How overseas travel impacts your eligibility for the Graduate route

Immigration rules state that you must be in the UK with a valid Student visa for a specified period of time during your studies to qualify for a Graduate visa. The specified period of time depends on the length of your programme.

Travelling for non-programme related reasons while you are studying 

Programmes for 12 months or less 

If you are studying a programme for 12 months or less, you must be on campus during term-time. You should choose to travel during vacation periods or at weekends.

University academic semester dates 

Programmes for more than 12 months 

If you study a programme lasting more than 12 months, travel should not affect your eligibility for the Graduate visa, provided you spend at least 12 months of your studies in the UK. 

Please note, Masters students do not have a summer vacation. You are expected to work full-time on your dissertation project during the summer. If you choose to travel during your term time, it may impact your Graduate visa eligibility. You must have spent at least 12 months of your studies in the UK on a valid student visa to meet the 'study in the UK' requirement. 

If unsure, you should contact us with full details of your academic circumstances and your intended travel dates.

Travelling after your studies 

The period of time between your programme end date and your current Student visa end date is the wrap-up period. Travelling during your wrap-up period should not affect your eligibility for a Graduate visa. 

However, you must be in the UK with a valid Student visa to apply for a Graduate visa. 

If you have an eVisa account, you must check your eVisa details are correct before travel.

eVisa guidance on travel

Travelling at the end of your studies guidance

Visa Processing Time

Standard Service: You will usually receive a Graduate visa decision within eight weeks and you must remain inside the UK during this wait time.

Stay in the UK while you wait for a decision

You need to stay in the UK until you receive a decision on your Graduate visa application. Otherwise, your application will be automatically treated as being withdrawn. 

The UKVI priority service (extra fees) may be available via the app:  Faster decision when applying from inside the UK - GOV.UK

Work you can accept

Kinds of work you can accept before, during and after a Graduate application

UKCISA Guidance - Working after studies

 

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