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PhDN/A — visa policy article

Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation

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The new Graduate Route visa allows UK international students to apply to live and work in the country two years after their graduation period., Post a Comment

Provider
Home Office
Host country
United Kingdom
Deadline
N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application
Region
Europe

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.
Funding
N/A — visa policy article
Study level
PhD
Deadline
N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application

Key eligibility criteria

  • The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.

Recorded funding information

  • N/A — visa policy article

About the Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation (2026)

The new Graduate Route visa allows UK international students to apply to live and work in the country two years after their graduation period, the [UK government](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-graduate-route-information-for-international-students) has announced. Applications for the said visa have officially opened last July 1. The rules apply to both bachelor’s and master’s degree holders of all nationalities in all fields, starting from students who are set to graduate in summer 2021 and onwards. Doctoral international students, on the other hand, will be able to work in the UK for up to three years. ### **What is the Graduate Route visa?** The Graduate Route is part of UK’s new points-based immigration system and global talent scheme. It is available to anyone who graduates from a UK degree with a valid visa (Tier 4 or Student Route) on or after 1 July 2021. UK hopes to increase opportunities for international graduates who want to work in the UK. They also aim to welcome some 600,000 international students by 2030. “This [new route] will give a competitive offer to some of the brightest minds from across the world who bring huge benefits to university campuses and local communities and can help to build the economy,” [Universities UK](https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/) Chief Executive Alistair Jarvis stated. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/International-Students-to-UK.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)The Graduate Route is available to anyone who graduates from a UK degree with a valid visa (Tier 4 or Student Route) on or after 1 July 2021. \| Photo by **[Andrea Piacquadio](https://www.pexels.com/@olly?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)** from **[Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/airplane-over-world-map-on-blackboard-3769118/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)** Through this opportunity, international students do not need an employer sponsorship to be eligible for the visa. Consequently, they do not need to secure a job position before applying. During this time, the new graduates have the freedom to kick-start their careers by looking for positions related to their degrees or gaining relevant experience in other areas. There are restrictions on job types and minimum salary requirements. ### **COVID concessions until April 2022 for international students** UK Minister for Immigration Kevin Foster confirmed that COVID concessions on visa rules around a requirement to be in the UK to study will be extended to April 6, 2022. With this, arriving international students can study remotely via blended or distance learning, if mandated by health and visa protocols. However, they will still be eligible for work rights after their international student graduation. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/COVID-concession-for-UK-international-students-1-edited.jpg?resize=640%2C400&ssl=1)Arriving international students can study remotely via blended or distance learning. \| Photo by **[Anna Shvets](https://www.pexels.com/@shvetsa?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)** from **[Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-wearing-protective-wear-while-holding-globe-4167541/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)** Moreover, Foster assured that the UK government and immigration department is determined to support international students. “[The Graduate Route] represents one of the most significant overhauls of this country’s approach to immigration in decades,” he said. “And we are determined to use the new system to attract global talent _.”_ **_\| Looking for a UK University?_** **START HERE:** [Recommended UK Universities for Distance Learning](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/uk-universities-distance-learning/) * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. Be a part of our growing community! **JOIN:** [Scholarships for Africans Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScholarshipsforAfricans) **LIKE:** [African Scholar Initiative Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AfricanScholarInitiative) ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window)X](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Telegram](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=telegram&nb=1) - [More](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/#) - [Print (Opens in new window)Print](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/#print?share=print&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/graduate-route-visa-allows-international-students-to-stay-and-work-in-the-uk-for-2-years-after-graduation/?share=pinterest&nb=1) ### Like this: LikeLoading... ### _Related_ [Gates Cambridge Graduate and Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/gates-cambridge-graduate-and-postgraduate-scholarships-for-international-students/ "Gates Cambridge Graduate and Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students") [Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships for Graduate International Students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/maastricht-university-high-potential-scholarships-for-graduate-international-students/ "Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships for Graduate International Students") [Edinburgh Napier University African Scholarships for Study in the UK](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/edinburgh-napier-university-african-scholarships-for-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-study-in-uk/ "Edinburgh Napier University African Scholarships for Study in the UK") In[Graduate Route](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/graduate-route/), [Graduate Route visa](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/graduate-route-visa/), [graduation](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/graduation/), [Immigration](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/immigration/), [international graduates](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/international-graduates/), [international students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/international-students/), [postgraduation](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/postgraduation/), [stay in the UK](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/stay-in-the-uk/), [Student VISA](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/student-visa/), [uk](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/uk/), [UK government](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/uk-government/), [UK visa](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/uk-visa/), [VISA](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/visa/), [work in the UK](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/work-in-the-uk/), [work opportunities](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/work-opportunities/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • N/A — visa policy article

Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.

Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-graduate-route-information-for-international-students to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application

      Provider deadline information: N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation?+

    The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.

    What funding does the Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation offer?+

    Listed funding: N/A — visa policy article. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-graduate-route-information-for-international-students to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: N/A — UK Home Office immigration policy, not an application. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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