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Applying for a visa to come to the UK for doctoral research

The rules about applying for UK visas can change, so you will need to check carefully before you apply. UKCISA – the UK Council for International Student Affairs and EURAXESS UK provide good information about visa issues.

You should only apply for a visa once you have received and accepted an offer from one recognised UK higher education institution, because a visa will only be issued if that institution has provided a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’. The visa will be specific to that institution (your ‘Sponsor’) and programme of study. You will also need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself during the doctoral programme.

If you are applying via an agent or an educational adviser that works with the institution you are interested in, they will be able to advise you about this. Alternatively, the institutions’ International Office will also be able to help you.

The visa permits somebody undertaking a doctoral programme to bring their partner and dependants (children) with them into the UK for the period of the programme.

There are also arrangements available so that you can apply for the ‘Doctorate Extension Scheme’ to stay in the UK for 12 months after your programme has ended, i.e. if you need more time to write up. Once you have successfully completed your programme, you can potentially use the remainder of those 12 months to gain further work experience. Limits on part-time working

• Whether you can undertake part-time work may depend on your doctoral programme, as some funding programmes limit this
• Current regulations of the Tier 4 visa allow you to work for up to 20 hours per week during your programme, and also to undertake a work placement/internship if this is a formal part of your programme. If you do not need a visa, these restrictions do not apply.

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A Guide to the Graduate Route

The Graduate Route is a post-study work visa that will allow you to stay in the UK to work or look for work for 2 years after your degree has been awarded, or 3 years, if you have been awarded a Doctoral (PhD) qualification.

7 steps to success

You must not make your application before steps 1-4 are complete, or your application could be refused..

You must check that: 

You meet all of the eligibility criteria (see below) 

Your student record is fully up-to-date*, including:

your current Student/Tier 4 visa

*Note that Step 3 cannot be completed without this information 

​​​​​ Step 2

Your degree is awarded and is confirmed on your EUCLID student record (your student record will say ‘successfully completed an award’). 

If you are a research student, you will not successfully complete your award until you have done your viva and any required corrections have been approved.

The Student Immigration Service runs a report to UKVI to tell them that your degree has been awarded and that you qualify for the Graduate Route.  Please note that your eligibility will typically be reported within 2 weeks of your award being published on your student record, but this can vary.

The Student Immigration Service sends you an email to your student and personal email accounts confirming that we have made the report and reminding you what your CAS number is. If you think you should have received this email, but have not yet received it, please  contact us . 

Read our guide to applying for the Graduate Route visa:

You complete the online visa application, pay the application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee. If you have a valid EU, EEA or Swiss passport, or hold a valid BRP, you will be able to apply using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. 

Apply for the Graduate route

You will need to prove your identity as part of the application process. If you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will be directed to scan either your passport, your BRP or both. 

If you are unable to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you’ll be asked to get your fingerprints and photograph taken at a  UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)  service point instead. 

You wait in the UK* for a decision about your application and, if you are a  visa nationa l, for your BRP to be delivered 

*if you leave the UK before you receive a decision, your application will be deemed withdrawn and you may lose the opportunity to get a Graduate Route visa. If you leave the UK before you get your BRP (where applicable), you will need to apply for a replacement vignette before you can return to the UK.

Things you must do to ensure your application is successful

Do not apply for the Graduate Route until after you receive a confirmation email from the University containing your CAS 

 Ensure that your Student Record is up-to-date with your current visa and address 

Apply before your Tier 4/Student visa expires 

Qualifying for the Graduate Route (eligibility criteria)

Validity requirements.

You must have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa 

You must make your application in the UK prior to the expiry of your Tier 4/Student visa* 

If you have, in the 12 months prior to your application, completed a programme for which you been awarded/received a full scholarship or sponsorship by specifically a Government or International Scholarship Agency, covering both tuition fees and living costs, (for example a Chevening or Marshall scholarship), you must provide a letter of consent from the scholarship provider. 

You must not have previously been granted a visa under the Graduate Route or the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) 

*Covid-19 - If your Tier 4/Student visa expired, but you were granted Exceptional Assurance, which is still valid, you may still be able to apply for the Graduate Route.  Contact us for advice . 

Qualification requirement

You must have been awarded a UK*  bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, or one of the following: 

A diploma in Professional Legal Practice 

A PGCE or a PGDE 

Other professional courses requiring study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above in a profession with reserved activities that are regulated by UK law or UK public authority. Professional roles that have reserved activities include (but are not limited to) medical doctors, architects, lawyers, teachers, and nurses. 

You must have gained your qualification during the validity of your most recent Tier 4/Student visa (you cannot use a course that you completed before starting your most recent degree programme) 

*Please note, if you have studied at the University of Edinburgh as a visiting student and your degree qualification has or will be awarded by an overseas institution, you will not be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route. 

Study in the UK requirements

Requirement 1: You must spend a minimum amount of time physically present in the UK during your studies to qualify for the Graduate Route. 

Requirement 2: You must hold a valid Tier 4/Student visa for the duration of the qualifying period in the UK 

The minimum time you must spend depends on the length of your programme of studies:

 *(This does not include holidays taken outside of term time). 

Exceptions 

Any period of distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 27 September 2021, or remote study outside the UK up to 30 June 2022, as part of a course of study lasting longer than 12 months whilst you held permission as a Tier4/Student visa holder, will not prevent you from meeting the study in the UK  requirement  

• Time spent on permitted study abroad programmes: this is defined as a part of your programme which is completed at a partner institution, such as a University or research institute, outside the UK. The study abroad programme must be an integral and assessed part of the course which you have already started studying in the UK. An example of a permitted study abroad programme is a mandatory student exchange year.

Absences from the UK

There are a number of issues that you need to consider when leaving campus during term time – not just your eligibility for the Graduate Route:

• The University’s study regulations require you to be on campus during term time. You may apply for a Leave of Absence if you will be away for more than 30 days, but this can only be granted if you need the leave of absence for study purposes (such as data collection or a course-related work placement), and you continue to engage in your studies. You can ask your School if you wish to have an absence of 30 days or less, but it will be dependant on whether it is academically appropriate. You cannot miss any on campus engagement points.
• Your Student visa is granted to allow you to study in the UK. You are expected to carry out your studies on campus, and the UKVI’s expectation is that, if you don’t need to be in the UK, you don’t need a visa. We tell the UKVI that students need to be on campus to access the library and other facilities, even if they do not have classes. It is important, therefore, that you continue your studies in Edinburgh. However, whilst you should be based in the UK during term-time, there may be extenuating circumstances that require you to travel overseas for a short-period and for personal reasons, during which you would generally be absent from your studies.  For example, if you must return home for 1 to 2 weeks because of a family emergency.  If your absence is for a short period and you have informed your School, this should not impact your student visa.
• The Graduate Route rules currently state that, to qualify, you must be in the UK for all term time periods of your course, including the dissertation module. At present, this means that you must be in Edinburgh at all times except official vacation periods and weekends (Masters’ students do not have a summer vacation).

We recognise that the current rules about travel and the Graduate Route are unreasonably restrictive and we are working with UKCISA and  UKVI to make them more realistic.  However, we do not yet know what the changes will look like, and cannot confirm at this time whether your absence would exclude you from the Graduate Route.   W e understand from verbal discussions with UKVI that short absences are unlikely to affect Graduate Route eligibility as long as you remain fully engaged with your studies.  However, we cannot advise exactly how this works in practice until UKVI have published guidance which explains this.  We will update this webpage as soon as we receive any new information from UKVI on this issue.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You will need your CAS number to be able to apply for the Graduate Route. The University will tell you your CAS number when they confirm (by email) that they have reported your award to the UKVI. 

You must have completed the same qualification that is stated on your CAS, unless you changed your programme as permitted by your Tier 4/Student visa. Find more information about what is permitted on our  website . 

Conditions of the Graduate Route 

What you can and can't do.

You are permitted to: 

Work in any profession, at any level, for any employer (including self-employment and voluntary work) EXCEPT work as a professional sportsperson 

Study on short or recreational courses  

You must not: 

Access  public funds  

Study with a Student sponsor on a course which would meet the requirements of the  Student visa route    

What you need to know

Things to look out for before and after applying.

If you have completed your course you can work full time until your student visa expires, but it must not be in a permanent role, unless you meet all of the below:

You submitted the visa application for your Student visa on or after 6 April 2022; and

You submit your Graduate visa application in-time before your Student visa expires; and

You submit your Graduate visa application after you successfully completed your course (i.e after you receive notification that the University has reported this to UKVI)

If all of the above applies to you, you can start a permanent full-time role whilst your Graduate visa application is pending

If you start a business while you have a Graduate Route visa, you will no longer qualify for the  Start-Up visa  

If your current Tier 4/Student visa will expire before your award is confirmed, you will need to  extend your Student visa  before you can apply for the Graduate Route. You can only extend your Student visa if you have not yet completed your studies. It is important that you seek advice about this as soon as you are aware.  Contact Us  

Your Graduate Route visa will be valid for 2 years from the date that your visa application is decided (which is normally about 8 weeks after you make your application). You should think carefully about when you should make your application. For example, many graduate work programmes start in September and last for 2 years, so you should plan to make your application around 8 weeks before the start of the programme.  

However, there is no guarantee of exact dates when your visa will start and finish. 

Frequently asked questions

Can i travel during my studies.

If you are on a programme of 12 months or more, travel should not affect your eligibility. If you are on a course of 12 months or less, then you must be on campus during term-time. This means you should only travel during your vacation periods. Masters students do not have a summer vacation, as you are expected to be working full time on your dissertation. As the rules stand, if you choose to travel during term time, we cannot guarantee whether this will have an impact on your Graduate Route eligibility.

Can I travel after my studies?

The period of time between your programme end date, and your current student visa end date, is known as your 'wrap up period'. Travelling during your wrap-up period should not affect your Graduate Route visa. However, you must be in the UK to make your Graduate Route visa application, and once submitted, you must remain in the UK until you receive a decision from UKVI.

Can I finish my dissertation in my home country?

You are expected to carry out your studies on campus, and the UKVI’s expectation is that, if you don’t need to be in the UK, you don’t need a visa. We tell the UKVI that students need to be on campus to access the library and other facilities, even if they do not have classes. It is important, therefore, that you continue your studies in Edinburgh. If you choose to go home for your dissertation period, we would withdraw sponsorship of your student visa and you would no longer be eligible for the Graduate Route visa.

Can I work/will working affect my Graduate Route eligibility?

As a student visa holder, during your studies you will typically have a work restriction of 20 hours per week. Working within this should not affect your eligibility. The time between your programme end date and your visa expiry date is known as your ‘wrap-up period’. During this time, students who have a standard work condition (limiting your work to up to 20 hours per week) are allowed to work full time on a fixed term basis. Please note, you cannot sign a full-time, permanent contract during this time. More information can be found here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/immigration/at-the-end-of-your-studies

I’ve applied for the Graduate Route visa, can I stay in the UK?

If you have submitted and paid for your Graduate Route visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, before the end date of your current student visa, then you can stay and work in the UK. You can remain, even if your student visa expires, until you receive a decision from UKVI. Please note, it is important that you do not travel outside of the UK while you are waiting for a decision, as this can negatively impact your application.

I’ve applied for the Graduate Route Visa, but haven’t heard back, can you help?

Unfortunately, we are not able to influence how quickly UKVI make a decision on your application.  As we do not sponsor this visa, we would not contact UKVI on your behalf.   You can read more about visa processing times on the UKVI website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-inside-the-uk

How much does it cost to apply? 

To apply, you need to pay for the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge. As of February 2024, the application fee is £822 and immigration health surcharge is £1,035 per year of the visa. 

Further information

UKCISA guidance on the Graduate Route

Graduate Route

Graduate Route information session 

The UKCISA webinar on the new Graduate Route is now live on their website. The webinar covers eligibility, applications and work options under the Graduate Route, followed by a Q&A.  

You can view the recording of the webinar at this link. What is the Graduate route visa?

Am I eligible for the Graduate Route? 

• How do I apply for the Graduate route?

Can my family members apply with me?

• When do I have to return to the UK if I want to apply for the Graduate route in 2022 or beyond? 
• When is my course completion reported to UKVI ?

I have deferred my dissertation; will I still be eligible for the Graduate visa?

• When can I start working on the Graduate route visa? 
• Can I study on the Graduate route visa? 

What is the Gradute route visa?

The Graduate route is a visa available to international students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a UCL and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application. The Graduate Route has replaced the Doctorate Extension Scheme visa. 

Most successful applicants will be eligible for a two-year visa, however  PhD graduates will be eligible for a three-year visa.

To meet the requirements of the Graduate route students will need to:

• have successfully completed an eligible course at UCL
• apply after UCL has reported your course completion to the Home Office (you will receive an email from UCL when this is reported)
• have a valid Student or Tier 4 visa at the time of application
• only apply for this visa inside the UK
• have held had a Student/Tier 4 Visa for at least 12 months if studying a course longer than 12 months or for the full duration of your course if the course is 12 months or less. ( please see exceptions below for those graduating in 2021 )

If, in the last 12 months before the date of your application, you have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a Government or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, you must provide written consent to the application from that Government or agency.

If you are currently sponsored on the Doctorate Extension Scheme you will not be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route.  

  How do I apply for the Graduate route?

You must not apply until UCL has reported your course completion to UKVI.   When UCL reports your course completion to UKVI, you will receive an email from UCL confirming this. You must not apply for the Graduate Route until you receive this email, as applying too early may result in a refusal. 

The Graduate route will require a new visa application, which will only be possible from inside the UK. It will include the payment of a visa fee of £822 and the Immigration Health Surcharge at the full rate of £776 per year.

Students will also need to know the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) they used for their most recent Student (or Tier 4) application in order to apply for the Graduate route. Details of your CAS can be found on your Portico account.  

The Graduate Route application form has been designed to be straightforward and simple. You can find further information on how to apply using the IDV app and what kind of status you will recieve once your application is approved at  pages 4 - 6 of this guidance document . 

Further information about the new visa route can also be found on the  Home Office website . 

As part of the scheme UCL is required to report to UKVI that students have been awarded their degree. Once UCL has done this will you be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route. Our team will be contacting all students via email to notify them once we have reported this to UKVI. You have up until the expiry of your current Tier 4/Student Visa to submit your Graduate Route application.

Dependent family members will be permitted on the Graduate route, provided those family members are in the UK and they hold a valid permission as dependants of the main applicant on the Student/Tier 4 route. New dependants will not be permitted, except where a dependent child was born in the UK during a period of Student or Graduate permission.

Your dependant partner will need to provide evidence to show that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. For example, at least 6 different documents from different sources demonstrating that you have lived together at the same address since your last visa was issued.

When do I have to return to the UK if I want to apply for the Graduate route in 2022 and beyond?  

Students who began a course of 12 months or less in 2020 or 2021 who have already applied for their student visa and travelled to the UK on that visa , will be able to apply for the Graduate Route visa if they re-enter the UK before the end date of their visa.

If your course started at any time, and  is longer than 12 months in duration ,  any time that you spend outside the UK distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2022  will not prevent you meeting the Graduate route  eligibility  requirements.  In these circumstances, you must return to the UK and apply for the Graduate route before your Student visa/Tier 4 visa expires.   For example , you are an undergraduate student with a Tier 4/Student visa who entered the UK to start their programme in September 2019.  You then spent time outside the UK distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2022 and intend to successfully complete your course in June 2022.  To be eligible for the Graduate route, you must return to the UK and submit your application before your Student visa/Tier 4 visa expires. 

If you hold a visa type other than  a Student/Tier4 visa and you have been studying via distance learning overseas from the beginning of your programme, you will need to apply for a Student Visa from overseas before returning to the UK to be eligible for the Graduate Route in 2021.

If you hold a visa type other than a Student/Tier4 visa and you have been studying from inside the UK either in person or via distance learning, in most cases you will need to complete 12 months of study on a Student visa to be eligible for the Graduate Route scheme.

To contact the Student Immigration Advice Team, please  open an enquiry via askUCL . 

When is my course completion reported to UKVI?

We are only be able to submit a notification to UKVI that you have been awarded your degree once your marks have been ratified by UCL’s Exam Boards and noted on our systems. UCL will therefore be running regular reports to ensure that your award is picked up and reported as quickly as possible but please see below for the expected timings of our reports to UKVI for the coming year:

• For Undergraduate students, we expect to start submitting these notifications from mid-July.
• For Undergraduate students who are required to submit work during the late summer assessment period, we expect to start submitting these notifications in mid-September.
• For Postgraduate Taught programmes with a June end date we expect to start submitting these notifications from mid-July.
• For students enrolled on a PGCE or LLM programme, we expect to start submitting these notifications from mid-August.
• For all other Postgraduate Taught students we expect to be able to start submitting these notifications from early December.   
• Postgraduate Research students are awarded their degree on the 28 th of each month . We expect to submit a notification of award to UKVI within 7 working days of the award being noted on the system.

UCL is not able to provide further Student visa sponsorship to those who have deferred their dissertation.  If you have used your visa wrap-up period for repeats or deferrals, it is likely that your Student visa will expire before the Exam Board meets to confer your award. 

If your academic department is able to confer your award before your Student visa expires, we can report your eligibility for the Graduate visa on this basis.  However please note this is a decision for your academic department and may not be possible.

If you are not eligible to apply for the Graduate visa, there are other post-study work visa routes available . 

When can I start working on the Graduate route visa?

You made your most recent Student application before 6 April 2022 You must wait for a decision on your Graduate application before you can start:

• a permanent full-time job
• self-employment
• work as an entertainer.

You made your Student application on or after 6 April 2022 You can start a full-time permanent job after making your Graduate route application. But you must wait for a decision before you start self-employment or work as an entertainer.

You must not work as a professional sportsperson with Graduate permission. The date on which you applied for Student or Graduate permission makes no difference.

Can I study on the Graduate route visa?

The rules  state that you cannot study any course which could in theory be sponsored under the Student route .  

Examples of permitted study would therefore include:

• Part-time undergraduate course
• English language courses
• Some professional courses
• Online study
• Evening classes
• Recreational courses

If you are unsure whether you can study a specific course under the Graduate route, please contact the Student Immigration Compliance Team on askUCL . 

Further information about the new visa route can be found on the  Home Office website  and the UKCISA website . 

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Graduate visa.

The Graduate Visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for 2 years after successfully completing your MSc course in the UK with us and for 3 years after successfully completing your PhD or DrPH course with us.

The Graduate visa cannot be extended. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a  Skilled Worker visa  .

Please visit  The Graduate immigration route   for further details

Eligibility

You can apply for a Graduate visa if all the following are true:

• you are in the UK
• your current visa is a student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• you studied an eligible course for a minimum period of time with your student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• you have successfully completed that course

Getting a decision

Once you have applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.

You can stay in the UK while you wait for a decision.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

The UKVI is now accepting the Graduate visa applications, the application must only be submitted from within the UK once you have successfully completed the eligible course your most recent CAS was issued for. Please note you can only submit the application from within the UK if your current visa is a student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You must apply online .

Your partner and children can also apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

Students will also need to know the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) they used for their most recent Student (or Tier 4) application in order to apply for the Graduate route.

Contact the Student Visa Team at [email protected] to check when you can apply, please do not apply until you have contacted us.

When you apply for a Graduate visa, you will need to:

• pay the application fee - this is usually £700
• pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £624 for each year you will be in the UK

Check how much it will cost .

Yes, you will need to apply for a separate Graduate Route visa  before  your Student Visa (Tier 4) expires. As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity and provide your documents. Your application may take longer if you need an appointment to do this. You will find out if you need one when you start your application.

Yes, the Graduate Route will replace the Doctorate Extension Scheme for PhD students who graduate from summer 2021. This is good news for PhD/DrPH visa holders as the new option provides a much more generous post-study work period (three years rather than one) and a simpler application process.

The Graduate Route will be available to students on Student Visa. EU and EEA students arriving in the UK to study from  1 January 2021  or after will require a visa. The Graduate Route will therefore be available to EU and EEA students as well as other international students on a Student Visa (Tier 4).

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021 for most people. You can still apply if either:

• you have a later deadline - for example, you’re joining a family member in the UK
• you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for being unable to apply by 30 June 2021 - for example, you had an illness or were the victim of domestic abuse

Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme .

You don't need to be in work to qualify for the Graduate Route and periods of unemployment won't have any impact on the length of your post-study work visa.

The Graduate visa cannot be extended, at the end of the  two-year period  after a master's or  three-year period  after a PhD/DrPH degree, you will need to leave the UK or apply for a different visa, such as a Tier 2 General work visa. The Tier 2 visa requires you to have an employment offer with a minimum skill and salary level, but your time on the Graduate Route should make it much easier to work towards this.

The Graduate route will require a new visa application, which will only be possible from inside the UK.

You must apply online

With a Graduate visa you can:

• work in most jobs
• look for work
• be self-employed
• continue living in the UK with your partner and children if they’re eligible
• do voluntary work
• travel abroad and return to the UK

If your application is successful, you will get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa.

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits ( public funds ), or the State Pension
• work as a professional sportsperson

You can only study with a Graduate visa if your chosen course is  not eligible for a Student visa .

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

• a valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality
• your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa

Your CAS reference number was sent to you by us to apply for the Tier 4 / student visa. If you cannot find it, please contact us at [email protected]

Other documents you might need

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:

• proof of your relationship with  your partner and children  if they’re applying with you
• a letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid for your course fees or living costs in the last 12 months

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a  certified translation .

As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity.

If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you usually do this by scanning your passport with the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.

If you are not from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you usually do this by scanning your biometric residence permit (BRP).

You will need to sign into an existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account or create a new one.

If you cannot scan your passport or BRP with the app, you will be asked to get your fingerprints and photograph taken at a  UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)  service point.

You will be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment, the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application.

Individuals applying to the Graduate route will not need a sponsor. Student sponsors will not need to fulfil any sponsorship duties for their students once they switch onto the Graduate route and students will not need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply under this route. However, students sponsors will need to notify the Home Office that a student has successfully completed their course.

The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to apply to work routes, including the Skilled Worker, which is a route to settlement.

Stay in the UK after you graduate

Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after graduation. Below, we detail the UK government's Graduate Route visa and the Skilled Worker route specifically.

However, we recommend you do your research on the GOV.UK website to work out which visa best suits your current situation. There are lots of other options available, including short-term and long-term visas, and visas for specific types of employment, such as for healthcare workers.

What is the Graduate Route?

The UK’s Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.

This is a fantastic opportunity for international students who want to take their next steps into employment in the UK.

What are the benefits of the Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route is unsponsored, meaning you can use the time after you graduate to work, or look for work, at any skill level. You will have the flexibility to gain work experience, undertake an internship or work as a freelancer in the UK.

There is no minimum salary requirement, and there is no limit on how many international students can have the opportunity to stay in the UK through the Graduate Route. Additionally, you are not tied to a specific job or employer and you can have multiple jobs at any skill level and can switch jobs during the course of the visa.

Once you have found suitable employment in the UK, you’ll have the chance to switch to a skilled work route and remain in the UK after your two or three years have come to an end.

'I decided to apply for the Graduate Route because I didn't need to have an employer sponsor my visa. This meant that although I was offered a job, which was part-time, I was still able to stay and work in the UK without any issues. The Graduate Route enabled me to build up experience in the UK and has acted as a stepping stone for my future success in the actuarial field.'

Lan, from China, studied Applied Actuarial Science at the University of Kent and graduated in 2022. Thanks to the Graduate Route, she lives and works in the UK.

How much does the Graduate Route cost?

Before applying for the Graduate Route visa, you should know the costs up-front. There is a one-off application fee of £822 , and you must also pay the full amount for the Immigration Health Surcharge . As of 6 February 2024, this will cost you £1035 annually.

Learn more about the Graduate Route

Learn more about the Graduate Route on GOV.UK and visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for additional guidance on the Graduate Route, including where, when and how to apply, requirements and conditions, FAQs and more. Additionally, you can view the UK government's Graduate Route guide for further information.

It is worth being aware that if you impress your employer while working on the Graduate Route visa, your employer can switch you onto the Skilled Worker route if the requirements are met. But note: you cannot switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Graduate Route visa.

What is the Skilled Worker route?

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay in the UK with an approved employer and eligible job. You must fulfil specific requirements to apply for this type of visa - including having a job offer with a minimum salary of at least £20,960, at least £10.75 per hour, or the 'going rate' for the type of work you'll be doing, whatever is higher. Additionally, your job needs to meet the minimum levels of skill requirements. The UK government provides a list of eligible jobs* on their website that meets this requirement.

Visit the UKCISA website for additional guidance on the Skilled Worker route, including where, when and how to apply, requirements and conditions, FAQs and more.

*The list of eligible jobs is in the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations. Table 1 includes most eligible jobs, with separate tables for some jobs in health and education.

How much does the Skilled Worker route cost?

In short, it depends, but employers will always incur costs when hiring a graduate on the Skilled Worker route. The standard fee ranges from £719 to £1,500, depending on your circumstances, for example, where the graduate is applying, the type of visa they are switching from, the employer's size, and whether the employer already has a sponsor license.

It is common for employers, especially larger organisations, to pay the cost of the fee. However, it is not a given, so if you are offered a job and want to go down this route, make sure to discuss this up-front with your employer.

Get more advice on working in the UK after you complete your studies

For advice on working in the UK after you complete your studies, read our 'international students guide to working in the UK after you graduate' and visit the UKCISA website .

Stay and work in the UK on a Graduate Route visa

The Graduate Route means that you can stay in the UK and explore your employment options without needing an employer to sponsor your visa.

Explore other UK visa options

Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after they finish their studies. Do your research and work out which visa best suits your current situation.

Hear individual Graduate Route stories

'the graduate route was a fast and simple way for me to stay in the uk after my studies'.

Guy shares how the Graduate Route helped him stay in the UK after completing his postgraduate studies without being sure about what he was going to do next.

'Working in the UK has enabled me to grow my network and skills and gain international work experience'

The Graduate Route allowed Progress to apply what she learned during her studies, grow her network and gain relevant international work experience in the UK.

'The Graduate Route gave me time to explore my employment options without time pressure'

The Graduate Route made it possible for Rodney to explore his employment options and make the decision that was right for him without needing a sponsored visa.

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How to apply for a PhD in the UK

Applying for a phd is not quite as daunting as you might think. a postgraduate student recruitment officer from the university of sussex shares his tips for putting together a phd application.

Ben Osborne

There are many different reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD – to move into an academic role at a university, to continue studying a subject you are passionate about or to further your career. 

Whatever your motivation, many students are now choosing to pursue a PhD abroad. This guide will help you understand how to apply for a PhD at a UK university and answer any questions you might have around doing PhDs.

How to apply for a PhD

Application rules and methods vary for each university. The number of courses that you can apply for in a year will vary. For example, at the University of Sussex , you can apply for up to three postgraduate courses per year using the postgraduate application system.

If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You can also apply to different universities to improve your chances of being accepted to a PhD course of your choosing. 

What qualifications do I need?

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements and you will also need to meet a university’s general entry requirements.  This may be an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a master’s qualification, and you may be asked to attend an interview.

International students may also be required to prove language proficiency. This will vary across institutions so do check what level universities expect before starting your application. 

Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements in a university’s online prospectus before making an application.

When should I start applying?

This will depend on when your term start date is. Most research degrees will start in September but some courses offer additional entry points in January or May.

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May, and the deadlines for applying are usually one month before the course start date for UK applicants, and three months before for international applicants.

If you’re applying for funding from an external organisation you’ll need to be aware that they may have different deadlines for the funding application. So give yourself plenty of time to research your funding options, and ensure you know how long the application process takes. 

Many universities offer a number of funded PhD opportunities and PhD scholarships for UK and international students, and it’s always worth investigating funding routes such as research councils and other organisations, both in the UK and overseas.

In some cases, it may be possible to study a PhD by distance which means you’ll be able to learn online and have virtual meetings with your supervisor.

If this is something you would be interested in doing you should check before applying whether your university can accommodate this option. 

Nine things to know before doing a PhD Starting a PhD during the pandemic Studying for a part-time PhD: the challenges and the benefits Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student?

How should I look for a supervisor?

Usually if you are applying for a funded project, or to a research centre or group, you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitability for working in that area, and if successful you will be allocated a supervisor.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic, and you will be expected to write a research proposal. In some cases you may only be required to provide a summary of academic interests and this can be used to match you to a researcher that suits you.

If you are proposing your own research topic, there may be a research database at your university that you can search, or your university will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. It may be possible to request supervision by a particular member of faculty – this will be considered but not all requests can be accommodated.

If you do find a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them directly to check their availability for supervising you.

It is a good idea to draw up a shortlist of two to three potential supervisors, and take an in-depth look into their research history. You can also find out more about your potential supervisors by looking in the reference sections of academic textbooks and searching for articles in research databases and academic blogs.

When you contact your potential supervisor, it is important to tell them something interesting about yourself, and explain your research interests and how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise.

How do I write a research proposal?

If you are proposing your own research you will need to write a strong proposal that formulates a precise, interesting research question, and establishes the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking.

You’ll need to make sure your proposal describes the data or source material your research requires, and outlines a clear and practical methodology that enables you to answer the research question and that states clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research, and what new areas it might open up.

The precise content and structure of your research proposal will depend on your subject area, and the University of Sussex has some helpful resources on our website to guide you through the process.

How long does the application process take?

Completing an application and writing a research proposal may take some time and should not be left until just before the application deadline.

It’s not easy to give a definite idea of how long it takes to hear if your application has been successful, as it will depend on when the application is made and the nature of the specific PhD, and you would need to meet any conditions contained within the offer before you can start the PhD.

What are the associated costs?

There won’t typically be an application fee for PhDs but there are tuition fees. If a university does charge application fees they will usually be between £50-£100.

The tuition fees for students studying in the UK are set by UK Research and Innovation . Fees for international students are £18,975 for non-lab-based subjects, and £22,975 for lab-based subjects per year.

You’ll also need to factor in living costs, but there are a number of funding routes you can apply for to help with this. As well as PhD scholarships and funded research projects there are research council awards, PhD loans for those eligible, and various organisations to which international students can apply for funding, such as The Gen Foundation and Open Society Foundations.

It’s important to be aware of the costs involved, but it’s also worth remembering that the educational, career and personal benefits of PhD study can be worth it.

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When can I apply for the Graduate visa?

You can apply at any time from the date that the university reports your successful completion and award to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), up to the date your current visa expires. The length of your visa will be based on the date you apply, so there is no advantage in applying too early.

As long as you submit your online visa application before your current visa expires, it does not matter if your visa expires while you are waiting for a decision, as you are allowed to remain in the UK while a visa application is pending and you are covered by your previous visa conditions.

When is the latest I can apply for Graduate visa?

You need to apply before your Student or Tier 4 visa expires.

How much will it cost?

The cost is £715 visa fee per applicant plus £624 Immigration Health Surcharge per applicant for each year of the visa. The application fee will be increasing to £822 from 4 October 2023. 

What documents will I need to apply?

The vast majority of applicants will need only their passport and their biometric residence permit, as well as their most recent CAS number (only the number itself). You will not need to show financial evidence, academic certificates or proof of English language ability.

Do I need permission from my official financial sponsor that I am applying for the Graduate visa?

Yes, if within the 12-month period before you apply you have been sponsored for your tuition fees and living costs by a government or international sponsorship agency, you will need a letter showing their consent to you applying under this route.

This is not required if your sponsor is a university, an international company, an independent school, or any other type of financial sponsor, but we still recommend checking the terms and conditions of your funding for any restrictions on extending your stay in the UK, and any financial penalties you might incur if you break the terms.

Can I choose to have a shorter visa instead of two (or three) years and pay less IHS?

No – the visa is always for the standard length of time and you are liable for the Immigration Health Surcharge for the whole period.

Can my dependants (spouse/partner/children) apply for visas when I apply for Graduate Route visa?

No new dependants are allowed on the Graduate Route visa. You can only have dependants on this visa if they were already dependants on your Student visa.

After applying for the Graduate visa   

Visa and Immigration Team

Cherry Tree Lodge University Park Campus Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK

+44 (0)115 84 66125 [email protected]

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If you are a registered student currently sponsored under Tier 4/Student visa and need more time to complete the PhD examination process or have had an extension to your submission deadline  approved, you would normally be eligible to apply for a new student visa. We advise you to contact the International Student Office 3 - 4 months before your current visa expires if you believe you will need more time in the UK. You may also be eligible if you previously had a Tier 4/Student visa but are outside the UK or if your current visa is in another category.

The usual route is to extend your permission to stay in the UK on a student visa.

ATAS clearance

If you are undertaking a course that is subject to ATAS clearance, you will require a new ATAS certificate before a CAS can be issued - this is required for any new visa application. The FCO advises that the process takes about 20 - 30 working days. Your Faculty/Department or Supervisor must provide a new ATAS research statement using an ATAS form. On receipt of this form, you should complete your online application with the FCO. Your CAS will be issued after you have obtained a new ATAS certificate. Nationals from the EEA and Switzerland and the following countries are exempt from an ATAS requirement: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea.

Applying for a student visa extension inside the UK

If at the time of applying you have a valid Tier 4/Student visa, you will be able to extend your permission to stay from inside the UK. You will need to take the following into consideration:

• The earliest you can apply is 3 months prior to your current visa expiring.
• You will require a new CAS from the International Student Office .
• After making your application, you will not be able to travel overseas outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) until you have received your new BRP.
• The advertised decision timeframe for a student visa application in the UK using the standard service is 8 weeks. Priority and Super Priority services are available at additional cost. Once a decision has been made, your BRP can take up to 10 days to be delivered.
• You will need to provide the International Student Office with proof of application if your new visa is not granted before your current permission expires.

You are advised to read our detailed guidance on applying for  Permission to Stay  which outlines the procedures, requirements and application costs.

Applying for a student visa from overseas

You will need to manage your absence from Cambridge appropriately and discuss your travel plans with the International Student Office as your return travel dates and the dates in your CAS will determine the period of validity of your temporary entry vignette, issued to enable you to return to the UK on a student visa. When you return to Cambridge you will need to collect your BRP .

You are advised to read our detailed guidance on applying for Entry Clearance , which outlines the procedures, requirements and application costs. You will note the specific requirements for evidence of funds.

Switching into student visa

If you were granted permission to start your studies on an alternative visa but need to switch to a student visa to complete your studies, please contact the International Student Office for further guidance and advice.

Switching to a different visa

If you switch from Tier 4/Student visa into a different immigration category while you are a registered student, you must inform the International Student Office and also present these documents to your College for scanning straight away. See ' Changes in circumstances ' for more details about this and other changes that might require action on your part.

Need more time but completing overseas?

It is not necessary to extend your student visa if you will be completing the requirements of your PhD overseas - for instance, corrections - but you need to obtain formal permission from the University of Cambridge to be away, normally by applying for Leave to Work Away or sometimes by being removed from the register . Not only is this a University requirement, it also ensures your record accurately reflects the reason why you did not hold a valid study visa for a given time.

If you need to return to the UK before graduation, you must contact us for advice on the correct immigration route.

Need more time but not a PhD student?

If you are on another programme, it may be possible for the University to be able to support you in obtaining a new visa to complete your course - for instance, following a period of intermission - but it is unlikely that you would be able to apply for such a visa from inside the UK. You should contact the International Student Office as soon as you become aware that you might need more time.

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UK Student Visa 2023-24: Types, Application Process & Eligibility

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One ticket to the finest education!

Royalty, cups of tea and diversity are some things that make going to the UK appealing. But the United Kingdom is a lot more than just some tourist destination. With most of the top 10 universities in the world located here, studying in the UK is no doubt the dream of many who wish to study abroad. Those who wish to study here will require a UK Student visa before arriving in this country. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know before you apply. 

What is a UK Student visa?

If you are 16 years of age or older and have been given an offer of a spot on a course by an authorised student sponsor, you may apply for a student visa to study in the UK without a doubt. Right? Having the resources—which will vary depending on your situation—to support yourself and pay for your degree is one of the major points of consideration while going in for the UK study visa process. We have listed the most common reasons for UK visa rejections for you to stay immune and follow your dreams worry-free. Find out more about UK student visa in depth with our UK student visa guide below. 

Types of Student Visas to Apply in UK

• Student Visa (General)

Previously known as a Tier 4 visa, this type of UK student visa is for students aged 16 or above who want to study at the post-secondary level. While you navigate through the blog further, here is a student guide on acquiring a tier 4 UK student visa that might help

• Child Student Visa

It was previously known as the Tier 4 child visa. This is one of the types of student visa UK this UK student visa is valid for students between 4 years to 17 years studying at the secondary level 

• Short-term Student Visa

This type of UK student visa is very helpful in the UK study visa process for students who want to enrol in short courses of six months or English language programmes with up to eleven months' duration

How to Apply

Applying for a UK student visa is a tedious process but we all know the fruits that you are about to reap post your acceptance letter from your dream college or university and fetching the visa. Thus, it’s all worth it, isn’t it? Let’s dive into the process of the same:

Step 1: Apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer. Step 2: Get a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) once you accept the offer. Step 3: Begin the UK student visa application process. Step 4: Pay an Immigration Health Surcharge fee as part of your application. Step 5: Prove your knowledge of the English language. Step 6: Complete your application and get it accepted. 

Eligibility requirements

To be able to get a student visa, you must satisfy the immigration rules for the Student route points-based system. This requires that you score assessment ‘points’ against three sets of objective criteria to achieve an overall pass of 70 points. You can also check this list for the UK study visa requirements. The following checklist will help you determine if you are eligible:

Acceptance Letter to a recognized institution

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by the institution, serves as proof. 

The financial mean to pay for your stay

You need enough money to cover your living expenses for your stay in the UK and the money needed to pay for the course. 

Proficiency in English

You must complete an English Proficiency Test from an authorised vendor, such as CEFR or IELTS, while applying for the visa. Students seeking a degree-level programme need a CEFR B2 level or an overall IELTS score of 5.5.

UK Student Visa Application Process

If you live outside the UK, you can apply up to six months before your courses start. Before going to a Visa Application Center in your country to submit your biometrics, you must begin the online application on the UK government's website. Your education provider will provide a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once they have extended you a spot on the programme. When registering online, you must input this number. Depending on your country of residency, you will receive instructions on how to proceed after submitting an online application. Parents or legal guardians must give their permission to applicants for child student visas.

UK student visa fees and costs

The UK student visa fee is £363 if you apply from outside the country and £490 if you do so from within the country. Each additional member of your family who joins you must pay their charge. While you check your finances, please learn how to open a bank account in UK . You must also demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support your stay and pay the visa fee. You must also take care of the student visa UK age limit for a zero obstacle process when you begin to apply for UK student visa.

UK Student Visa Checklist

To get your UK student visa, you should make sure that you have the following documents: 

• A valid passport
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Tuberculosis screening certificate (applicable for some countries)
• Financial proof (for funding your studies)
• Receipt of immigration health surcharge payments form
• English language proficiency test (IELTS) mentioned in the CAS form
• Two photographs (passport-size)
• Original birth certificate (with translation for non-English document)

Students under 18 also need the following documents:

• Proof of parental consent 
• Proof of your parent or legal guardian's relationship with you

Timeline for visa processing

It will take about 3 weeks to hear back about your UK student visa application if you submit it from outside the UK. It will take about 8 weeks to decide on your application if you submit it from within the UK (switch to a student visa). If you are still thinking about applying to the UK, our student guide on colleges that admits without an IELTS score may be of great help.

How long is a UK Student Visa valid?

According to your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and the uk student visa new rules 2023, the length of your visa depends on how long your study lasts. Based on the length of the course, the following table displays the additional post-study time that is awarded at the end of a UK student visa. 

A Flourish table

Can you extend your UK student visa?

To stay longer and pursue a different programme of study, you can extend your visa. This applies even if you have a general student visa right now. Your UK study visa renewal will also incur additional costs, including a 475 GBP extension fee and a 300 GBP annual immigration health surcharge. Verification with biometrics costs 19.20 GBP . Also, if you are extending your stay to launch your dream career or pursue your studies further, you might need to get a UK sim card.

To extend your visa, you must:

• Possess a (General) UK student visa.
• Possess a confirmation of acceptance for studies, which proves that you have an unconditional offer of a spot in a course from a licenced student sponsor.
• Demonstrate that your studies are at a higher academic level than your current course (academic progress requirements).

How long can you stay after your UK student visa expires?

The UK’s Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to work during their stay in the UK or look for work upon graduation. International students with an undergraduate or master’s degree from the UK can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years. 

Can you work with a UK student visa?

Student visa holders can work either full-time or 20 hours per week during the academic year. Holders of Child Visa Routes who are 16 years of age or older are permitted to work full-time during the summer and 10 hours part-time during the school year. Students with short-term study visas cannot work. 

Although the process of applying for a UK student visa is not that difficult as long as you have all the required documents, it is extremely important to note that the entire application process can be quite time-consuming and lengthy, so make sure to start the process as soon as you can. Ready to set off on your journey to study in the UK and explore its top universities? You know what you need to do next. Just like you are applying for your UK visa , make sure to also book your student accommodation early and avoid the waitlist! You can also read our blog on how to become a UK resident as a student .

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a visa if i’m studying a part-time course in the uk, how long does it take until my visa is ready, what should i do if i haven’t received my cas, am i required to take a tb test, what should i do if my visa is rejected, what happens if i can’t finish my course on time, why should i prove my english efficiency.

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Student visa

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
• can speak, read, write and understand English
• have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.

If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay .

Staying longer in the UK

You may be able to:

• extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
• switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
• switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:

• up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
• up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, no matter when your course starts.

• £490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
• £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Your partner and children

You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’) .

What you can and cannot do

• work as a student union sabbatical officer

You may be able to work - how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.

You cannot:

• claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
• work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• be self-employed
• study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

Part of Study in the UK on a Student visa

Step 1 : check if this visa is right for you.

You can apply for a Student visa if you’re 16 or over and want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.

• You are currently viewing: Check what you can and cannot do on this visa
• Check what courses you can study on this visa
• Check if you can bring your partner or children ('dependants') with you

If you're under 18 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

• Check which visas you're eligible for

Step 2 : Prepare the evidence you need

• Check what documents you can use as evidence
• Prove your knowledge of the English language
• Check if you need a tuberculosis (TB) test

If you're doing a masters degree or above, you may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

• Check if you need to apply for ATAS

Step 3 : Apply from outside the UK

• Apply from outside the UK £490

You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.

You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

• Find out if you can pay more to get a faster decision

or Apply from inside the UK

• Apply to extend if you're already in the UK on Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) visa) £490
• Apply to switch to this visa if you're already in the UK £490

You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

• You may be able to pay more to get a faster decision you’ll be told if you can when you apply

Step 4 : Check what you can bring into the UK with you

• Check what you can bring in your hand luggage
• Check what to do if you're bringing cash with you
• Check what goods you can bring with you
• Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK

Step 5 : Check what you need to show at the UK border

• Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6 : After you arrive in the UK

• Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied

You might be able to extend your visa to stay longer in the UK.

• Check if you can extend your visa

If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to come to the UK again.

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International Edition

• News & blogs

Visa types available to work in the UK

29 April 2024

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There are a number of different visa routes available that allow individuals to travel to the UK to work in an unsponsored role.

Please note, there are separate web pages for the sponsored routes of  Skilled Worker visa and the  Health and Care visa , that cover details such as applicable job roles and minimum salary thresholds. 

Below are some of the routes used to give people a generic right to work in the UK (other routes such as  family visas and dependents are also available):

• Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
• Student visa.
• Graduate visa.
• British National (Overseas (BNO)) visa.
• Global Talent visa.
• Temporary Worker route.

Immigration Health Surcharge 

Please note, each of these visas require the Immigration Health Surcharge to be paid per person per year, unless they take up a role in public sector healthcare where they will be eligible for a  refund . The current cost is £1,035 per person.

Refugees can work in the UK without any restrictions. Most refugees were working before arriving in the UK and have a background in many different roles. Many refugees want to find work in the UK and to make a contribution.  

International recruitment and retention toolkit

The  international recruitment toolkit also hosts a wide range of information on recruiting from overseas with top tips and good practice examples. The toolkit is updated quarterly to keep in line with any developments in the international recruitment space. 

The international retention toolkit includes useful information on retaining overseas staff. This includes good practice examples, steps on how to make overseas recruits feel welcome and supporting their professional growth. 

Right to work 

The visa routes outlined below all come with a right to work and therefore are subject to  right to work checks . An online checking portal is available for holders of certain types of right to work, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs).  Evisas will be rolled out over 2024 and replace BRPs. 

The  Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a temporary route that provides young people, from participating countries, with an opportunity to experience life in the UK and gives young people the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to two years. 

Eligible applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35* at the time of application, have £2,530 in savings and citizens of countries within the arrangements or are a British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas). The application fee costs £298.

The scheme exists between certain countries, which enables young British citizens to benefit from similar opportunities overseas. 

Applicants cannot apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme if they have children under the age of 18 who live with them or who they are financially responsible for.

The UK currently operates youth mobility scheme arrangements with: Andorra, Australia*, Canada*, Monaco, Japan, New Zealand*, San Marino, Hong Kong, South Korea*, Uruguay, Iceland and Taiwan.

Applicants from Hong Kong or Taiwan must be selected in the  Youth Mobility Scheme ballot  before they can apply for a visa.

*The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is available for applicants from New Zealand, Australia, Canada or South Korea if you’re aged 18 to 35. You must be aged 18 or over when your visa starts, or 35 or under when you apply for it. 

For more information, please visit the  GOV.UK website .

The  Student visa is available for individuals who are over 16 and have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. A student who has been granted permission to work in the UK should have an endorsement which states that they are able to work for 20-hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. This information can be available on their passport, or electronically on their eVisa or a biometric residence permit (BRP).

The student route requires the individual to have: 

• a sponsor 
• English language capability
• the ability to financially support themselves
• have consent from parents/guardians.

Students may need to prove that they can  support themselves financially and be able to pay for their course. The application fee for a student visa is £490.

Dependents may be allowed to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK if a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months or a full-time student on a  postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer.

Employers can check  a job applicant’s right to work details  on GOV.UK.

More information about sponsored work and student categories can be found on the  GOV.UK website  Annex C.

For more information, please visit the  GOV.UK website. 

The  Graduate visa  is available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK and is an unsponsored route.

This route enables international students to remain in the UK and work at any skill level for two years after they have completed their studies (or three years if they have a PhD).

Individuals cannot extend a Graduate visa but may be able to switch to a different visa including the  Skilled worker or Health and Care visa .

For eligibility and application details, please visit  GOV.UK .

On 4 December 2023, the UK government announced that the Migration Advisory Committee will review the graduate route. We will keep employers informed of any further developments and you can view more details on the GOV.UK website.

The  British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa gives applicants a generic right to work in the UK. The BN(O) visa applies to those who were British Overseas Territories citizens by connection with Hong Kong and registered as a British national (overseas) before 1 July 1997. 

The BN(O) visa allows those who are eligible and their family members to live, work and study in the UK but cannot usually access public funds.

When applying, they will need to show that they have enough money to pay for housing and prove that they can support themselves (and their family) for 6 months.

Once individuals have a BNO visa, they might be able to  apply for access to benefits  if, for example, they:

• do not have a place to live and cannot afford one
• have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating
• are at risk of losing your place to live or being unable to afford essential living costs
• have a very low income, and not having access to benefits would harm your child’s wellbeing.

Under this route, applicants can stay in the UK from two years and six months up to five years. Their stay can also be extended as many times as they wish, and they have the right to apply to settle in the UK or for British citizenship. 

The BN(O) visa costs £180 for two years and six months or £250 for five years. Applicants will need to show they have enough money to pay for housing and to support themselves and their family for six months. 

On entry, there will be no English language requirement. However, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to learn English in the UK and require a good knowledge of the English language if they choose later to make an application for settled status (indefinite leave to remain) after five years. 

To work in an NHS skilled role, applicants will also have to meet the English language requirements of the relevant regulator, such as the  Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)  or the  General Medical Council (GMC) . 

East Midlands Council has produced a  promotional video  and has a  Hong Kong BNO Welcome Hub  available online.

There is also the national  Hong Kong Nursing Association UK .

Individuals can apply for a  Government Authorised Exchange visa if they want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience, training or to do an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or fellowship through an  approved government authorised exchange scheme . They also need to make sure to have:

• meet the other  eligibility requirements
• at least £1,270 available.

A certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor is needed before applying to come to the UK to work. They will also need to pay the application fee of £298.

Depending on the scheme applied for, the visa can be for a maximum of 12 months or 24 months. On this visa applicants cannot take on a permanent job, however, they can study, work in a secondary job or do a job on the immigration salary list for up to 20 hours per week. Applicants may be able to apply to extend their visa if they meet the  requirements . 

The  Global Talent visa allows highly skilled individuals, such as top scientists and researchers who achieve the required points, to enter the UK without a job offer. Individuals need to be endorsed by a relevant and competent body and can stay in the UK for up to five years at a time. 

Applicants can also work in the UK on a Global Talent visa if they’ve won an  eligible award , and can benefit from a quicker endorsement process as part of a fast-track STEM scheme. 

To get a Global Talent visa, individuals may need to apply for an ‘endorsement’, as well as for the visa itself. However, they do not need to apply for an endorsement if they’ve won an  eligible award , this will allow them to  apply for the visa  straight away.

If an endorsement is needed, the application process will depend on whether an eligible job offer as an  academic or researcher  is in place, whether they have an  individual fellowship , a  research grant  approved by UKRI, or an application that is being  peer reviewed .

The total cost for the visa, and endorsement, is £716. If you’re including your partner or children in your application, they’ll also each need to pay £716. 

For more information, please visit the  GOV.UK website.

The  High Potential Individual (HPI) visa  is intended to attract overseas individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise and are at the early stages of their careers. These individuals help to provide an additional pool of talent from which UK employers can recruit.

To be eligible, candidates must have been awarded a qualification by an  eligible university  in the last five years. Individuals can apply from within or outside the UK. They will not need a sponsor for work purposes and will have a general right to work for most jobs.

The HPI visa usually gives individuals the right to work for two years. If they have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, this will be extended to three years.

After that time, they will not be able to extend their HPI visa but may be able to switch to other routes such as  Skilled Worker  and the  Health and Care Visa . 

Individuals can only apply for a HPI visa once and cannot apply for a HPI visa if they have already been granted a  graduate visa .

As part of their application, individuals will need to ensure that they have enough money to pay for fees, £210 for  Ecctis  (an organisation which provides official UK national agency services on behalf of the UK Government in qualifications, skills, and migration), to check that the qualification is valid, pay the £822 application fee, and be able to support themselves on arrival in the UK with at least £1,270 available.

For more information on visas, please visit the  GOV.UK website . 

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