This page covers the following topics

Introduction

The UK Short-term work visas are a part of the Tier 5 visas and come under the UK’s Point-based system.
The UK Short-term work visas are also known as ‘Temporary Workers Visas’
The visas under this category are listed below:

  1. UK Charity Worker visa.
  2. UK Creative Worker visa.
  3. UK Government Authorized Exchange visa.
  4. UK International Agreement visa.
  5. UK Religious Worker visa.
  6. UK Seasonal Work visa.
  7. UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
  8. UK Graduate visa.

UK Graduate visa – Overview

For individuals who are already in the UK on a UK Student visa, can further apply for a UK Graduate visa. This post-study work visa allows the applicant to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a study course in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria List of Documents
The eligibility criteria for a UK Graduate visa are listed below:

  • The applicant has to be in the UK.
  • The applicant is currently on a UK Student visa or UK Tier 4 (General) Student visa.
  • The applicant has studied a UK Bachelor’s Degree, Post Graduate Degree, or another eligible course on their UK Student visa or UK Tier 4 (General) Student visa.
  • The applicant’s education provider (for example, a university or college) has informed the UK Home Office about their successful course completion.
 The documents required to apply for a UK Graduate visa are listed below:

  • A valid passport or another travel document that proves the identity and nationality of the applicant.
  • Biometric residence permit (BRP), if the applicant was given one when they applied for a UK Student visa or a UK Tier 4 (General) Student visa.
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when the applicant applied for their UK Student visa or UK Tier 4 (General) Student visa.

Applying for a UK Graduate visa

  • The applicant must apply before their UK Student visa or UK Tier 4 (General) Student visa expires.
  • The applicant must make sure that their education provider (for example, a university or college) has notified the UK Home Office that they have successfully completed the course, for which the applicant was granted a UK Student or a UK Tier 4 (General) Student visa.
  • The applicant does not have to wait until they have graduated or have been given a certificate.

Permitted and not permitted activities in the UK on a UK Graduate visa

The applicant is permitted to:

  • Work in most jobs.
  • Look for work.
  • Be self-employed.
  • Live in the UK with their partner and children, if they’re eligible.
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK.
  • Do voluntary work.

The applicant is not permitted to:

  • Apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension.
  • Work as a professional sportsperson.

Studying with a UK Graduate visa – the applicant can only study with a UK Graduate visa if their chosen course is not eligible for a UK Student visa.

Bringing a partner and a child to the UK on a UK Graduate visa

Yes, a partner and children (under 18 years) can join the main applicant to the UK on a UK Graduate visa. They can join as dependents on a ‘UK Dependent visa’. If the applicant’s partner and children are already in the UK on a UK Student Dependent visa, they can apply for Leave to Remain in the UK as Dependents of UK Graduate visa holders.

  • The application for a UK Dependent visa will have to be submitted separately.
  • If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as the main applicants.

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

  • Husband, wife, civil partner, or an unmarried partner.
  • Children under 18 years – including if they were born in the UK during the main applicant’s stay.
  • Children over 18 years if they’re currently in the UK as the main applicant’s dependant.

People also ask

How long should have I studied in the UK to apply for a UK Graduate visa?

The applicant needs to have studied in the UK for either:

  • At least 12 months, if their course’s total length is more than 12 months, or
  • The total length of their course, if its total length is shorter than 12 months.
  • The applicant must also be in the UK when they apply for a UK Graduate visa.

  • The applicant must apply online.
  • Also, it is mandatory for the applicant to be in the UK at the time of application.
  • The applicant’s partner and children (under 18 years) can also apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

While applying for a UK Graduate visa, the applicant will need to:

  • Pay the £715 as the application fee + immigration healthcare surcharge (application fees updated as of May 2022).

The immigration healthcare surcharge is for each year the applicant will be in the UK on their visa, which amounts to:

  • £1,248 for 2 years.
  • £1,872 for 3 years.

(application fees updated as of May 2022)

If the applicant gets a job in public sector healthcare after they have paid the immigration healthcare surcharge, they may be able to get a refund.

  • Once applied online, submitted the identity proofs, and provided valid documents, the applicant will usually get a decision on their visa application within 8 weeks.
  • The applicant is permitted to stay in the UK they wait for a decision.

  • A UK Graduate visa is valid for 2 years.
  • If the applicant has a PH.D. or other doctoral qualification, it will then be valid for 3 years.
  • The visa comes into effect on the date the visa application is approved by the UK Home Office.

How can I extend my UK Graduate visa?

An applicant CAN NOT extend their UK Graduate visa. However, the applicant may be able to switch to another visa category. For example, the UK Skilled Worker visa.

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