📚 UK Graduate Route Visa Application Guide | 英国毕业生工作签证申请指南
The Graduate Route offers international students a valuable opportunity to remain in the UK after their studies and gain professional experience. This visa is unsponsored, which means you do not need a confirmed job offer before applying. It provides a direct pathway to the UK labour market for up to two years for undergraduate and master’s graduates, or three years for PhD graduates. This guide will walk you through every step of the application process, from eligibility checks to receiving your decision, making sure you avoid common pitfalls.
毕业生工作签证为国际学生提供了在完成学业后留在英国并获取职业经验的宝贵机会。该签证无需雇主担保，意味着你在申请前无需获得录用通知。本科和硕士毕业生可以获得最长两年的留英时间，博士毕业生则为三年。本指南将带你走过申请流程的每一个步骤，从资格审核到获取签证结果，帮助你避开常见错误。
1. What is the Graduate Route? | 什么是毕业生工作签证？
The Graduate Route is a post‑study work visa designed for international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. It was introduced in July 2021 to replace the previous Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) and Doctorate Extension Scheme, offering a simpler, unsponsored route. The visa gives you the flexibility to work in most jobs, be self‑employed, or engage in voluntary work while you plan your next career move.
毕业生工作签证是一种毕业后工作签证，专为在英国具有合规记录的高等教育机构成功完成学位的国际学生设计。该签证于2021年7月推出，取代了之前的Tier 1（毕业生企业家）和博士延期计划，提供了一条更简便、无需担保的途径。签证赋予你充分的灵活性，你可以从事大多数工作、自雇或参与志愿活动，同时规划下一步职业发展。
There is no restriction on the type of employment, and you can switch employers freely. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or access public funds. The time spent on the Graduate Route does not count towards settlement, but it can be used to gain experience that later qualifies you for a Skilled Worker visa, which does lead to indefinite leave to remain.
签证对工作类型没有限制，你可以自由更换雇主。但你不能作为职业运动员工作，也不能享受公共福利。在毕业生签证上停留的时间不计入永居，但可以用来积累经验，使你在之后能够申请技术工人签证，该签证则可通向永久居留。
2. Eligibility Criteria | 申请资格
To qualify, you must hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa at the time of application. You must have completed an eligible course of study at a UK higher education provider that is a licenced student sponsor with a track record of compliance. The course must be a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD, or certain professional qualifications such as the Legal Practice Course or the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
要符合资格，申请时你必须持有有效的学生签证或Tier 4（普通）签证。你必须在一所具有合规记录并持有学生担保资质的英国高等教育机构完成符合条件的课程。课程必须是英国的学士学位、硕士学位、博士学位，或某些专业资格，如法律实践课程或教育研究生证书。
You must have completed your course in the UK during your most recent period of permission as a Student. For courses lasting 12 months or less, you must have spent the entire period of study in the UK. If your course is longer than 12 months, you must have spent at least 12 months of your study in the UK. Your education provider must have notified the Home Office of your successful completion of the course before you apply.
你必须在最近一段学生签证有效期内，于英国境内完成课程。对于12个月或以下的课程，你必须在此期间全程在英国学习。如果课程超过12个月，你必须在英国学习至少12个月。你的教育机构必须在申请前，向移民局确认你已顺利完成课程。
Importantly, you cannot apply if you have previously held permission on the Graduate Route or the former Doctorate Extension Scheme, unless your previous application was made as a dependant. You must also be in the UK when you submit your application; overseas applications are not permitted.
重要的一点是，如果你之前已经持有毕业生签证或之前的博士延期计划签证，就不能再次申请，除非你当时是以家属身份申请的。申请时你还必须身在英国；境外申请不被接受。
3. When to Apply? | 申请时间
You can submit your Graduate Route application as soon as your education provider has reported your course completion to the Home Office. This is not necessarily your graduation ceremony date; it is the date on which you received your final results and have been formally notified that you have successfully completed your degree. It is crucial to wait for this confirmation, because if you apply before the report has been made, your application will be refused.
一旦你的教育机构向移民局报告你已完成课程，你就可以提交毕业生签证申请。这不一定是你参加毕业典礼的日期，而是你收到最终成绩并被正式通知成功完成学位的日期。等待这一确认至关重要，因为如果在报告完成之前递交申请，你的申请将被拒绝。
Your current Student visa must still be valid on the date of application. You should avoid letting your student permission expire. If your visa is about to expire and you are still waiting for your results, you might need to contact your university’s visa team urgently or seek alternative leave, but you cannot switch to the Graduate Route from a visa other than Student or Tier 4. As a general rule, aim to apply within the three months before your Student visa expires, once you have the completion notice.
递交申请当天，你现有的学生签证必须仍然有效。切勿让现有签证过期。如果你的签证快要到期而你仍在等待成绩，你可能需要紧急联系学校的签证团队或寻求其他合法停留途径，但你不能从其他签证类别转为毕业生签证。一般来说，当你收到完成课程通知后，应在学生签证到期前的三个月内申请。
4. Required Documents | 所需文件
When applying online you will need to provide several key documents. All documents must be originals or clear scanned copies, and any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The core checklist usually includes your current passport or travel document, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number that you used for your Student visa.
在线申请时你需要提供几种关键文件。所有文件必须是原件或清晰的扫描件，任何非英语或威尔士语的文件都必须附有经过认证的翻译件。核心清单通常包括你现在的护照或旅行证件、你的生物信息居留卡（如果持有），以及你学生签证申请时使用的学习录取确认函（CAS）号码。
You are not required to submit new financial evidence or prove your English language ability again, because these were already assessed for your Student visa. However, you may be asked to provide an updated police registration certificate if you were required to register with the police as a condition of your leave. It is also advisable to have your final degree certificate or a letter from the university confirming completion, though the digital check usually suffices.
你不需要再次提交资金证明或证明英语能力，因为这些条件已在学生签证阶段被评估过。但是，如果你之前被要求在警察局登记，可能被要求提供更新的警察注册证明。最好也准备好最终学位证书或学校的完成确认信，即使数字核查通常已足够。
5. Application Process Step-by-Step | 申请步骤详解
The entire process is conducted online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. First, create an account and complete the Graduate Route application form. You will be asked about your personal details, immigration history, and your qualification. Double‑check that the information matches the details held by your university and the Home Office. After completing the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
整个申请流程通过英国签证与移民局（UKVI）网站在线完成。首先，创建一个账户并填写毕业生签证申请表。你将需要提供个人信息、移民历史以及学位资质详情。务必仔细核对信息是否与你学校和移民局的记录一致。填写表格后，系统会提示你支付申请费和移民健康附加费。
Once the payment is confirmed, you will download the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify your identity. You will scan your BRP or passport, take a live photo, and submit your biometric information digitally. If you cannot use the app, you may be asked to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and photograph. After identity verification, submit the application and keep the acknowledgment email as proof of submission.
付款确认后，你将下载“英国移民身份检查”手机应用以验证身份。你要扫描BRP或护照，拍摄一张实时照片，并数字化提交生物信息。如果你无法使用该应用，可能会被要求在英国签证与公民申请服务（UKVCAS）中心预约，以提供指纹和照片。身份验证完成后，递交申请，并保留确认邮件作为递交凭证。
6. Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge | 签证费用与医疗附加费
The Graduate Route application fee is £822 as of 2024. In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 for each year of leave granted. For a two‑year visa, the total IHS is £2,070; for a three‑year PhD visa, it is £3,105. Both fees must be paid upfront at the time of application, and they are non‑refundable if your application is refused, unless the refusal was due to a Home Office error.
截至2024年，毕业生签证的申请费为822英镑。此外，你还必须支付移民健康附加费（IHS），费用为每年1035英镑。对于两年签证，IHS总计2070英镑；三年博士签证则为3105英镑。两项费用都需在申请时一次性付清，且不予退还，除非拒签是由移民局的错误导致。
Payment is made by credit or debit card during the online process. You should budget for these costs well in advance, as they represent a significant expense. Some students choose to work part‑time during the final months of their course to save for these fees. Always use the official UKVI fee schedule to confirm the latest amounts before you apply, as fees are subject to periodic revision.
支付方式是在线过程中使用信用卡或借记卡。应提前做好预算，因为这些费用数额不小。有些学生选择在课程最后几个月兼职，为这笔费用存钱。递交申请前，务必查阅UKVI官方费用标准以确认最新金额，因为费用会定期调整。
7. Processing Time and Decision | 审批时间与结果
Once you have submitted your application and verified your identity, the standard processing time is usually eight weeks. Many applicants receive a decision much sooner, often within two to four weeks, but it can take the full eight weeks during peak periods, such as summer and autumn when most students graduate. You should not make any non‑urgent travel outside the UK while your application is pending, as leaving the Common Travel Area will automatically withdraw your application.
递交申请并完成身份验证后，标准审批时间通常为八周。许多申请者会更快收到结果，通常在二至四周内，但在毕业高峰期，如夏季和秋季，可能需要满八周。在申请审理期间，不要进行非紧急的出境旅行，因为离开共同旅行区将自动撤销你的申请。
If your application is successful, you will receive a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa, instead of a physical BRP. You will be able to prove your right to work and rent by sharing a share code online. If your application is refused, you will be informed of the reasons and whether you have a right to an administrative review. You must either leave the UK or make a new application from outside the country if your refusal comes after your Student visa has expired.
如果申请成功，你将获得一个数字移民身份，即电子签证，而不再发放实体BRP卡。你将能通过在线生成共享代码来证明工作权和租房权。如果申请被拒，你会被告知原因以及是否有权申请行政复议。如果拒签时你的学生签证已经过期，你必须离开英国，或从境外重新提出申请。
8. What You Can and Cannot Do | 签证允许与禁止事项
Under the Graduate Route, you are permitted to work in almost any role, including self‑employment and voluntary work. You can work full‑time, switch jobs as often as you like, and even set up your own business. There is no minimum salary requirement, and you do not need a sponsor. You can also study, provided that the course is not one that requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate unless you obtain one.
持有毕业生签证期间，你几乎可以从事任何工作，包括自雇和志愿工作。你可以全职工作，随意更换工作，甚至创立自己的公司。该签证没有最低薪资要求，也无需担保人。你还可以学习，前提是课程不属于需要学术技术审核计划（ATAS）证书的类型，除非你已取得该证书。
However, you are strictly prohibited from working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. You cannot access public funds, such as benefits or council housing. Furthermore, time spent on the Graduate Route does not count towards the five‑year qualifying period for settlement. If you wish to settle permanently, you will need to switch into a route that leads to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa, before your Graduate visa expires.
然而，严格禁止以职业运动员或体育教练身份工作。你也不能享受公共福利，如社会福利金或政府廉租房。此外，持毕业生签证的时间不计入永居所需的五年资格期。如果希望永久定居，你需要在毕业生签证到期前转换为一个能通向永居的签证，比如技术工人签证。
9. Switching to Other Visas | 转换其他签证
The Graduate Route is intentionally a transitional visa. Many graduates use the two or three years to secure a job with a licensed sponsor who can offer a Skilled Worker visa. Switching inside the UK is allowed as long as you meet the requirements of the subsequent route and apply before your current leave expires. The most common switch is to the Skilled Worker visa, where you need a job offer at the required skill level and a salary that meets the threshold, which is generally £26,200 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
毕业生签证本质上是一种过渡性签证。许多毕业生利用这两三年时间，找到能够提供技术工人签证的担保雇主。只要满足后续签证的要求并在当前签证到期前提出申请，就可以在英国境内转换。最常见的转换方向是技术工人签证，你需要获得一份符合技能等级的工作，且薪资达到门槛，通常为年薪26,200英镑或该职业的标准薪资，以较高者为准。
You can also switch to a family visa if you are in a relationship with a British citizen or settled person, or to the Innovator Founder visa if you have a viable business idea. It is vital to plan your next steps early. Start job hunting and gathering the required evidence well before your Graduate visa expires. Remember, you cannot extend the Graduate visa; you must switch to a different category or leave the UK at the end of the permission.
如果你与英国公民或定居人士有关系，也可以转换为家庭签证；如果你有可行的商业构思，还可以转为创新创始人签证。尽早规划下一步至关重要。在毕业生签证到期前，应尽早开始求职并收集所需证据。记住，毕业生签证不能续签；你必须在签证期满时转为其他类别或离开英国。
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid | 常见错误及避免
One of the most frequent reasons for refusal is applying before the university has sent the completion notification to UKVI. Always confirm with your visa compliance team that the report has been made. Another mistake is letting your Student visa expire before you apply. If you have a technical issue with the ID Check app, seek help early and consider booking a UKVCAS appointment rather than leaving it until the last day.
最常见的拒签原因之一，就是在学校向UKVI发送完成课程通知之前就递交申请。务必与学校签证合规团队确认报告已经发出。另一个错误是在学生签证过期后才开始申请。如果你在使用身份检查应用时遇到技术问题，要尽早求助，并考虑预约UKVCAS服务，而不要拖到最后一天。
Submitting incomplete or mismatched information is also risky. Make sure your name, date of birth, and passport number match those on your current documents. Pay both the application fee and IHS correctly; a failed payment means your application is invalid. Finally, do not travel outside the UK while your application is being processed, as this will automatically cancel your application and you will be unable to re‑enter on the Graduate Route.
递交不完整或错误的信息也有风险。确保你的姓名、出生日期和护照号码与当前证件一致。正确支付申请费和IHS；支付失败意味着申请无效。最后，在申请被审理期间不得离开英国，否则你的申请将自动被撤销，且无法再以毕业生签证身份重新入境。
11. After You Receive Your eVisa: Rights and Responsibilities | 获得电子签证后的权利与义务
Once your Graduate visa is granted, you will access your immigration status online through a UKVI account. You must keep your account details safe and update your personal information, such as a new passport or change of address, promptly. When starting a new job, you will prove your right to work by generating a share code that your employer can verify. You are also responsible for complying with all UK laws and the conditions of your visa.
一旦毕业生签证获批，你将通过UKVI账户在线访问你的移民身份。必须妥善保管账户信息，并及时更新个人信息，如新护照或地址变更。开始新工作时，你需要生成一个共享代码，供雇主验证你的工作权利。你也有责任遵守所有英国法律及签证附加条件。
Keep a record of your travel history and be prepared to show evidence of your status when re‑entering the UK. If you plan to switch to a work visa later, maintain payslips, employment contracts, and your employer’s sponsor licence details. Staying organised will make your next immigration application much smoother, and it helps you avoid unintentional breaches that could jeopardise your future leave in the UK.
保留你的旅行记录，并准备好在重新入境英国时出示身份证明。如果日后计划转换工作签证，要保存好工资单、雇佣合同和雇主的担保资质详情。保持有条不紊能让你的下一次移民申请顺畅很多，也有助于避免无意中违反规定，从而影响未来在英国的居留。
12. Final Checklist Before You Apply | 申请前最终检查清单
Before hitting submit, run through this final checklist: your Student visa is still valid; your university has confirmed course completion to UKVI; you have your CAS number, passport, and BRP ready; you have enough funds to pay £822 application fee plus the correct IHS amount; you are physically in the UK; and you understand the restrictions on professional sport and public funds. Having a complete and accurate application dramatically increases your chance of a straightforward approval.
在点击递交之前，请对照这份最终检查清单：你的学生签证仍然有效；学校已向UKVI确认课程完成；你已准备好CAS号码、护照和BRP；你有足够资金支付822英镑申请费和正确的IHS金额；你本人就在英国境内；并且你了解针对职业运动和公共福利的限制。一份完整准确的申请将大大增加顺利获批的机会。
This route is a fantastic opportunity to launch your career in the UK, but it requires careful attention to detail. If you find any part of the process confusing, contact your university’s international student support team or seek advice from a registered immigration adviser. With everything in order, you can look forward to receiving your Graduate Route visa and embarking on this exciting new chapter.
这条签证途径为你在英国开启职业生涯提供了绝佳机会，但需要仔细关注细节。如果你对流程中的任何部分感到困惑，请联系你所在大学的国际学生支持团队，或向注册移民顾问寻求建议。万事俱备后，你就可期待收到毕业生工作签证，开启激动人心的新篇章。
Published by TutorHao | UK Visas & Immigration Series | aleveler.com
更多咨询请联系16621398022（同微信）
屏轩国际教育cambridge primary/secondary checkpoint, cat4, ukiset,ukcat,igcse,alevel,PAT,STEP,MAT, ibdp,ap,ssat,sat,sat2课程辅导，国外大学本科硕士研究生博士课程论文辅导Cancel reply