Graduate visa: Indian citizen in India → United Kingdom
Indian graduates already in the UK on a Student visa who have successfully completed an eligible course apply online on gov.uk for a Graduate visa to stay and work for 2 years (3 years with a PhD), without needing a sponsor.
Lets you stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing an eligible course on a Student visa, without needing a job offer or sponsor.
- Validity
- A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.
- Entries
- You can travel abroad and return to the UK during your visa; it cannot be extended.
- Max stay per visit
- 2 years (3 years with a PhD or other doctoral qualification).
When to start
Start 56 days–2 months before your travel date.
Getting an appointment in India
- Delhi & Mumbai: usually 1–2 weeks for a slot; peak season can stretch towards 4 weeks.
- Tier-2 centres (Pune, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad) often have earlier slots — a train ticket can beat the wait.
- The New Delhi centre relocated in early 2026 — confirm the current address on the official VFS site before you go.
- Applicants report slots opening 7–21 days out in normal months — book the moment you pay your fee.
You must be in the UK, your current visa must be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, and your education provider must have told the Home Office you've successfully completed your course.
Your education provider (such as your university or college) must have told the Home Office you've successfully completed your course before you apply.
You must apply online for a Graduate visa before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires. It costs the £937 application fee plus the healthcare surcharge.
Once you've applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
What you'll need
- Valid passport or travel document — A valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality. ✓ verified
- CAS reference number — Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. ✓ verified
- Biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa proof — Online proof of your immigration status if you have an eVisa, or your biometric residence permit (BRP). ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
You must be in the UK to apply. Apply online on gov.uk and prove your identity through the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app — you do not give biometrics at an overseas visa application centre.
Fees
| Graduate visa application fee | GBP 937 |
Gotchas to watch
- You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
- You cannot extend your Graduate visa — switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, to stay longer.