Have you recently completed your undergraduate studies and now thinking of studying for a postgraduate degree in the UK?
You may need to apply for a Graduate visa which will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing your postgraduate course. If you are studying for a PhD or other doctoral qualification, your stay will be extended to 3 years after your course completion.
In our video Lina Kamenskikh, a Paralegal in Gherson’s immigration team, talks through the Graduate visa option.
Your eligibility for a Graduate Visa will depend on whether you are currently in the UK, hold a Student visa from your previous studies, and have successfully completed your UK undergraduate degree. You will also need to make sure that the university where you studied for your undergraduate degree has notified the Home Office that you successfully completed the course.
Unfortunately, a Graduate Visa cannot be extended; however, you may switch to a different type of visa depending on your circumstances, such as a Skilled Worker Visa.
Permitted and restricted activities for Graduates
Once you hold a Graduate visa you will be able to work in most jobs, including being self-employed, and travel to and from the UK. In addition, if your partner and children have previously joined you on your current Student Visa, they can continue living with you under your new Graduate visa. However, please be aware that you cannot claim most benefits, such as public funds, or work as a professional sportsperson.
Application process
If you are looking to make an application you can do so online. You need to apply before your current Student Visa expires. Usually, you can make an application as soon as your university has notified you that you successfully completed your course. This means that you can apply for a Graduate visa before you attend your graduation, and before you receive an official certificate. The usual timeframe for this type of application is 8 weeks from the date of your online application. The date when your application is approved is the date your visa starts.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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