UK Graduate Route Visa 2026: Eligibility, Cost, Rules & Duration

The UK Graduate Route is a post-study work visa that allows you to stay in the UK to work or look for work after successfully completing an eligible degree. It is an unsponsored visa, meaning you do not need a job offer to apply. The most critical update for the 2026-27 cycle is the introduction of a shorter visa length for new applicants.

Your UK Graduate Route visa length is determined by your application date and your level of study.

• If you apply on or before 31 December 2026, Your visa will last for 2 years.
• If you apply on or after 1 January 2027, Your visa will last for 18 months.
• For PhD or other doctoral graduates: Your visa will last for 3 years, regardless of your application date.

You can only hold a UK Graduate Route visa once. Use this opportunity strategically to build your career towards a long-term visa, like the Skilled Worker visa. To qualify for the Graduate Route, you must meet all of the following requirements: 

• Valid UK Student Visa: You must be in the UK on a valid Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa at the time of your application.
• Successful Course Completion: You must have successfully completed an eligible UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other approved course listed in the immigration rules.
• Confirmation from Your University: Your education provider must have informed the UK Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
• Study in the UK Requirement: You must have studied in the UK for a minimum period. Recent concessions for distance learning due to COVID-19 have ended.

The UK Graduate Route Visa application requires attention to key deadlines, costs, and visa conditions. The following sections break down the essential steps you must follow to secure your post-study work permission.

• When and Where to Apply: You must apply from inside the UK after your university informs the Home Office of your success, but before your Student visa expires. Applications from overseas are not permitted, and missing this deadline will make you ineligible.
• Costs and Required Documents: The application fee is £880 (INR 93,300). You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 (INR 109,700) per year, totalling ~£1,552.50 (INR 164,600) for an 18-month visa. Always confirm the latest fees on the official GOV.UK payment page during your application.
• What You Can and Cannot Do: You can work in most jobs (including self-employment), search freely, travel, and bring eligible dependents. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson, claim most public funds, or extend this visa. It is a one-time permit to gain experience and switch to long-term work routes.

For your initial Student visa application, note that the financial maintenance requirements were updated. The cost of UK Graduate Route Visa is around:

• £1,529 per month (INR 1.8L) for courses in London.
• £1,171 per month (INR 1.4L) for courses outside London.

Remember that as a UK Graduate Route visa holder, you are no longer a student and will be liable to pay full council tax. Ensure you have sufficient savings to support yourself while job hunting.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/how-much-it-costs

To maximise your prospects within the shorter 18-month timeframe, use your study period strategically to network, secure UK work experience, and target employers who sponsor the Skilled Worker visa.

For a proper roadmap to go through this accelerated timeline, consider the personalised mentorship and expert guidance available through Yocket Premium. By starting early and building a strong professional foundation, you can effectively transition from your studies to a long-term career in the UK.