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Many international students apply for the Graduate Visa shortly after finishing their course — but timing is key.

If you’re on a Student Visa, you usually have the right to work until your visa expires, which is typically 4 months after your official course completion date.

💡 Best time to apply?

Ideally, just before your Student Visa expires. Here’s why:

1. It can save your future employer money

If you get a visa-sponsored job offer before your Student Visa expires, and your job starts within 3 months after it expires, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa without the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).

This could make you more attractive to employers, as the ISC normally costs thousands of pounds.

2. More time to find sponsorship

The Graduate Visa lets you stay in the UK for:

• 2 years – if you completed an undergraduate or master’s degree

• 3 years – if you completed a PhD

When combined with the 4-month work allowance under your Student Visa, this gives you a longer period to work and search for a Skilled Worker sponsor.

👉 Before you apply, make sure:

• Your university has reported your course completion to the Home Office

• You apply before your current visa expires

• You meet all the Graduate Visa eligibility criteria

Got a job lined up already? Consider whether it makes more sense to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa directly — especially if the employer is ready to sponsor you now.