The UK Graduate Route – A Guide for Indian Students

Indian postgraduate students studying in the UK can apply for a post-study work visa (PSW) that allows them to stay and work after finishing their degree without needing sponsorship. The UK Government has said that the Graduate Route is set to be cut to at least 18 months, but when this change will come into force is yet to be announced.

This guide will cover what you need to know about the Graduate Route, including eligibility, applications, costs and more!

If you're looking for information about getting a visa to study your Masters in the UK, read our UK visa guide for postgraduate students.

Why should Indian students apply for the Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route is an unsponsored route, meaning you don’t need a job offer to apply, and you won’t need sponsorship from your university. You can spend as long as you like searching for employment, and there are no restrictions of the kind of work you can do. You can also switch jobs at any point without it affecting your visa.

This means you’ll have the flexibility and freedom to seek out new career opportunities in the UK.

How long can Indian students stay in the UK with a Graduate Route Visa?

The period of time you’ll be able to live and work in the UK under the Graduate Route depends on the qualification you have completed:

• The UK Government has proposed a reduction in the length of the visa for Masters (and Bachelors) graduates. It is set to be reduced to 18 months but when this change will come into force is yet to be announced.
• PhD graduates will be able to stay for up to three years

Am I eligible to apply for the UK Graduate Route?

Indian students who have studied an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course in the UK can apply for the Graduate Route. These include:

• A Bachelors degree
• A Masters degree
• A PhD or doctorate
• A law conversion course
• The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

You can view a full list of approved courses on the UK Government website.

There are no specific language requirements for the Graduate Route – you’ll have proved your proficiency in English by completing a qualification in the UK.

You’ll also need to have resided in the UK for at least 12 months during your course (or its entire duration if your programme was shorter than 12 months). However, you may be exempt from this requirement if you were unable to remain in the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic. The UK government website explains this in more detail.

You’ll need to be in the UK when you submit your application and hold either a Tier 4 visa or a Student Visa that is still in date.

It’s important to note that your application fee will not refunded if your application is refused – so make sure you meet the requirements before you submit!

How much does the UK Graduate Route visa cost?

It will cost £822 (INR 87,247) to apply for the Graduate Route visa.

In addition to this you’ll have to pay a healthcare surcharge, equivalent to £1,035 per year you’ll be in the UK. This will allow you to access the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as permanent UK residents.

How can Indian students apply for the UK Graduate Route?

The application process for the UK Graduate Route is usually completed entirely online. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to the process:

• Step 1: Open a new application via the UK government website
• Step 2: Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account (or sign into an existing one) when prompted
• Step 3: Verify your identity using the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app (you will be able to download this once you’ve signed into your UKVI account). To do this, you will need your Biometric Residence Card (BRP). You should have been given this when you were granted your Student (or Tier 4) visa.
• Step 4: Once your identity has been confirmed, you can move on to the main body of the application. This will mostly involve filling in your personal details and answering questions about your employment and immigration history. You will also need a passport or other travel document, and your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. You should have received a CAS number from your university when you were accepted onto your course.
• Step 5: Pay the application fee and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
• Step 6: Most visa applications will be approved within eight weeks. If your application is successful, you’ll be issued with a digital eVisa. You can view this online through the government’s View and Prove service.

Next steps

If you want to stay in the UK for longer than the period covered by the Graduate Route visa, you’ll need to apply for a different visa once it has expired. Most commonly, this will be a Skilled Worker visa.

The Skilled Worker visa is valid for 5 years, and contributes towards settlement rights, meaning you may eventually be able to become a permanent UK resident. Unlike the Graduate Route, however, you will need a job offer with a minimum skill and salary level in order to apply. The period covered by the Graduate Route should allow you time to meet these requirements.

To start your application, or learn more about the Graduate Route, visit the UK government website.