Student Visa

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Publication date: 29.09.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I am planning to study in the UK for a master’s degree. Can I stay in the UK and apply for the Graduate visa after finishing my studies?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

22.09.2025 11:36:46 Yes, you can apply for a Graduate visa in the UK after completing your master's degree, provided you meet certain eligibility criteria. The Graduate visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for doctoral students) after successfully completing a degree at the undergraduate level or above at a recognized UK higher education provider. Here are some key points to consider: 1. **Eligibility**: To be eligible for the Graduate visa, you must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. Your institution needs to inform the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. 2. **Application Timing**: You must be in the UK when you apply for this visa and do so before your current Student visa expires. 3. **Work Opportunities**: The Graduate visa allows you to work in most jobs or look for work during your stay. There are no restrictions on employment under this visa category. 4. **Dependents**: If your dependents are already in the UK as your Student visa dependents, they can apply to extend their stay as dependents on your Graduate visa. 5. **Non-Extendable**: The Graduate visa is not extendable, but it may provide a pathway to other longer-term visas if you find suitable employment that meets specific criteria (such as the Skilled Worker Visa). 6. **Application Process**: You will need to pay an application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application process. It's important to check the latest guidance from the UK government or consult with an immigration advisor for detailed and up-to-date information regarding applying for a Graduate visa, as policies may change over time.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

22.09.2025 11:39:44 Yes, if you complete a master’s degree in the UK on a valid Student visa, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa without leaving the country. The Graduate visa allows you to remain in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification) after your studies. To qualify, your course must have been at a licensed student sponsor institution and you must have successfully completed the program for which your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was issued. You need to apply before your Student visa expires and while you are still in the UK. Importantly, the Graduate visa does not require a job offer or minimum salary threshold, and it allows you to work, be self-employed, or look for work. However, it is not extendable and does not lead directly to settlement, though time on this visa may help you prepare to switch into a Skilled Worker or other qualifying route.

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Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

22.09.2025 11:42:59 Yes, completing a master’s degree in the UK on a valid Student visa generally makes you eligible to apply for a Graduate visa from within the country. This route permits you to remain in the UK for 2 years after successfully finishing your course (or 3 years if you earn a PhD or other doctoral qualification). To qualify, your degree must be awarded by a licensed student sponsor and correspond to the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) under which your visa was granted. The application must be submitted before your Student visa expires, while you are still in the UK. The Graduate visa does not require a job offer, has no salary threshold, and allows you to work, seek employment, or be self-employed. However, it is not extendable and does not in itself lead to settlement, though it may serve as a stepping stone to switching into other immigration categories such as the Skilled Worker visa.

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Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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