Working Restrictions on the Graduate Visa: What You Can and Can’t Do
The UK graduate visa offers international students an opportunity to remain in the UK after successful completion of an eligible course. International students can utilise the opportunity to gain work experience, explore career opportunities, or transition to a longer-term immigration route that leads to settlement in the UK.
However, whilst the graduate visa provides significant flexibility, it also comes with certain restrictions. Understanding what you can and cannot do is essential to maintaining your immigration status and avoiding potential breaches of visa conditions.
In this article, we explain the key restrictions attached to the graduate visa and answer some of the most common questions from international graduates.
What is a graduate visa?
The graduate visa allows eligible international students who have successfully completed a UK degree or another qualifying course to stay in the UK after their studies.
The visa is unsponsored, meaning you do not need a job offer or a sponsoring employer to apply. This gives graduates greater freedom to explore the UK job market and gain valuable experience.
As of June 2026, the graduate visa is valid for:
- Two years for applicants who apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
- Three years for applicants who have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification
As mentioned above, from 1 January 2027, the grant period for anyone who’s not completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification is reduced to 18 months from two years.
It is important to remember that the graduate visa does not lead directly to settlement. However, many graduates later switch into routes such as the Skilled Worker visa if they secure eligible employment.
Get Support with your Post-Graduate Visa
Can you work on a graduate visa?
Yes. One of the main benefits of the graduate visa is that it gives the status holder right to work.
Unlike the Student visa, there are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work. You can generally work full-time, part-time, or undertake multiple jobs simultaneously.
You can:
- Work in most occupations and sectors
- Accept permanent or temporary employment
- Change employers without notifying the Home Office
- Work at any skill level
- Look for work while in the UK
- Undertake internships or work placements
- Carry out voluntary work - any voluntary work you do must be unpaid
- Be self-employed
There is also no minimum salary requirement and no requirement for employer sponsorship.
What work is prohibited?
The principal employment restriction under the graduate visa is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
This prohibition is broader than many people realise and can include activities such as:
- Playing for a professional or semi-professional sports team
- Coaching at a professional or semi-professional level
- Receiving payment or significant benefits for sporting activities
- Being registered with a professional sports organisation
- Using an agent or representative to secure sporting opportunities
Whether an activity falls within the definition of a "professional sportsperson" depends on the specific circumstances.
However, participating in amateur or recreational sports is generally permitted.
If you have any concerns about whether your sporting activities may breach your visa conditions, it is advisable to seek legal advice before accepting a role.
Can you study on a graduate visa?
In some circumstances, yes.
Graduate visa holders may undertake further study, provided the course is not one that would ordinarily require sponsorship under the Student visa route.
If your intended course is eligible for a Student visa, you may need to switch immigration categories instead.
Can you access Public Funds?
No.
Graduate visa holders are not permitted to claim public funds or access most state benefits.
Can you apply for a graduate visa from outside the UK?
No.
These visas can only be obtained from inside the UK, once you have successfully completed your degree course. Your university is required to confirm completion to the Home Office as part of the application process.
Can the graduate visa be extended?
No.
The Graduate visa cannot be extended beyond its initial validity period.
Before your visa expires, you should consider whether you may be eligible to switch into another immigration route.
The graduate visa offers valuable flexibility, but understanding the limits of your immigration permission is essential.
Our immigration solicitors advise graduates, employers, and educational institutions on all aspects of the graduate route. If you need advice about your rights to work in the UK or your long-term immigration options, contact our team for tailored guidance.
Visa Support for Recent Graduates
Visa support with Latitude Law
Latitude Law is highly experienced when it comes to supporting graduates when switching to another visa type. We’re able to advise on potential visa options as well as supporting with your actual application too. Get in touch today for expert support.
