This article provides a comprehensiveguide to the graduate visa application process.
The graduate visa allows individuals whohave completed their studies at a UK university to stay in the country for upto two years, along with their partner and dependent children, who will bepermitted to live and work in the UK.
It is important to note that individualscannot apply for benefits or continue studying once they receive a graduatevisa.
The application process requires coursecompletion and notification from the university, and it is highly recommendedto apply before the existing student visa expires.
The necessary documents include apassport, CAS number, and biometric residence permit.
If sponsorship has been approved withinthe past 12 months, this needs to be included in the application.
There is an application fee of £715, aswell as a healthcare surcharge of £624, both of which must be paid.
The graduate visa application can besubmitted to the GOV. UK website.
Key Takeaways
This article provides an extensive guide to the graduate visaapplication process.
Thegraduate visa permits individuals who have finished their studies at a UKuniversity to stay in the country for up to two years, alongside their partnerand dependent children, who will be allowed to live and work in the UK.
Itis important to bear in mind that individuals cannot apply for benefits orcontinue studying once they receive a graduate visa.
Theapplication process necessitates course completion and notification from theuniversity, and it is strongly recommended to apply before the existing studentvisa expires.
Therequired documents include a passport, CAS number, and biometric residencepermit.
Ifsponsorship has been approved within the preceding 12 months, this needs to beincluded in the application.
Thereis an application fee of £715, as well as a healthcare surcharge of £624, bothof which have to be paid.
Thegraduate visa application can be submitted to the GOV. UK website.
Application Process
The application process for the graduate visa involves submittingthe necessary documents, including a passport, CAS number, and biometricresidence permit, and paying the application fee and healthcare surcharge. Itis important to bear in mind that the application should be made before theexisting student visa expires.
The eligibility criteria for the graduate visa comprise coursecompletion and notification from the university. The course must be completedat a UK university. Furthermore, sponsorship approval is needed if received inthe past 12 months.
The application timeline for the graduate visa is vital, as itguarantees a smooth transition between visas. It is wise to apply for thegraduate visa as soon as possible to avoid any issues or delays.
Required Documents
Passports, CAS numbers, and biometric residence permits areessential for verifying an applicant's identity and immigration status whenapplying for a UK graduate visa.
The passport provides evidence of nationality and is a must forentering and leaving the UK.
The CAS number, issued by the university, shows that the applicanthas successfully finished their course in a UK university. It acts as proof ofcourse completion and is necessary to obtain the graduate visa.
Furthermore, the biometric residence permit is required todemonstrate the applicant's right to live and work in the UK. It includespersonal information and immigration conditions.
In addition to these documents, if the applicant has receivedsponsorship in the last 12 months, approval from the sponsor is also necessary.
Fees and HealthcareSurcharge
Applicants for the UK graduate visa are required to pay anapplication fee of £715 and a healthcare surcharge of £624. These fees arenecessary in order to process the application and provide access to healthcarebenefits during the stay in the UK.
The application fee of £715 covers the administrative costsassociated with processing the visa application. It is important to note thatthis fee is non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful.
Additionally, a healthcare surcharge of £624 is also required to bepaid. This surcharge grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) andcovers the cost of any necessary medical treatments while in the UK.
It is essential to consider these fees when planning for thegraduate visa application, as they are a mandatory requirement for the process.Payment options for these fees are available on the GOV. UK website, where theapplication can be made.
Frequently AskedQuestions
Can I apply fora graduate visa if I have completed my course at a non-UK university?
Completinga course at a non-UK university may affect eligibility for a graduate visa.Potential implications for applications and the effect on visa eligibilityshould be taken into consideration.
What are theconsequences if I apply for benefits or continue studying after receiving thegraduate visa?
Applyingfor benefits or continuing study after receiving a graduate visa can haveconsequences, such as violating the terms of the visa. Alternatives to benefitsand study include switching to a different type of visa once the graduate visaexpires.
Is there an agelimit for applying for a graduate visa?
Thereare no age limits for applying for a graduate visa in the UK. The eligibilitycriteria for the visa include completing a course at a UK university andapplying before the existing student visa expires.
Can I switch toa different type of visa before my graduate visa expires?
Yes,it is possible to switch to a different type of visa before your graduate visaexpires. This allows you to explore job opportunities and continue living andworking in the UK beyond the two-year period. With careful planning andpreparation, this can be done smoothly and without any issues. You shouldresearch the various visa options available to you and decide which one bestsuits your needs. Additionally, it is important to understand the requirementsand application process for each visa type. It is also essential to ensure thatyou meet the eligibility criteria for the visa you are applying for.
Can I apply fora graduate visa if I have already received sponsorship approval more than 12months ago?
Applyingfor a graduate visa with expired sponsorship is not possible. However,individuals can apply for a graduate visa with pending sponsorship if they meetall other requirements and provide the necessary documents.
Individualswho received sponsorship approval more than 12 months ago will not beeligible to apply for a graduate visa. It is important to ensure that alldocuments required for the application are up-to-date in order to besuccessful.
