The expiry date of a Student Visa in the UK can be unsettling as you wrap up your studies and wrap your head around the nauseating question, what's next? For many graduates, the answer lies with the Graduate Visa. With a swift and sweatless application process, this 2-year visa for graduates can open up a world of possibilities for work and life in the United Kingdom. Let's have a look at what exactly is the UK Graduate Visa, the benefits it offers, and how to successfully apply.
First things first. It's important to understand what a graduate visa is and how it differs from other types of visa and permit in the United Kingdom. A Graduate Visa is valid for someone who has just graduated from a UK academic institution, whether in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
The visa grants them permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. To be more specific, international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay and work in the UK with their family, meaning partner and children, for up to two years after their studies. Meanwhile, PhD graduates can apply for up to three years.
It's a fantastic opportunity for international students who want to take their next step in their career in the UK, continue their research at the university, or apply to their next study programme.