Continue your career in the UK after graduation
The Graduate visa can provide valuable time to build your career, but planning your next immigration route should begin before your permission expires.
Expert Graduate visa advice from a regulated barrister.
How long does a Graduate visa last?
Why planning ahead matters
Because the route cannot be extended, the most important work is often what follows it, usually a switch to the Skilled Worker visa. That means understanding the salary threshold, occupation code and sponsor licence requirements well before the Graduate visa expires, so there is no gap in status. Leaving it late is the most common way graduates lose their place in the UK.
How We Help
Graduate Visa Application — £750*
- Choose a service
- Fill out a quick questionnaire
- Pay fees
- Send us your course-completion and status details
- We prepare the application and check nothing is missing before it is submitted
- We give you notice of the Home Office decision
- Best for: graduates applying for the Graduate visa
We also handle Graduate visa dependants, switching from the Graduate route to Skilled Worker, and refusal responses. These are quoted after a short review.
About our fees
*Fees can vary in individual cases where an application involves unexpected complexity. We always confirm your exact fee before any work begins.
Why ZH Law
- You deal with a barrister, directly.
Under the direct access scheme, you instruct a barrister without paying for a solicitor first. - We plan the whole route.
Not just the Graduate visa, but the Skilled Worker switch that has to follow it. - Experience that counts.
More than 27 years, over 5,000 clients helped, and £1M+ won in damages. - Both sides covered.
If an employer wants to sponsor you, we can advise you and them together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Graduate visa last?
Currently two years for most graduates and three for PhD holders. For applications on or after 1 January 2027, non-PhD graduates receive 18 months, while PhD graduates stay at three years. The visa cannot be extended under either version.
Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, with a qualifying job offer from an employer holding a valid sponsor licence, and if you meet the salary and eligibility requirements. ZH Law advises graduates and employers on this.
Can I bring dependants on a Graduate visa?
In most cases, dependants who already held permission on your Student visa can extend alongside your Graduate application. New dependants generally cannot be added at this stage. ZH Law advises on your family’s position.
What happens if I don't find a job before it expires?
Because the visa cannot be extended, you would need to qualify for another route before it ends or leave the UK. Early planning is strongly advised. ZH Law maps the options ahead of expiry.
Client testimonials
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