 27, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2024
Graduate Visa under UK General Guidance: Basics You Need to Know
In reading this guide in full to the end you with have a basic understanding of the application requirements relating to staying on under Graduate UK Visa.
If you believe your application requirements are more complex and need help.
Post Graduate Visa UK Route (Previously PSW):
You can only apply for a graduate visas in UK once you complete your Bachelor degree or above. You must be in the UK on a Student immigrant visa or a Tier 4 General visa. All Students who complete their studies are eligible to apply and continue to stay on in the UK under Graduate visas for at least 2 years after you have successfully completed your course of study under a student visa.
You can only obtain a graduate visas from within the UK and you must demonstrate the following applies to your circumstances:
In the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 General visa
You must have completed a UK bachelor's, postgraduate or other eligible degree course that meets the minimum period of study (full length of the course is generally completed in 12 months or longer)
Course of study was provided by UKVI approved licensed sponsor
You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 General visa expires
To apply on your behalf for this visa you need to meet the core application requirements indicated below. If you'd prefer to speak to our student visa lawyer about your post graduate visa application needs complete our contact form using the button.
The eligibility requirements:
In the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 General visa
You must have completed a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course that meets the minimum period of study (full length of the course is generally completed in 12 months or longer)
Course of study was provided by UKVI approved licensed sponsor
You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 General visa expires
What you need to demonstrate:
You have completed your course of study and will graduate
You hold leave to remain as a student and it hasn't expired
You were sponsored by an approved UKVI licensed educational sponsor
Confirm your previous Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
If you were sponsored by someone / organisation to support you in the UK whilst doing your studies a letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider confirming approval of your student study, if they paid for your course fees or living costs in the last 12 months
Your course of study:
You must have completed any of the following:
a UK bachelor’s degree
a UK master’s degree
a UK PhD or doctorate
You can also apply if you completed one of these:
a 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 Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
a foundation programme in medicine or dentistry
a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
You may also be able to apply if passing your course made you eligible for a job that’s regulated by UK law or a UK public authority. Your education provider can tell you if your course is eligible.
The financial requirements:
There isn't a specific amount of financial support you must demonstrate other than you can live within your means. The amount of financial support you will need will depend on couple of factors such as:
If you entered the UK with any dependents on a student visa
how much you spend on daily expenses & living expenses
Things you can do:
You can work in the UK over the period of your leave
you can look for work & switch into Skilled sponsorship route
be self-employed
continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible and here
do voluntary work
travel abroad and return to the UK
Things you cant do:
Bring overseas dependents into the UK
apply for social benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
work as a professional sportsperson
Enrol on a course of study that's eligible under your current route
How long you can stay:
You will be awarded a 24 month visa to remain in the UK.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general purposes only relating to Immigration visa application procedures and these rules change regularly. I highly recommended you contact me directly for more in-depth advice and assistance. All enquiries receive a free initial application assessment to clarify how you meet the general application requirements of the above application route.
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