Graduate Route visa: what Nepali students must know before Jan 2027

The Graduate Route lets international students who have completed an eligible UK degree stay and work (or look for work) without needing a job offer or sponsor. For many Nepali students it is the bridge between studying and a longer-term work visa. The rules are under review, so check the official page before relying on any detail here.

Who can apply

• You must be in the UK on a Student visa when you apply.
• You must have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider.
• Your education provider must have told the Home Office that you finished your course.

How long it lasts

The Graduate Route is typically granted for 2 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and 3 years after a PhD. Important: the government has announced reforms and the length or conditions may change - this is why timing before 2027 matters. Always confirm the current duration on gov.uk/graduate-visa.

What you can and cannot do

• You can work in most jobs, be self-employed, and look for work.
• You cannot claim most public benefits, and the route cannot be extended or renewed.
• It does not count toward settlement. To stay longer you usually switch to a work visa such as Skilled Worker.

Cost

You pay an application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge for the full length of the visa - see our guide on the Immigration Health Surcharge. Exact fees change, so check the official page.

Planning ahead

Because the Graduate Route cannot be extended, plan your next step early: find employers who are licensed sponsors, understand Skilled Worker salary thresholds, and apply to switch before your Graduate visa expires. Confirm everything at gov.uk/graduate-visa.