So you’ve made it to the UK, completed your Master’s degree, survived British weather, earned that prestigious scroll — and now you’re staring at your visa, wondering: “What’s next?”
If you’re a Nigerian student (or any international graduate) in the UK, you’ve likely heard of the Graduate Route Visa — but do you really understand what it means for your future?
This article gives you the no-nonsense breakdown of what happens after your degree, what the Graduate Visa allows, and how to strategically use it to transition into work, longer-term residency, or even PR status in the UK.
What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Route allows international students who have successfully completed a degree in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) for 2 years after graduation. PhD graduates get 3 years.
This post-study visa was introduced in July 2021 and is part of the UK’s attempt to attract and retain global talent.
Who Qualifies for the Graduate Route Visa?
You must:
- Be in the UK at the time of application.
- Have a valid Tier 4 or Student Visa.
- Have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
- Have studied at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
- Apply before your Student Visa expires.
You cannot extend a Student Visa directly into a Skilled Worker visa without switching, so you must act quickly after graduation.
What Can You Do With the Graduate Visa?
This visa gives you the freedom to:
- Work in any job at any skill level (not just skilled jobs).
- Be self-employed, freelance, or take up multiple gigs.
- Apply for Skilled Worker sponsorship during the 2-year window.
But note: you cannot access public funds and the Graduate Visa cannot be extended beyond 2 (or 3) years. It’s a bridge, not a destination.
When Should You Apply?
Apply as soon as you get confirmation from your university that you’ve completed your course. You don’t need to wait for your graduation ceremony.
- You must apply before your student visa expires.
- It’s advisable to apply within 60 days of receiving your final results.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Application fee: £822
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year
That’s a total of approximately £2,892 for 2 years.
What Happens After the Graduate Visa?
Here’s where strategy matters.
1. Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa
Before your Graduate Visa expires, secure a job with a UK employer that can sponsor you. Once sponsored, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which leads to settlement after 5 years.
Many Nigerian graduates in healthcare, tech, or finance go this route.
2. Apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa
If you’re in the medical or social care field, this visa offers reduced fees and fast-tracked processing — and leads to permanent residency.
3. Start Your Own Business
If you’re entrepreneurial, you can explore:
- Innovator Founder Visa
- Start-up Visa
But these require funding, business plans, and endorsement.
4. Leave and Reapply Later
If you don’t secure a job in the 2 years, you’ll need to leave the UK and apply from Nigeria again — possibly under the Skilled Worker route or another category.
What Are the Common Mistakes Nigerian Graduates Make?
- Not applying on time — missing the Graduate Visa deadline means no extension.
- Staying passive — waiting 18 months to job hunt seriously is a wasted opportunity.
- Ignoring visa switch options — some students don’t realise they can switch before the Graduate Visa ends.
- Failing to build relationships with sponsors — most jobs in the UK come from networking, not random online applications.
Final Thoughts: Use This Window Wisely
The UK Graduate Route is not a permanent solution — it’s a window of opportunity. If you plan smartly, work legally, and focus on high-demand sectors, you can transition into long-term UK residency.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we support Nigerian students and professionals from pre-visa guidance to post-graduation strategy. Whether you’re planning to japa with a Master’s, explore work visa options, or just need clarity on your next steps — we’re here to walk the journey with you.
Contact us today. Your future in the UK doesn’t have to expire with your visa.
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