If you’re studying in the UK or planning to pursue your dream degree there, the Graduate Route visa has likely been part of your long-term plan to stay and work after graduation. But in 2025, the UK government has introduced major changes to this popular post-study visa. Shorter durations, financial levies, and stricter requirements mean that students now need to be better informed and more strategic than ever before.
So, what exactly is changing? Who can still benefit? And how do you apply correctly? Here’s everything you need to know, written especially for current and future UK-bound international graduates.
What Has Changed in UK Graduate Route Visa in May 2025?
The Graduate Route has always been a flexible post-study work visa, allowing students to work in the UK without employer sponsorship after graduation. However, starting May 2025, several significant changes were rolled out under the UK government’s new immigration reform plan titled “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System.”
1# Duration Reduced: Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree will now only be able to stay for 18 months, instead of the previous 2 years. PhD and doctoral graduates, however, will continue to enjoy a full 3-year stay.
2# Levy (6%) on International Student Fees: Universities must now pay a 6% levy on all international student tuition fees. This move is expected to cost universities around £600 million annually, which could impact tuition rates and services offered to overseas students.
3# Stricter Compliance for Educational Institutions: UK universities are now held to tighter sponsorship standards. Only institutions listed with a Track Record of Compliance can sponsor students eligible for the Graduate Route.
️4# Higher English Language Proficiency Requirements: New rules will introduce tougher English language requirements—not only for students, but also for dependants—when applying for any post-study or work visa.
✅ Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Route?
To apply for the Graduate Route visa in 2025, you must meet these requirements:
- Successfully completed a UK degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) or a recognized professional qualification
- Studied at a licensed Student sponsor university with a proven compliance record
- Hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa at the time of application
- Completed the majority of your course within the UK, in line with minimum residency requirements
- Your university must have notified the Home Office of your successful course completion
- Have not previously used the Graduate Route or Doctorate Extension Scheme.
Required Documents To Apply for British Grad Visa
When applying, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Confirmation that your university has reported your graduation to the Home Office
- Proof of financial sponsor consent (if you were funded by a government or scholarship agency within the past 12 months)
- Payment of the visa fee (£880) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year).
What Jobs Can You Do on This Graduate Visa?
Here’s the best part: the Graduate Route allows you to work freely, without being tied to a single employer or salary threshold.
You can:
-
- Work full-time or part-time
- Be employed, self-employed, or even start your own business
- Take multiple jobs at any skill level
- Change jobs or career paths as you explore opportunities.
But there are a few restrictions:
-
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach
- You cannot study a course that qualifies for a Student visa (though short courses and online classes are allowed).
How to Apply for the Graduate Route Visa of UK?
-
- Apply online via the UK Home Office website https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa.
- Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your BRP.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the visa application fee and IHS surcharge.
- Wait for your decision—usually within 8 weeks.
You must apply from inside the UK, and before your Student visa expires.
Applying for UK Graduate Visa With Family is Possible in 2025?
Dependents can apply to stay under the Graduate Route only if they were already in the UK as your Student dependents. You cannot bring in new dependents on this visa.
Your dependents:
-
- Can work without restrictions (except as professional athletes or coaches)
- Don’t need to show separate financial support
- Must apply before their current visa expires
If your dependents are outside the UK and didn’t accompany you as Student dependents, they will not be eligible to apply under this route.
What Happens After the Graduate Route?
While this visa cannot be extended, it’s a powerful launchpad to transition into a long-term work visa such as:
-
- Skilled Worker Visa (requires job offer & sponsorship)
- Innovator Founder Visa (ideal for entrepreneurs)
- Global Talent Visa
- Partner or Spouse Visa (if applicable).
You can also switch back to a Student visa for further study, but you cannot apply for the Graduate Route again after a second course.