Chinese applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Graduate visa for Chinese citizens
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
- Processing time
- Typically within 8 weeks of a qualifying in-UK application.
- Government fees
- Application fee (£880 as of recent cycles) plus Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year. Verify on GOV.UK.
- Typical duration
- 2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates); non-extendable.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Graduate visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Graduate route provides a 2-year post-study work permission (3 years for PhD graduates) to international students who completed an eligible UK degree. It is unsponsored but cannot be extended — holders must switch to Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or other routes before it expires.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Successful completion of an eligible UK degree or qualifying course.
- ✓Valid Student visa at the time of application.
- ✓Application made inside the UK before Student visa expiry.
Common blockers
- !Studied at an institution not on the Higher Education Provider list with a track record of compliance.
- !Course completion not yet confirmed to Home Office by sponsor.
Typical evidence
- ·Confirmation of course completion from the higher education sponsor.
- ·Passport and BRP.
Application pathway
Complete your UK degree
Finish the qualifying programme and await confirmation from your institution to the Home Office.
Apply before Student visa expires
File the Graduate application in-country before Student permission lapses.
Begin work flexibly
Work for any employer at any skill level; self-employment permitted. Dependants on Student visa may extend if eligible.
Plan your next route before expiry
The Graduate route cannot be extended. Switch to Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, or other eligible route before expiry.
Other United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes covered for Chinese applicants
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
High Potential Individual visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.
Innovator Founder visa
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
Student visa
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Graduate visa?+
Eligibility for the Graduate visa is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Graduate visa?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UK Home Office — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Graduate visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Does time on the Graduate visa count toward UK settlement?+
No. The Graduate route does not itself lead to settlement and time spent on it does not count toward the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain on most onward routes.
Can I work at any skill level on the Graduate visa?+
Yes. Unlike Skilled Worker, there is no occupation or salary minimum. You can work in any role, be self-employed, or start a business.