Graduate Visa
“Leonard solicitors are the best in Southampton. I used their services for many years and they never let me down. Specifically, Lee Ann Harvey always has good news because she is professional and a perfectionist.”
Immigration Solicitors for Graduate Visas
Our Graduate Visa Solicitors help student visa holders who wish to remain living in the UK and work following their graduation. We understand that after completing your studies, finding work is your next priority. Graduate visas, unlike Skilled Worker visas, allow migrant graduates to apply for work, in any sector and on any salary, without the need of being sponsored. Of course, you can only apply for a graduate visa within the UK, and within 1 calendar month of your student visa expires.
There are, however, some limitations to this visa and applications can be complicated, which is why it is best to get expert legal advice before proceeding. For example, if you’re looking to stay in the UK for longer than 2 years and you already have a skilled job offer from an appropriate sponsor, a Skilled Worker visa may be a better option, as a graduate visa would cost you more in the long run.
Our team of immigration lawyers are here to help you through the process. We will advise on whether this route is appropriate to your circumstances and take into consideration what it is that you want to achieve.
What is a Graduate Visa?
A Graduate visa is a Further Leave to Remain immigration status (an extension of your stay in the UK). It allows Student visa holders to switch to a graduate visa and remain and work in the UK with their existing declared dependants (if eligible) following graduating from their university studies.
If you have a partner and/or children that are classed as ‘dependents’ on your current student visa, they can apply to stay as dependents on your graduate visa. Children born in the UK during your stay as a student can also apply.
With a graduate visa you can:
- Live in the UK and work in most jobs
- Look for work
- Be self-employed
- Continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they are eligible
- Do voluntary work
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
However, you cannot:
- Apply for most benefits, including Universal Credit, or the State Pension
- Work as a professional sportsperson
What are the requirements for a Graduate Visa?
To qualify for a graduate visa, you will need to:
- Apply within the UK
- Have a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (Student general) student visa
- Have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduates’ degree, or other eligible course
- Have successfully graduated from your studies and completed your course
Why Leonard Solicitors?
Applications for any visa can be complicated and require an expert to help you understand the various requirements that make you eligible. Proceeding without legal advice can cost you in the long run, which is why we apply our knowledge and experience so that you have every chance of success the first time. Our immigration lawyers will get to know you as an individual, providing you with advice along the way submit your application with confidence.
Leonard Solicitors continues to practice immigration law since 1990, forging our excellent reputation with migrants and the Home Office. We have a diverse team of immigration lawyers who provide advice in plain English, but can also speak:
- Polish
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- Farsi
Related pages
Global Talent Visa
Health & Social Care Visa
At your service
Why Leonard Solicitors?
Applications for any visa can be complicated and require an expert to help you understand the various requirements that make you eligible. Proceeding without legal advice can cost you in the long run, which is why we apply our knowledge and experience so that you have every chance of success the first time. Our immigration lawyers will get to know you as an individual, providing you with advice along the way submit your application with confidence.
Leonard Solicitors continues to practice immigration law since 1990, forging our excellent reputation with migrants and the Home Office. We have a diverse team of immigration lawyers who provide advice in plain English, but can also speak:
- Polish
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- Farsi
