Graduate visa

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Apply

You must apply online for a Graduate visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity.

You usually do this by scanning your biometric residence permit (BRP) with the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, scan your passport instead.

You’ll need to sign into an existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, or create a new one.

If you cannot scan your BRP or passport with the app, you’ll be asked to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment, the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Apply for a Graduate visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying for a visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

If your application is successful

You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied.

View a printable version of the whole guide