AFTER STUDY / UK VISA GUIDE
Graduate visa.
Let your next chapter take shape.
After completing an eligible UK course, you may be able to stay to work or look for work without employer sponsorship.
General information · Sources checked 18 September 2026
THE ESSENTIALS
What you’ll need
to show.
Eligible study in the UK
Complete a qualifying UK course and meet the minimum UK study period.
Completion reported
Your education provider must have told the Home Office that you successfully completed your course.
Current permission and timing
Apply in the UK before your Student or Tier 4 (General) permission expires.
GET ORGANISED
Start with
the right evidence.
This is a starting point, not a complete document list. What you need depends on your circumstances.
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Your most recent CAS reference.
- Details needed to prove your current immigration status.
- Sponsor consent where required if a government or international scholarship funded your recent study.
PLAN AHEAD
Costs & timing.
Budget for the application fee, any healthcare surcharge that applies and any optional services. Government charges are separate from adviser fees.
Processing times depend on the route, where you apply and your circumstances. Allow time to gather your documents; a published estimate is not a guaranteed decision date.
Check current fees and times on GOV.UK ↗GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Do I need a sponsored job?
No. The Graduate route permits most work and job searching without employer sponsorship.
Can I extend it?
No. You may be able to switch to another route if eligible. Plan ahead before your Graduate permission ends.
Can Dream Gate help with my application?
We’ll review your circumstances and immigration history before confirming whether we can help. If you need specialist advice, we’ll explain the appropriate next step before any work begins.
READ THE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
Immigration rules change. These summaries are introductory information, not a complete assessment or a promise of an outcome.
Graduate visa overview and duration ↗Eligible course and UK study period ↗Documents to provide ↗YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE ANSWERS YET.
Tell us about
your plans.
Start with a brief enquiry. We’ll discuss whether our support is the right fit and explain the next step.
support@dreamgateimmigration.com ↗Keep your first message brief. Please do not include passports, documents or sensitive personal information.