Graduate Route Visa
Post-study work in the UK for 2 or 3 years.
The Graduate Route visa allows international students who have successfully completed a UK degree or other eligible qualification to remain in the United Kingdom for two years (or three years for doctoral graduates) to work or look for work. There is no minimum salary requirement and no sponsor needed. BW Solicitors advises graduates across London on all aspects of the Graduate Route, including complex cases involving invalidity decisions and scholarship conditions.
Eligibility for the Graduate Route
To be eligible for the Graduate Route, you must have successfully completed a degree or other eligible qualification at a Home Office-licensed UK higher education provider, have held a valid Student visa (or a Tier 4 visa) when you make your application, and be applying from within the UK before your current leave expires. The course must not have been funded through certain scholarship programmes that prohibit work after studies.
- Completed an eligible qualification at a licensed UK higher education provider
- Held a Student or Tier 4 visa when applying
- Applying from within the UK before your current leave expires
- Qualification at RQF Level 6 or above (degree level) or RQF Level 7 for a Masters
- Doctoral graduates may apply for three years rather than two
- No salary minimum or sponsorship requirement on this route
Invalidity Decisions and Scholarship Issues
A Graduate Route application may be declared invalid if the Home Office decides that you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements — for example, if there is a question about whether your course was funded through a scholarship that prohibits post-study work. Our solicitors have specialist experience in Graduate Route invalidity cases, including those involving the GR 1.5 scholarship conditions rule, and will advise you on your options.
- Assessment of invalidity decision and prospects for challenge
- Administrative review of invalidity decisions
- Advice on scholarship conditions and their impact on eligibility
- Alternative routes if the Graduate Route is not available to you
Switching from Graduate Route to Work Routes
The Graduate Route is designed as a stepping stone to longer-term immigration status. Many graduates use it to secure a job offer and then switch to the Skilled Worker route. Our solicitors can advise you on the transition from the Graduate Route to the Skilled Worker route or other work-based routes, helping you plan your immigration journey in the UK.
Why Choose BW Solicitors?
Our team has direct experience of Graduate Route invalidity cases, including those involving complex scholarship conditions. We provide honest, practical advice to graduates in London and beyond who want to make the most of their time in the UK.