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UK Graduate Visa Eligibility Calculator 2026

By VISA AI Editorial TeamReviewed by VISA AI Immigration Research DeskUpdated
Planning to stay in the UK after your studies? The Graduate Visa allows international students to remain and work in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course. Use our free eligibility calculator to see if you qualify for this exciting opportunity!
Processing:8 weeks (standard).Min score:70FreeOfficial source

Check Your Visa Eligibility Score in 60 Seconds

Free • UK

1. Are you completing an eligible UK degree (bachelor's+ from a registered sponsor)?

2. Currently in the UK on a Student visa?

3. Course duration?

4. Funds for IHS + visa fee + life in UK?

Answer all questions to see your score

UK Graduate Visa Overview

UK Graduate Visa Eligibility Calculator 2026 is one of the most searched immigration pathways for people moving to UK

This page gives you a fast, no-signup way to check where you stand before you spend money on application fees or agents. Our calculator mirrors the official rule set and then translates the answers into a clear, percentage-based eligibility score. You will see exactly which requirements you already meet, which ones need work, and what the realistic next step looks like.

If you want a deeper, AI-personalised plan covering documents, timeline, costs and alternative pathways, run the full assessment — it compares your profile against every visa we track for your destination and ranks the routes most likely to succeed for someone with your background.

UK Graduate Visa Eligibility Requirements

Eligible UK Degree

Bachelor's, master's, or PhD from a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance (Student route sponsor).

Successful Course Completion

University must report successful completion to the Home Office before application.

Current Student Visa

Must be in the UK on a Student visa when applying.

No Salary, Job Offer, or Sponsor Required

Unrestricted right to work (except as a professional sportsperson).

Duration

2 yrs for bachelor's / master's; 3 yrs for PhD — non-extendable, switch to Skilled Worker / Global Talent / HPI / Innovator Founder.

Official UK Graduate Visa Guidance

Verify with the official government source

Want to double-check requirements? Read the rules directly from . Our calculator is a guide — official policy can change at any time. UK Visas and Immigration.

UK Graduate Visa: Your Questions Answered

Common mistakes to avoid

1

Applying after Student visa expires — must be valid at submission.

2

Applying before university confirms course completion to Home Office.

3

Letting Graduate visa expire without arranging Skilled Worker switch.

4

Using Graduate visa for self-employment without ensuring activity is genuine business.

Improve your chances

  1. 1

    Secure Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker before Graduate visa expires.

  2. 2

    Save IHS years by switching to Skilled Worker route which has lower IHS payment increments.

  3. 3

    Use Graduate-route freedom to test multiple employers and negotiate salary.

  4. 4

    PhD holders: combine Graduate route with Global Talent endorsement for 3-yr ILR fast-track.

Graduate visa fees (2026)

GOV.UK 2026 fee schedule.
ItemCost
Application fee£822
IHS — bachelor/master (2 yrs)£2,070 (£1,035/yr)
IHS — PhD (3 yrs)£3,105
Validity2 yrs (3 yrs PhD) — non-extendable
Right to workUnrestricted (not pro sport)
Switch routesSkilled Worker, Global Talent, HPI, Innovator Founder

Step-by-step application process

  1. Self-assess eligibility. Use this calculator and review the official UK Graduate Visa Eligibility Calculator 2026 criteria before paying any fees. Confirm you meet every hard gate (age, language, health, character, qualifying offer or investment) — failing one gate cannot be offset by scoring well elsewhere.
  2. Gather and translate documents. Collect passport, civil documents, qualifications, language test, police clearances from every country lived in 12+ months since age 17, and proof of funds. Obtain certified translations and apostilles/attestations where the destination authority requires them.
  3. Submit the formal application. Lodge online through the official government portal listed on this page. Pay the correct government fee, complete biometrics at the designated centre, and upload supporting evidence in the exact format the authority specifies.
  4. Respond to requests for evidence. Caseworkers commonly request additional payslips, employer letters, or medicals. Respond inside the deadline given — most refusals come from missed deadlines, not weak profiles.
  5. Travel and activate status. On approval, collect your visa vignette or eVisa, enter the country before it expires, register your address where required, and collect any biometric residence permit/card. Keep digital and paper copies of every document.

Sources & references

Every figure on this page is sourced from official government or regulator publications. Cross-check before applying — rules change.

  1. GOV.UK — Graduate visa —

This calculator is editorial guidance, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds, points, salary floors and occupation lists change frequently — always verify your route against the official government source linked on this page before applying. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration adviser regulated in the destination country.

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