📚 UK Graduate Route Visa Application Process and Documents Guide | 英国毕业生工作签证申请流程与材料指南
The Graduate Route visa, commonly known as the post-study work visa, allows international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates). This guide explains every step of the application process, the required documents, fees, and key conditions to help you prepare a successful application.
毕业生签证（Graduate Route），常被称为毕业工作签证，允许在英国高等教育机构完成符合资格课程的国际学生留在英国工作或求职，本科和硕士毕业生最长可停留2年，博士毕业生最长可停留3年。本指南将逐项说明申请流程、所需材料、费用和重要限制条件，帮助你顺利完成申请。
1. What is the Graduate Route? | 什么是毕业生签证？
The Graduate Route is an unsponsored visa category introduced by the UK government in July 2021. It gives international graduates the flexibility to work at any skill level, switch jobs, or be self-employed without needing an employer to sponsor them. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, no job offer is required at the point of application, and there is no minimum salary threshold. However, time spent on this route does not lead directly to settlement (indefinite leave to remain), though it can be combined with other visa categories later.
毕业生签证是英国政府于2021年7月推出的非担保类签证类别。它为国际毕业生提供了极大的灵活性：可以从事任何技能级别的工作、更换雇主或自雇，无需雇主担保。与技术工人签证不同的是，申请时不需要已有工作录用函，也没有最低工资门槛。但要注意，在该签证下的居留时间不能直接累积用于永居申请，不过之后可以转换为其他签证路径。
2. Eligibility Criteria | 申请资格
To qualify, you must have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or certain professional qualifications (such as PGCE, GDL, LPC, or the Legal Practice Course). The course must have been delivered by a licensed student sponsor with a track record of compliance. You must currently hold a valid Student visa (or Tier 4 visa) that was issued for that course. The qualification must have been awarded before you apply, and your education provider must have notified the Home Office of your successful completion via the relevant report.
申请资格方面，你必须已经成功完成英国的学士学位、硕士或博士学位，或者特定的专业资格课程（例如PGCE、GDL、LPC等）。课程必须由具有合规记录、持有学生担保资质的教育机构提供。申请时，你必须持有用于该课程的有效学生签证（或Tier 4签证）。学位必须在申请前已被授予，并且你的教育机构必须已经向移民局提交了你成功完成学业的正式报告。
You must also be physically present in the UK at the time of application and not have previously held a Graduate Route visa at the same study level unless you have completed a higher-level course since then. For instance, if you completed a master’s and used the Graduate Route, you cannot apply again after a second master’s, but you could after a PhD.
同时，你必须在英国境内提交申请，并且此前不能在同一学业层次上使用过毕业生签证，除非你之后完成了更高层次的学位。例如，如果你之前凭借硕士学位申请并获得了毕业生签证，那么再读完第二个硕士后就不能再次申请，但完成博士学位后则可以申请。
3. When to Apply | 申请时间
You can submit your Graduate Route application only after your education provider has confirmed your course completion to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). There is no set deadline after that confirmation, but you must apply before your current Student visa expires. It is advisable to apply as soon as you receive confirmation, because your existing visa end date is the absolute deadline. Even if you apply just one day late, you would be an overstayer, which can severely affect future UK immigration applications.
你只能在教育机构向英国签证与移民局（UKVI）确认你已完成课程后递交申请。确认之后并没有硬性的截止日期，但你必须在当前学生签证到期之前提交。建议一旦收到学校的确认就尽快申请，因为现有签证的到期日就是你的最后期限。哪怕只逾期一天递交，也将成为逾期居留，这会严重影响你未来的英国签证申请。
If your student visa expires while your application is being processed, you are protected under Section 3C leave, which means your immigration status continues under the same conditions until a decision is made, provided you submitted a valid in-time application.
如果在你等待审理期间学生签证过期，你受到移民法第3C条款的保护，这意味着只要你按时提交了有效申请，你的身份在决定做出前将继续维持原有条件，不会被视为逾期居留。
4. Required Documents | 所需材料清单
The document list for the Graduate Route is intentionally streamlined. You do not need to submit financial evidence or a new CAS. The essential documents are:
毕业生签证所需的材料清单被刻意精简了。你不需要提交资金证明或新的CAS。必备材料如下：
-
Valid passport or travel document.
有效护照或旅行证件。 -
Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if you were issued one.
当前有效的生物信息居留卡（BRP），如果你的签证签发时附带了BRP。 -
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your most recent Student visa application.
你最近一次申请学生签证时使用的CAS（录取确认函）参考号。 -
Proof of relationship if you are applying with dependants who are already in the UK (e.g., marriage or civil partnership certificate, birth certificates for children).
如果你与已身在英国的家属一同申请，需提供关系证明（如结婚证、民事伴侣证书、子女出生证明）。 -
Any correspondence from your sponsor confirming that you have successfully completed your course, though official notification via the report is usually sufficient.
教育机构出具的证实你已成功完成课程的信件（通常学校通过官方报告通知就足够了，但保留该信件以备参考）。
Most applications are completed using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, which means you will not need to attend a biometric appointment. You simply scan your passport chip and verify your identity using the app. If you cannot use the app, you will be directed to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
大多数申请通过”UK Immigration: ID Check”手机应用完成，这意味着你无需前往签证中心录入指纹。你只需用应用扫描护照芯片并验证身份即可。如果你无法使用该应用，系统会引导你预约UKVCAS服务点，前往现场录入指纹和拍照。
5. Step-by-Step Application Process | 申请流程步骤
Step 1 – Confirmation of completion: Wait until your university or college confirms to UKVI that you have completed your course. You may receive an email, but you can also apply as soon as the report has been made.
第一步 – 完成确认：等待学校向UKVI确认你已完成课程。你可能会收到邮件通知，但也可以在学校提交报告后立刻申请。
Step 2 – Create an account and begin the online form: Visit the official GOV.UK Graduate visa page. Create a UKVI account if you do not have one, and select the Graduate Route application form.
第二步 – 创建账户并开始在线填表：访问GOV.UK的毕业生签证官方页面。如果你没有UKVI账户，先创建一个账户，然后选择毕业生签证申请表。
Step 3 – Complete identity verification: Use the ID Check app to scan your passport and confirm your identity. The app will also ask you to take a live photograph.
第三步 – 完成身份验证：使用ID Check应用扫描护照并确认身份。应用还会要求你拍摄一张实时照片。
Step 4 – Upload any required documents: Although the system may auto-populate some data, you will be asked to submit your CAS number and upload any documents not automatically verified, such as relationship evidence.
第四步 – 上传所需文件：虽然系统会自动填充部分信息，但你仍需提供CAS号码并上传未能自动核验的文件，如关系证明材料。
Step 5 – Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You must pay both amounts at the time of application. The application fee is £822. The IHS is £1,035 for each year of the visa you are applying for. For a 2-year visa, the IHS total is £2,070, making the combined cost £2,892. For a 3-year doctoral visa, the IHS total is £3,105, bringing the total to £3,927.
第五步 – 支付申请费和医疗附加费：递交申请时必须同时支付这两项费用。申请费为822英镑，医疗附加费按签证年限每年1,035英镑计算。2年签证的附加费总额为2,070英镑，合计2,892英镑；3年博士签证的附加费总额为3,105英镑，合计3,927英镑。
Step 6 – Submit and await a decision: After payment, review your answers and submit. You will receive a confirmation email. You do not need to send off your passport or BRP.
第六步 – 提交并等待审批结果：支付完成后，检查所有答案并点击提交。你会收到一封确认邮件。你不需要寄出护照或BRP。
6. Fees and Financial Considerations | 费用与经济考量
Below is a summary of the mandatory fees as of 2025. Always check the official GOV.UK page for the most up-to-date figures.
下表总结了截至2025年的强制费用。请始终查阅GOV.UK官方页面以获取最新金额。
| Item / 项目 | Amount / 金额 |
|---|---|
| Application fee 申请费 |
£822 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 医疗附加费（每年） |
£1,035 |
| Total for 2-year visa 2年签证总计 |
£2,892 |
| Total for 3-year PhD visa 3年博士签证总计 |
£3,927 |
There is no requirement to show maintenance funds, but you should ensure you can support yourself without recourse to public funds. This visa does not allow access to most benefits, so having savings or a plan for employment is crucial.
虽然没有资金保证金的要求，但你必须确保能够在不动用公共福利的情况下维持生活。该签证不允许领取绝大部分社会福利，因此拥有一定储蓄或做好求职计划至关重要。
7. Processing Time and Decision | 审理时间与结果
Once you submit your application and verify your identity via the app, the standard processing time is usually 8 weeks. Many applicants receive a decision sooner, sometimes within 2 to 4 weeks. However, you should not book non-refundable travel during this period because leaving the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your application is pending will automatically withdraw your application.
当你提交申请并通过应用完成身份验证后，常规审理时间一般为8周。许多申请人在更短时间内获得结果，有时在2至4周内。但在此期间请勿预订不可退款的旅行，因为如果你的申请仍在审理中，一旦离开英国、爱尔兰、海峡群岛或马恩岛，申请将自动撤销。
If your application is successful, you will receive a digital immigration status (an eVisa). BRP cards are being phased out, and you can prove your right to work or rent by generating a share code online. If your application is refused, you will normally be given the right to an administrative review.
如果你的申请获批，你将获得一个数字移民身份（eVisa）。BRP卡正在逐步取消，你可以通过在线生成共享码来证明自己的工作权和租房权。如果申请被拒，通常你会收到行政复核的权利。
8. Conditions and Restrictions | 签证条件与限制
A Graduate Route visa permits you to work in most jobs, be self-employed, and undertake voluntary work. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach. You may study only if the course is not at a Student-sponsor level and does not require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, unless you satisfy certain exceptions. It is important to note that you cannot bring new dependants who were not already in the UK as your dependants under your previous Student visa. Dependants who are already with you can extend their visas, but those applying from overseas for the first time cannot join you on this route unless they were born during your current leave.
毕业生签证允许你从事大多数工作、自雇以及参加志愿活动。但是，你不能担任职业运动员或运动教练。在学习方面，只有那些不需要学生担保资质的课程，并且不需要ATAS（学术技术审核计划）证书的课程才被允许，除非满足某些例外。需要特别注意的是，你不能将此前并未以家属身份随行学生签证的家人新增为毕业生签证的家属。已经与你一同在英国的家属可以延期签证，但首次从海外申请的家属则不能通过该签证路线来英，除非他们在你现有签证期间出生。
Additionally, this visa does not lead directly to settlement, and time spent on it does not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. It does, however, provide a valuable bridge to skilled work, allowing you to gain UK experience before switching into a longer-term route.
此外，该签证不能直接导向永居，且在该签证下的居留时间不计入永居的5年累积期。不过，它提供了一个宝贵的过渡机会，让你在转为长期签证类别前积累英国工作经验。
9. Switching from Student Visa to Graduate Route | 从学生签证转为毕业生签证
The process is considered a ‘switch’ under the Immigration Rules, meaning you do not need to leave the UK to obtain entry clearance. You are essentially extending your stay in a new category. To switch successfully, you must ensure that your current Student visa was granted for the course you just completed and that your sponsor has reported your completion. If you meet all requirements, the application can be made entirely online without a gap in your leave.
根据移民规则，该流程被视为”转换类别”，这意味着你不必离境申请入境许可。实质上你是在新的类别下延长居留。要成功转换，你必须确保当前的学生签证是为你刚刚完成的课程签发的，并且担保学校已上报你的完成情况。如果满足所有条件，整个过程可以在线完成，且不会在居留上产生间隔。
If you have had a break in studies or any other changes, it is wise to consult your university’s international student adviser before applying to confirm that your status is still valid for switching.
如果你曾有休学或其他情况变动，建议在申请前咨询学校国际学生顾问，以确认你的状态仍然符合转换签证的要求。
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid | 常见错误避免
Many applications are refused or delayed due to simple errors. Here are the most common pitfalls:
很多申请因为简单的错误而被拒绝或延误。以下是最常见的几类问题：
-
Applying before your sponsor has confirmed course completion. Wait for the official notification or check with your university.
在担保学校确认完成课程之前就提交申请。请等待正式通知或先向学校确认。 -
Using an old CAS or wrong CAS reference number. Always use the CAS from your most recent successful Student visa application.
使用了旧的CAS号码或错误的CAS参考号。务必使用最近一次成功获签的学生签证申请所用的CAS。 -
Missing the visa expiry deadline. Submit your application well before your Student visa expires; the online form can be saved and returned to.
错过签证到期截止日。务必在学生签证到期前尽早提交申请，申请表可保存并分次填写。 -
Incorrect IHS payment calculation. The system will calculate it for you, but double-check that it covers the full length of your requested visa.
医疗附加费计算错误。系统会自动计算，但请再次检查是否涵盖你所申请签证的全部年限。 -
Uploading poor-quality or incomplete documents. Make sure all pages of your passport are clear if requested, and that relationship certificates are translated into English if required.
上传文件质量差或不完整。如需提供护照页，请确保所有页面清晰；关系证明文件如非英文，需提供符合要求的翻译件。
11. After the Graduate Visa: Further Options | 签证到期后的选择
Once you have gained UK work experience on the Graduate Route, you may consider switching into a Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, or other work routes. To switch to a Skilled Worker visa, you will need a job offer from a licensed sponsor and a job at an appropriate skill level with a salary that meets the applicable threshold (usually £26,200 or the going rate, subject to updates). Time spent on the Graduate Route will not count toward settlement on the Skilled Worker route, but you can combine periods on different visas to meet the 5-year requirement later.
在通过毕业生签证获得英国工作经验后，你可以考虑转换为技术工人签证、医疗和护理人员签证或其他工作路径。要转换为技术工人签证，你需要持有具备担保资质的雇主给出的工作录用函，职位须达到适当的技能水平，且薪资满足相应门槛（通常为26,200英镑或对应的市场薪资标准，具体以最新规则为准）。在毕业生签证上的居留时间不计入技术工人签证的永居年限，但你可以累积不同签证下的居留期来满足5年永居要求。
Some graduates also use the Graduate Route to explore starting a business under the Innovator Founder route, or to prepare for further study at a higher level with a new Student visa. Whatever your next step, it is crucial to plan ahead and seek immigration advice early.
也有毕业生利用该签证探索通过创新创始人签证创业，或者准备以更高层次的课程重新申请学生签证。不论下一步如何选择，提前规划并尽早获取移民建议至关重要。
12. Frequently Asked Questions | 常见问题解答
Q: Can I travel outside the UK while my application is pending?
A: No. If you leave the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) during processing, your application will be treated as withdrawn.
问：申请审理期间可以离开英国旅行吗？
答：不可以。如果你在审理期间离开共同旅行区（英国、爱尔兰、海峡群岛、马恩岛），你的申请将被视为自动撤回。
Q: Do I need a new ATAS certificate for the Graduate Route?
A: No, you do not need an ATAS certificate for this visa. However, if you plan to switch to a Student visa for further study requiring ATAS, you must obtain one before applying.
问：申请毕业生签证需要新的ATAS证书吗？
答：不需要，该签证不要求ATAS证书。但如果你打算之后转为学生签证继续学习需要ATAS的课程，则必须在申请前取得ATAS证书。
Q: Can I extend my Graduate visa?
A: No, this visa cannot be extended. You must switch to another visa category if you wish to remain in the UK beyond the 2 or 3 years.
问：毕业生签证可以延期吗？
答：不能，该签证不可续期。如果你想在2或3年之后继续留在英国，必须转为其他签证类别。
Q: When does the 2-year period start?
A: The visa starts from the date the decision is made, not from the date of course completion or graduation ceremony.
问：2年有效期从何时算起？
答：从签证获批决定做出的日期起算，而不是从课程完成日或毕业典礼日期起算。
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