Transitioning from a Student visa to a Graduate route visa, previously referred to as the PSW visa, is a viable option upon the successful completion of an eligible bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in the UK. This must be achieved through a higher education provider with a proven history of compliance.

Applications for the Graduate visa must adhere to the stipulations outlined in Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules. It is important to note that applications for the Graduate visa can only be submitted from within the UK—applications from abroad are not permitted. Additionally, this application must be made while the applicant is still in possession of a valid Student visa. Once the student transitions to a different visa category, eligibility for the Graduate route visa will be forfeited.

The Graduate visa allows for a stay of at least two years in the UK following the completion of a qualifying course. For those who have completed a PhD, the visa duration extends to three years. While the Graduate route is unsponsored and does not directly lead to settlement (i.e., it does not automatically qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)), the time spent on the Graduate route is considered when applying for ILR based on 10 years of long residence.

Aden & Co Solicitors are distinguished experts in UK immigration law, renowned for their exceptional visa and immigration services. Our team, comprising fully qualified and highly experienced solicitors, consistently delivers top-tier legal support. This superior quality of service is reflected in our outstanding 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients affirming their satisfaction.

Our expert team of immigration solicitors and attorneys in London offers comprehensive legal advice and representation on a fixed fee basis for those seeking to switch from a student visa to a Graduate visa within the UK. Reach out to our team of immigration specialists for complimentary advice online, or schedule a detailed consultation with our experienced work visa solicitors. Whether you have questions or need thorough guidance on transitioning to a Graduate visa, Aden & Co Solicitors are here to assist you.

Eligibility Criteria for Switching to the Graduate Route Visa

To transition from a Student visa to a Graduate Route visa, applicants must fulfill the criteria outlined in Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules. The key requirements are:

• Application Submission: The applicant must submit a valid application from within the UK to switch to the Graduate Route visa.
• Previous Visa Status: The applicant must currently hold or have previously held a Student/Tier 4 General Student visa.
• Points Requirement: The applicant must meet the necessary points as specified by the immigration rules.
• Completion of Study: The applicant must have successfully completed their course of study.
• Qualification Standards: The applicant must meet the qualification criteria for the Graduate Route visa.
• Study Location: The applicant must have undertaken their studies in the UK.
• Previous Permissions: The applicant must not have previously been granted permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or as a Graduate.
• Scholarship or Sponsorship: If the applicant received a scholarship or sponsorship from a government or international agency within the 12 months preceding the application.
• , covering both fees and living expenses.

• they must provide written consent from the respective government or agency.
• Compliance with Immigration Laws: The applicant must not have any grounds for refusal under Part 9 and must not be in breach of UK immigration laws. Overstaying periods may be disregarded if paragraph 39E applies.
• Immigration Bail Status: The applicant must not be on immigration bail.

Graduate Route Visa Points Requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Route Visa, applicants must accumulate a total of 70 points. The points are allocated based on the criteria outlined below:

Course Completion Criteria for Graduate Route Application

To meet the requirements for the Graduate route application, the following conditions must be satisfied:

• Previous Sponsorship: The applicant must have been sponsored by an accredited higher education provider known for maintaining compliance at the time of application.
• Successful Course Completion: The applicant must have completed the course of study undertaken during their last period of permission under the Student route. If the applicant changed their course of study without needing additional permission as a Student, this criterion applies only to the new course undertaken.
• Notification to Home Office: The student sponsor must have informed the Home Office by the time of the Graduate route application that the applicant has successfully completed the relevant course of study.

Qualification Requirements for Immigration Applications

To fulfill the qualification requirements, an applicant must have completed a course of study that has resulted in or will result in the award of a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK postgraduate degree, or another relevant qualification listed below.

Acceptable qualifications include:

• A law conversion course accredited by the Joint Academic Stage Board in England and Wales.
• The Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
• The Bar Practice Course in England and Wales or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland.
• A foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry.
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
• A professional course at the UK bachelor’s degree level or higher in a field with reserved activities regulated by UK law or a UK public authority.

Should the name of the applicant’s course of study be altered by the Student sponsor, while the course content remains unchanged, or if an essential and assessed work placement or approved study abroad programme is included, this will not affect the applicant’s ability to meet the qualification requirement.

The qualification must have been obtained during the current period of permission to study as a Student / Tier 4 General Student or during the period immediately preceding the last grant of permission, provided the last grant was for a role as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

Additional Considerations:
If the applicant’s course of study was changed by the student sponsor but the course content remained the same, or if an integral work placement or study abroad programme was added, this will not hinder the applicant’s eligibility for meeting the qualification requirement.

The qualification must have been obtained during the applicant’s last period of permission to study under the Student or Tier 4 General Student visa, or in the period immediately prior to that if the applicant’s previous permission was granted for their role as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

Study in the UK: Detailed Requirements for Applicants

To meet the eligibility criteria for studying in the UK, the applicant must have spent a minimum duration in the UK that aligns with the course they were last granted permission to pursue on the Student route. The relevant period, as shown in the table below, is crucial in determining whether the applicant has met the necessary requirements for their study.

Fixed Fees for Transitioning from Student Visa to Graduate Visa

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our fixed fees for transitioning from a Student Visa to a Graduate Visa in the UK range between £800 and £1,500 (excluding VAT). The final fee is determined by the complexity and volume of work required for your Graduate Visa application. For a precise quote, you can request an estimate online for your application to the Home Office UKVI.

Please note that our fixed fee does not include any additional disbursements, such as the UKVI application fee for the Graduate Visa. These fees must be paid separately by the applicant.

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