Graduate Visa Work Rights
What work rights do Graduate visa holders have? Understand the post-study work visa with no restrictions on employment.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
The Graduate visa allows unrestricted work for international graduates.
What Is the Graduate Visa?
Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Post-study visa | For UK graduates |
| Unrestricted work | Any job, any hours |
| No sponsor needed | Work freely |
| Fixed duration | Cannot extend |
Duration
| Graduate Type | Visa Length |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2 years |
| Master's | 2 years |
| PhD | 3 years |
Work Rights
No Restrictions
| Allowed | Detail |
|---|---|
| Any job | No level requirement |
| Any hours | Full-time or part-time |
| Any sector | Including restricted |
| Self-employment | Permitted |
Unlike Student Visa
| Feature | Graduate Visa | Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Hour limits | None | 20 hours term |
| Job level | Any | Any |
| Self-employment | Yes | No |
| Sponsorship | Not needed | Not needed |
Checking Right to Work
Online Verification
| Process | Step |
|---|---|
| Share code | Employee generates |
| Online check | Employer verifies |
| Confirmation | Shows Graduate visa |
| No restrictions | Should be stated |
What You'll See
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Graduate |
| Work rights | No restrictions |
| Valid until | Expiry date |
| Conditions | None for work |
Eligibility for Graduate Visa
Who Qualifies
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| UK degree | From approved institution |
| Student visa | Held during studies |
| Completed course | Successfully |
| Still in UK | When applying |
Courses That Qualify
| Course | Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Yes |
| Master's degree | Yes |
| PhD | Yes (3 years) |
| PGCE | Yes |
| Some diplomas | Check eligibility |
For Employers
Benefits of Hiring
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| No sponsorship | Required |
| No visa fees | For employer |
| No compliance | Beyond RTW check |
| Flexible | Can change roles |
Simple Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Check right to work | Online |
| Confirm Graduate visa | And expiry |
| Hire as normal | No special steps |
| Track expiry | For future |
Visa Duration Considerations
The 2-Year Limit
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cannot extend | Fixed period |
| No renewal | One grant only |
| Plan ahead | For alternatives |
After Graduate Visa
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Sponsorship needed |
| Other visa | Various routes |
| Leave UK | If no visa |
For Employers
| If Hiring | Consider |
|---|---|
| Time remaining | On visa |
| Long-term plans | May need sponsorship |
| Discuss early | Future options |
Switching to Skilled Worker
Common Transition
| Situation | Process |
|---|---|
| Graduate visa expiring | Apply for Skilled Worker |
| Employer sponsors | Issues CoS |
| Before expiry | Submit application |
| Can stay | While pending |
Employer Action
| If Wanting to Keep | Need |
|---|---|
| Sponsor licence | Must have |
| Eligible role | Skill level + salary |
| Apply in time | Before expiry |
No Sponsorship Required
What This Means
| Freedom | Detail |
|---|---|
| Any employer | Can hire |
| No licence needed | For employer |
| Change jobs freely | No restriction |
| Multiple jobs | If desired |
Employer Benefits
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Simpler hiring | No visa admin |
| No compliance duties | Beyond RTW |
| Flexibility | Can change roles |
| Cost savings | No sponsorship fees |
Self-Employment
Permitted
| Activity | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Freelancing | Yes |
| Own business | Yes |
| Contracting | Yes |
| Combined | With employment |
Unlike Other Visas
| Visa Type | Self-Employment |
|---|---|
| Graduate | Allowed |
| Student | Not allowed |
| Skilled Worker | Not primarily |
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: New Graduate Applying
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Just finished degree | Can apply |
| Graduate visa granted | 2 years |
| Full work rights | Immediately |
Scenario 2: Hiring a Graduate Visa Holder
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Check online | Via share code |
| Verify Graduate visa | Correct type |
| Check expiry | Know end date |
| Hire normally | No special process |
Scenario 3: Visa Expiring
| If Expiring Soon | Options |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | If you'll sponsor |
| Other visa | Their responsibility |
| Cannot extend | Graduate visa |
Record Keeping
What to Record
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Online confirmation | Screenshot |
| Visa type | Graduate |
| Expiry date | Critical |
| Date checked | For records |
Tracking Expiry
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Note in system | Don't forget |
| Remind before | Time to plan |
| Discuss options | If want to retain |
Advantages for Employers
Why Hire Graduate Visa Holders
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| UK educated | Familiar with UK |
| No sponsorship | Initially |
| Full work rights | No restrictions |
| Fresh skills | Recent graduates |
Considerations
| Factor | Think About |
|---|---|
| Time limited | 2 years only |
| Future planning | May need sponsorship |
| Investment | In training |
Summary
Key Points
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full work rights | No restrictions |
| No sponsorship | Needed |
| 2 or 3 years | Duration |
| Cannot extend | Plan ahead |
| Check online | Via share code |
For Employers
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Check right to work | Verify status |
| Note expiry | Plan ahead |
| Consider sponsorship | To retain |
Related answers
Right to Work Checks: UK Employer Guide
UK employers must verify every employee's right to work before they start. Learn the 3 methods, required documents, and penalties for non-compliance.
Skilled Worker Visa
What is a Skilled Worker visa and what are the work rights? Understand employer sponsorship, restrictions, and checking requirements.
Student Visa Work Rights
How many hours can student visa holders work? Understand term time limits, vacation work, and checking requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Graduate visa holders work full-time?
- Yes. Graduate visa holders have unrestricted work rights - they can work full-time in any job at any level. There are no hour limits or job restrictions like student visas have.
- How long does a Graduate visa last?
- The Graduate visa is granted for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates). It cannot be extended, but holders can switch to other visas like Skilled Worker before it expires.
- Do Graduate visa holders need sponsorship?
- No. Graduate visa holders don't need employer sponsorship to work. They can work for any employer in any role. However, if they want to stay after the visa expires, they may need a sponsored visa.