Staying to work after your UK degree.

What the official guidance says.

• You must be in the UK on a Student visa, have completed an eligible UK course for the minimum period, and your education provider must have reported your successful completion to the Home Office.
• GOV.UK says the visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. Holders of a PhD or other doctoral qualification get 3 years. Check for later changes.
• You can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, and do unpaid voluntary work for approved organisations. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
• You cannot claim most public funds or the State Pension.
• Eligible partners and children can apply to stay too.
• The visa cannot be extended. You may be able to switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.

What usually decides the outcome.

• The date your course ends and when your provider will report completion.
• When you intend to apply, given the change in length from January 2027.
• What you intend to switch into before the Graduate visa ends.

How we can help.

Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.

• Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
• Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
• Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
• Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
• Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
• Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.

Before you contact us

• Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
• Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
• Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.

Common questions.

Sources.

• GOV.UK: Graduate visa (opens in a new tab)

Related information.