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After completing my studies in the UK, can I apply for a Graduate Visa, how long does it last, and can it later be switched to a work or partner visa?

After completing my studies in the UK, can I apply for a Graduate Visa, how long does it last, and can it later be switched to a work or partner visa?

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Publication date: 14.01.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “After completing my studies in the UK, can I apply for a Graduate Visa, how long does it last, and can it later be switched to a work or partner visa?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

07.01.2026 11:54:01 From a legal perspective under UK immigration rules, yes, you can apply for a Graduate visa after successfully completing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree at a UK higher education provider while on a Student visa. The visa typically lasts for 2 years if you completed a bachelor's or master's degree, or 3 years for a PhD. It cannot be extended, but you may be able to switch to other routes such as a Skilled Worker visa (for work) or a Partner visa if you meet the eligibility requirements for those categories.

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Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

07.01.2026 11:54:02 Yes, you can apply for a Graduate Visa after completing your studies in the UK, provided you meet certain criteria. The Graduate Visa typically lasts for 2 years for most graduates (3 years for PhD graduates). After this period, it is possible to switch to a work visa (such as the Skilled Worker Visa) or a partner visa, depending on your circumstances and eligibility under those visa categories.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

07.01.2026 12:12:20 Yes, after successfully completing an eligible course in the UK, you may apply for a Graduate Visa, provided your education provider has confirmed completion to the Home Office and you hold a valid Student visa at the time of application. The Graduate Visa is granted for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD or doctoral graduates) and cannot be extended. It allows you to live and work in the UK without restrictions on employer, role, or salary level, and you may also be self-employed. While the Graduate Visa does not lead directly to settlement, it can be switched from within the UK to other immigration routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet sponsorship and salary requirements, or to a partner/family visa if you later form a qualifying relationship with a British citizen or settled person. Strategic planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition to a long-term route.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

07.01.2026 12:16:53 Graduates who have completed an approved UK degree may apply for a Graduate Visa from inside the UK once their university has formally reported course completion. This visa is issued for a fixed period of 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral qualifications, and offers broad permission to work, change jobs, or engage in self-employment without sponsorship. However, it is a temporary immigration route and does not count towards indefinite leave to remain. Importantly, during its validity, holders may switch to other visa categories, including a Skilled Worker visa if a licensed employer offers sponsorship, or a partner visa if they meet relationship, financial, and accommodation requirements. Timing and compliance with immigration rules are critical, as overstaying or late switching can negatively affect future applications.

PREMIUM 2.85

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

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