PRACTICE NOTES
The Graduate route
The Graduate route is an unsponsored immigration pathway enabling eligible people with permission under the Student route to take up full-time work or self-employment in the UK, at any skill level, once their studies are complete. The permitted period is:
Two years if they have completed an eligible Bachelor's or Master's degree (or other relevant qualification) in the UK and apply before 1 January 2027
18 months if they have completed an eligible Bachelor's or Master's degree (or other relevant qualification) in the UK and apply on or after 1 January 2027
Three years if they have completed a PhD or other eligible doctoral qualification
Launched on 1 July 2021 to attract and retain talented international students, the route bears similarities to the former Tier 1 (Post-study work) category, which was abolished in April 2012. In its
Immigration