📚 A Complete Guide to Applying for a UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) | 英国留学生毕业后工作签证（毕业生路线）申请全指南
For many international students, studying in the UK is just the beginning of a longer journey. The Graduate Route visa offers a valuable opportunity to stay and work, or look for work, for at least two years after successfully completing a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other eligible qualification. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, from eligibility to receiving your decision, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make a confident transition from student to working professional.
对于许多国际学生来说，在英国留学只是更长旅程的开始。毕业生路线签证提供了一个宝贵的机会，在成功完成英国学士学位、硕士学位或其他符合条件的学历后，可以在英国居留并工作或寻找工作至少两年。本指南将带你走完申请的每一步，从资格审核到收到签证决定，帮助你避开常见的陷阱，顺利地完成从学生到职场人的过渡。
1. Introduction to the Graduate Route | 毕业生路线介绍
The Graduate Route is an unsponsored work visa that allows international graduates to remain in the UK for two years (three years for doctoral graduates) after the completion of their course. It was introduced in July 2021 as a replacement for the old Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa and has quickly become one of the most popular options for those who want to gain professional experience in the UK without an immediate job offer.
毕业生路线是一种不需要雇主担保的工作签证，允许国际毕业生在完成课程后留在英国两年（博士毕业生为三年）。该签证于 2021 年 7 月推出，取代了旧的 Tier 1 (毕业生工作) 签证，并迅速成为那些希望在没有即时工作录用的情况下在英国积累职业经验的人最受欢迎的选择之一。
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is no minimum salary requirement and no need for a Certificate of Sponsorship. You can work in most jobs, be self-employed, or simply look for work. However, the time spent on the Graduate Route does not directly lead to settlement, but it can act as a bridge to other work routes that do.
与技能工人签证不同，该签证没有最低薪资要求，也不需要担保证书。你可以从事大多数工作，成为自雇人士，或者只是寻找工作。不过，通过毕业生路线累积的居留时间不会直接导向永居，但它可以作为通往其他能申请永居的工作类签证的桥梁。
2. Eligibility Criteria | 申请资格
To qualify for the Graduate Route, you must meet several key conditions. First, you need to have been physically present in the UK when you apply. Second, you must hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa at the time of application. Third, you must have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or a specified professional qualification such as the PGCE or certain law conversion courses.
要符合毕业生路线的申请资格，你必须满足几个关键条件。首先，你必须在申请时本人在英国境内。其次，你在申请时必须持有有效的学生签证或第四层级（普通）学生签证。第三，你必须已经成功完成了一个英国学士学位、研究生学位或指定的专业资格，例如 PGCE 或某些法律转换课程。
Your education provider must be a licensed student sponsor with a track record of compliance, and they must have notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course before you submit your application. If your sponsorship has been withdrawn or you have overstayed, you will not be eligible. You also need to have studied in the UK for the minimum period: at least 12 months for a course lasting more than 12 months, or the full course duration if it is shorter than 12 months.
你的教育机构必须是持有学生担保资质的合规担保方，并且他们必须在您递交申请之前已经通知移民局你已经成功完成课程。如果你的担保被撤销或者你已经逾期滞留，你将不符合申请资格。此外，你需要在英国学习满足最短时长要求：对于超过 12 个月的课程，至少需要在英国学习 12 个月；若课程短于 12 个月，则需完成整个课程的在英学习。
3. Key Documents Required | 所需关键文件
The Graduate Route application is submitted online, and you will need to upload supporting documents. The most important document is your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your Student visa. The Home Office will use this to verify your course completion with your university. You do not need to submit a new CAS, but you must ensure that your university has reported your completion via the Sponsor Management System.
毕业生路线申请是在线提交的，你需要上传支持性文件。最重要的文件是你的学生签证时所使用的录取确认函（CAS）号码。移民局将使用该号码与你的大学核实你是否已顺利完成课程。你不需要提交新的 CAS，但必须确保所在大学已经通过担保管理系统汇报了你的学业完成情况。
Other required documents include a valid passport or travel document, and your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one. For some nationals, you may need to provide a tuberculosis test certificate if you previously had one. You do not normally need to show financial evidence or English language test results, as these were already proven for your Student visa. However, it is wise to have a copy of your degree certificate or final transcript ready, just in case the Home Office requests additional proof.
其他必要文件包括有效的护照或旅行证件，以及你现有的生物信息居留卡（BRP）（如果持有）。对于某些国籍的申请人，如果此前曾被要求提供肺结核检测证明，则可能需要再次提交。通常，你不需要提供资金证明或英语语言成绩，因为这些在你申请学生签证时都已经证明过了。但最好准备好你的学位证书或最终成绩单的副本，以防移民局要求提供额外证据。
4. Step-by-Step Application Process | 申请步骤详解
The application is entirely online. First, create or log in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Start a new application under the 'Graduate Route' category. Fill in your personal details, passport information, and address history in the UK. You will be asked to confirm that your course has been successfully completed and that your sponsor has reported it.
申请过程全部在线完成。首先，创建或登录你的英国签证与移民局（UKVI）账户。在 'Graduate Route' 类别下开始新的申请。填写你的个人信息、护照资料和在英国的地址历史记录。你会被要求确认你的课程已经成功完成并且你的担保方已进行汇报。
After completing the form, you will be directed to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Then you will download the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify your identity. Using the app, you can scan your BRP or passport, and take a digital photo. No separate biometric appointment is required in most cases. Once your identity is confirmed, submit the application. Make sure you do not travel outside the UK while the application is pending, as leaving the Common Travel Area will automatically withdraw your application.
填完表格后，你将转到支付申请费和移民医疗附加费（IHS）的页面。然后你需要下载 UK Immigration: ID Check 应用程序来验证你的身份。通过该应用，你可以扫描你的 BRP 或护照，并拍摄电子照片。大多数情况下无需单独预约生物信息采集。身份确认后，提交申请。务必注意，在申请审理期间不要离开英国，因为离开共同旅游区将导致你的申请自动撤销。
5. Application Fees and Healthcare Surcharge | 申请费与医疗附加费
As of 2025, the application fee for the Graduate Route is £822. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at a rate of £1,035 for each year of visa granted. For a two-year visa, the IHS total is £2,070; for a three-year doctoral extension, it is £3,105. These fees must be paid in full at the time of application and are non-refundable even if the application is refused, unless the error was on the Home Office's part.
截至 2025 年，毕业生路线的申请费为 822 英镑。你还需要支付移民医疗附加费，批准的每一年需缴纳 1,035 英镑。对于两年期的签证，IHS 总额为 2,070 英镑；而三年期的博士延长签证则需要 3,105 英镑。这些费用必须在申请时一次性全额支付，即便申请被拒也不退还，除非是由于移民局自身的错误。
It is crucial to budget for these costs well in advance. Remember that you will not be able to work full-time until your Graduate visa is granted, although you can start working on a full-time basis once you have submitted your application, provided your Student visa allowed work and you have completed your course. Still, having enough savings to cover the fees and your living expenses during the transition period is highly recommended.
提前做好这些费用的预算至关重要。请记住，在你的毕业生签证获准之前，你尚不能全职工作，尽管在你递交申请并且学生签证允许工作且课程已完成之后，你就可以开始全职工作了。但无论如何，强烈建议预留足够的储蓄来覆盖这些费用和过渡期间的生活开销。
6. Processing Times and Decision | 审理时间与结果
Most Graduate Route applications are decided within 8 weeks of submission. However, many students receive a decision much sooner, often within 2 to 3 weeks, provided their university has promptly reported course completion. You can check the status of your application online through your UKVI account. If additional documents are requested, you must respond within the given deadline, usually 10 working days, to avoid refusal.
大多数毕业生路线申请在递交后的 8 周内会有结果。不过，如果所在大学及时汇报了课程完成情况，许多学生往往能在 2 到 3 周内就收到决定。你可以通过你的 UKVI 账户在线查看申请状态。如果移民局要求补充材料，你必须在规定期限内（通常为 10 个工作日）回复，否则可能导致拒签。
If your application is successful, you will receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) confirming your Graduate Route permission. You no longer automatically receive a physical BRP; instead, you can generate a share code to prove your right to work and rent in the UK. If the application is refused, you may have the right to an administrative review, but you cannot appeal a Graduate Route refusal. You must either leave the UK or apply for another visa from your home country if eligible.
如果申请成功，你将获得电子移民身份（eVisa），确认你的毕业生路线许可。你将不再自动获得实体 BRP；相反，你可以生成一个共享码来证明你在英国的工作和租房权利。如果申请被拒，你可能有权申请行政复议，但对毕业生路线的拒签不能提出上诉。你必须离开英国，或者在符合条件的情况下从本国申请其他签证。
7. What You Can and Cannot Do with a Graduate Visa | 毕业生签证的允许与限制
With a Graduate Route visa, you can work in most jobs, be self-employed, do voluntary work, and travel abroad and return to the UK. There is no restriction on the type of employment, and you do not need to meet a minimum salary threshold while on this visa. You can also study, but only for courses that are not subject to the Student visa route (i.e., short courses or part-time studies not requiring a CAS). Partners and children who are already in the UK as your dependants can apply to extend their stay as dependants on the Graduate Route, but you cannot bring new dependants from overseas.
持有毕业生路线签证，你可以从事大多数工作，可以自雇，可以从事志愿工作，也可以出境旅行并返回英国。工作类型没有限制，且在此签证期间你无需满足最低薪资要求。你也可以学习，但仅限于不适用于学生签证的课程（即不需要 CAS 的短期课程或非全日制学习）。已作为你的家属在英国境内的伴侣和孩子可以申请作为毕业生路线的家属续签，但你无法从海外新增家属。
However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, and you cannot access public funds (benefits). The Graduate Route is not a route to settlement on its own; the time does not count towards the 5-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. You also cannot extend this visa beyond the initial 2 or 3 years; you must switch to another immigration route if you wish to stay longer.
然而，你不能从事职业运动员或教练的工作，也不能领取公共福利。毕业生路线本身并不是通向永居的途径；这段时间不计入申请永久居留所需的 5 年居住期。此外，你无法在最初的 2 年或 3 年到期后续签该签证；如果你想继续留在英国，必须转换到其他移民途径。
8. Switching to Other Visa Categories | 转换到其他签证类别
The Graduate Route provides a flexible platform to transition into long-term work visas. The most common next step is the Skilled Worker visa. Once you have found a job with a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence, you can switch internally from within the UK. The salary and skill level requirements must be met, but because you are switching from a Graduate visa, you may benefit from reduced salary thresholds under the 'new entrant' rules.
毕业生路线为转换到长期工作签证提供了一个灵活的平台。最常见的下一步是技能工人签证。一旦你找到了一份拥有担保资质的英国雇主提供的工作，就可以在英国境内直接转换。虽然需要满足薪资和技能水平要求，但因为你从毕业生签证转换，你可能会受益于 '新工作者' 规则下的较低薪资门槛。
Other options include the Scale-up Worker visa, the Innovator Founder visa, or the Global Talent visa, depending on your circumstances. If you are in a relationship with a British citizen or settled person, you may apply to switch to a family visa as a partner. It is vital to start planning your switch early, as some application processes can take months, and you must not overstay your Graduate visa.
其他选项包括扩大规模企业雇员签证、创新创始人签证或全球人才签证，具体取决于你的情况。如果你与英国公民或定居人士存在伴侣关系，你可以申请转换到伴侣类家庭签证。尽早开始规划你的转换至关重要，因为某些申请流程可能耗时数月，而你绝不能逾期滞留超出毕业生签证的有效期。
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid | 常见误区与规避
One of the most frequent mistakes is applying before your university has reported your course completion to the Home Office. If you submit too early, the Home Office will check the sponsor notes and find no confirmation, which can lead to refusal. Always wait for an email from your institution confirming that they have updated your record, and keep that email as evidence.
最常见的误区之一是在你的大学向移民局汇报课程完成情况之前就递交申请。如果你提交得过早，移民局会查询担保方记录却发现没有确认信息，这可能导致拒签。请务必等待所在院校发送确认他们已更新你记录的邮件，并保留该邮件作为证据。
Another error is failing to maintain valid immigration status up to the date of decision. Do not let your Student visa expire while waiting; if your visa is about to expire and you are yet to receive a decision, you are still protected under Section 3C leave as long as you applied in time. However, if your application is returned as invalid (e.g., due to missing fees), you might become an overstayer. Also, check that your passport has enough validity; although not strictly required, an expired passport can cause identity verification issues.
另一个错误是未能维持有效的移民身份直到签证决定作出。不要让你的学生签证在等待期间过期；如果你及时递交了申请，即使在等待决定时学生签证到期，你也会受到 3C 条款的保护。但如果你的申请因费用缺失等问题被退回无效，你可能会变成逾期滞留者。此外，检查一下你的护照是否有足够的有效期；虽然并非硬性要求，但过期的护照可能导致身份验证问题。
10. Tips for a Smooth Application | 顺利申请的贴士
Begin preparing your application as soon as you receive your final results. Make sure the name in your passport matches exactly the name on your university records and on your CAS. Even a small discrepancy can lead to delays. Take the time to scan clear, colour copies of all documents, and when using the ID Check app, ensure your phone camera is clean and you are in a well-lit area to avoid repeated failures in the facial recognition step.
一收到最终成绩就开始准备你的申请。确保护照上的姓名与你大学记录及 CAS 上的姓名完全一致。即便是微小的差异也可能导致延误。花时间扫描清晰的彩色文件副本，使用 ID Check 应用时，要确保手机摄像头干净，且身处光线充足的环境，以免在人脸识别环节反复失败。
Keep a record of your application reference number and all correspondence with UKVI. If you encounter technical issues during the application, take screenshots and note the time; this will be helpful if you need to escalate a complaint. Finally, stay informed about any rule changes by periodically checking the official gov.uk website, as immigration rules can change with little notice. Joining international student communities or consulting an OISC-registered immigration adviser can also provide valuable reassurance.
保留好你的申请参考号和与移民局的所有通信记录。如果在申请过程中遇到技术问题，截图并记下时间；如果你需要升级投诉，这会很有帮助。最后，定期查看官方 gov.uk 网站，随时了解政策变化，因为移民规则可能在短时间内更改。加入国际学生社区或咨询 OISC 注册的移民顾问也能提供有价值的安心保障。
11. Frequently Asked Questions | 常见问题解答
Can I work full-time as soon as I submit the Graduate application?
Yes, if your Student visa permits work and you have completed your course, you can start full-time employment once the application is submitted. However, if your Student visa previously restricted you to part-time work during term (e.g., 20 hours per week), those restrictions no longer apply after course completion.
我提交毕业生申请后就可以立即全职工作吗？
是的，如果你的学生签证允许工作并且你已完成课程，在递交申请后你就可以开始全职工作。不过，如果你之前的学生签证在学期期间限制每周只能工作 20 小时，这些限制在课程结束后就不再适用了。
What if I lose my BRP after getting the digital status?
Once you have the Graduate visa evidenced digitally, you no longer need a physical BRP. If you still hold an old BRP, you should keep it but it will no longer serve as proof of right to work; use the share code instead.
如果我在获得电子身份后丢失了 BRP 怎么办？
一旦你的毕业生签证以电子方式显示，就不再需要实体 BRP。如果你还持有旧的 BRP，应该保留，但它将不再作为工作权利的证明；请改用共享码。
Can I travel while my application is being processed?
No, you must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until your application is decided. If you do, your application will be treated as withdrawn.
在申请审理期间我能旅行吗？
不能，在申请得到结果之前，你不能前往英国、爱尔兰、海峡群岛或马恩岛以外的地区。如果你离开，你的申请将被视为撤回。
Published by TutorHao | Graduate Route Visa Revision Series | aleveler.com
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