Nigerian applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Graduate visa for Nigerian citizens
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
This page covers the Graduate visa specifically for Nigerian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Nigeria. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 6 weeks – 8 weeks
- 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.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Lagos / Abuja
Tourist entry vs. this route
Nigerian 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.
Key figures for Nigerian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
6 weeks – 8 weeks
GOV.UK publishes an 8-week target for Graduate route applications; applicants must apply from inside the UK before their Student visa expires.
Verified 1 June 2026 · GOV.UK — Graduate visa →
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.
Recent policy changes affecting this route
What changed most recently on this route — each linked to its primary government source.
- 14 October 2025In force 1 January 2027
UK: Graduate route shortened to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027
The 14 October 2025 Statement of Changes cuts the Graduate route from 2 years to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027; PhD graduates keep 3 years.
UK Home Office →
Other United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes covered for Nigerian applicants
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
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.
Family visa (partner/spouse)
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
Not sure United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work unsponsored routes that Nigerian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nigerian citizens eligible for the Graduate visa?+
Eligibility for the Graduate visa is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Nigerian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Nigerian applicants typically file the Graduate visa?+
Lagos / Abuja. 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 Nigerian applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
Nigerian 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.
How long does the Graduate visa take to process from Nigeria?+
The typical published decision window is 6 weeks – 8 weeks. Nigerian applicants usually file via Lagos / Abuja, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: GOV.UK — Graduate visa, verified 1 June 2026.
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.