Take your next step after studying in the UK
Completing your studies opens a new chapter. A Graduate visa can give you time to find work, gain experience and explore your career in the UK.
Knightsbridge helps you check whether the route fits your circumstances, prepare your application and understand what comes next.
Tell us your plans and visa expiry date. We will explain whether we can assist, the appropriate service and its fees.
About this route
The Graduate route allows eligible graduates to work in most jobs, look for work or be self-employed without employer sponsorship or a job offer.
For non-doctoral qualifications, permission lasts two years if you apply before 1 January 2027, or 18 months if you apply on or after that date. PhD and other doctoral graduates receive three years.
The visa cannot be extended and does not lead directly to settlement. A later switch to another route depends on meeting that route’s requirements.
Eligibility Check
The main questions are:
- Are you in the UK with Student or Tier 4 permission?
- Have you successfully completed an eligible UK qualification?
- Have you met the required period of study in the UK?
- Has your education provider notified the Home Office of your successful completion?
- Have you previously held Graduate or Doctorate Extension Scheme permission? Either would prevent another Graduate application.
You normally need to apply before your Student permission expires. These checks identify the starting points; your circumstances determine the full assessment.
Understanding your situation
Perhaps you are waiting for final results, approaching your visa expiry date or considering an offer from an employer.
We look at your course, immigration history, university confirmation and intended application date. We also discuss family members and your longer-term plans, including whether another route may better support your next step.
How Knightsbridge Helps
For an agreed application service, we check the relevant requirements, give you a tailored document request and identify anything that needs resolving before submission.
We prepare the application, review the information with you and guide you through the identity and evidence requirements. Once you approve the application, we support submission and handle the follow-up included in your agreed service.
You know what we need from you and what we are responsible for.
Addressing Challenges
Timing often matters more than the graduation ceremony. You do not need to wait for graduation or your certificate, but your provider must have reported successful completion before you apply.
We help you establish what has been confirmed and what remains outstanding.
Travel plans also need attention. Travelling outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man while your application is pending will cause it to be withdrawn.
Timescales and Costs
Preparation depends on university confirmation, document availability and any issues requiring review. We explain the preparation timetable before work begins.
Home Office decisions usually take up to eight weeks after application, identity verification and document submission.
The current application fee is £937, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £1,035 per year. These are separate from our professional fee, which we confirm in writing with the service scope and any applicable VAT.
Situations requiring closer analysis
Course changes, time studying overseas, scholarship conditions or previous immigration difficulties may need individual review.
Dependants have separate requirements. Generally, partners and children must already have been your Student dependants, although qualifying UK-born children may apply.
Tell us about these circumstances at the outset so we can establish the appropriate next step.
Your journey at a glance
Assess your circumstances. Plan the application. Gather Evidence. Prepare the form. Review it together. Submit after your approval. Follow through within the agreed service.
Ready to have your case assessed?
Tell us your qualification, university, current visa expiry date and what you want to do next.
Our Free Case Review is an initial enquiry. We explain whether we can assist and the proposed service and fees. Detailed eligibility assessment, document review and application work are agreed separately.
