Graduate Visa Extension 2025 – What to Do When It Expires

When your Graduate Visa is coming to an end

Your Graduate Visa gives you time to live, work, and explore your career in the UK. But as the end date approaches, many graduates wonder what happens next — can it be extended, and what are your options if you want to stay?

This guide explains what to do when your Graduate Visa is about to expire in 2025, which routes you can switch to, and how to plan ahead so you don’t lose your right to stay in the UK.

Who this guide is for

• International students on a Graduate Visa due to expire soon
• Graduates working in the UK and wanting to stay longer
• Employers who want to keep international employees after their Graduate Visa ends

If you’re unsure what your next step should be, this article will help you understand your options before time runs out.

Can the Graduate Visa be extended?

The Graduate Visa is a one-time, non-extendable visa. Once it expires, you cannot renew or extend it.

To remain in the UK, you must switch to another visa category. The most common next steps include:

• Skilled Worker Visa – for graduates with a licensed sponsor
• Health and Care Worker Visa – for roles in healthcare
• Innovator Founder Visa – for entrepreneurs
• Family or Partner Visa – if you have a British or settled partner

When to start preparing

You should begin planning your next steps at least six months before your visa expiry date. This gives you time to:

• Find a sponsor or new job offer
• Confirm your occupation code and salary
• Prepare the necessary documents
• Submit your new visa application before your current one ends

Waiting until the last minute can leave you with no legal right to stay, so early preparation is essential.

Key requirements for switching

Eligibility

To switch successfully, you must:

• Hold a valid Graduate Visa
• Have a job offer from a licensed sponsor (if applying under Skilled Worker route)
• Meet the minimum salary threshold and occupation criteria
• Apply from within the UK before your Graduate Visa expires

Documents you will need

• Current passport and Graduate Visa
• Certificate of Sponsorship (if applicable)
• Proof of English language ability
• Evidence of finances if required
• Job offer letter and employer details

Application timeline

If you apply before your Graduate Visa expires, you can stay in the UK legally while awaiting a decision.

What happens if you do nothing

If you don’t apply for a new visa before your Graduate Visa ends, you will:

• Lose your legal right to stay or work in the UK
• Be considered an overstayer
• Face possible entry bans or complications in future applications

Overstaying even by a few days can have serious consequences. Always make sure your next visa application is submitted on time.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting too long to act

Leaving things until the final weeks can cause delays or rushed applications.

Not checking employer licence status

Your employer must be on the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Submitting incomplete information

Always ensure your application details match your supporting documents exactly.

Ignoring long-term planning

Choose a visa route that supports your career and leads to settlement, not just short-term stay.

How AHJ Immigration helps graduates prepare

At AHJ Immigration, we help graduates plan their next move long before their visa runs out. We review your situation, check your eligibility, and guide you through every option available.

Our services include:

• Reviewing your current visa and expiry date
• Exploring alternative routes such as Skilled Worker or Family Visas
• Preparing and submitting your next visa application
• Liaising with employers on sponsorship requirements

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to book your free consultation.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Your free consultation gives you an overview of your visa options, timelines, and the steps you should take before your Graduate Visa expires.

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free call, you can book a 1-hour session for a more detailed discussion. We will:

• Review your documents and visa history
• Assess your chances of success
• Provide written, step-by-step advice

The £120 fee is deducted from your final application cost if you continue with us.

FAQs

1. Can I extend my Graduate Visa?
No. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended or renewed. You must switch to another eligible visa before it expires.

2. How soon can I apply for my next visa?
You can apply any time before your Graduate Visa expires, ideally 3–6 months in advance.

3. Can I stay in the UK while my new visa is being processed?
Yes. As long as you applied before your current visa expired, you can remain in the UK legally while awaiting a decision.

4. What if my employer isn’t licensed?
They can apply for a sponsor licence. AHJ Immigration can assist your employer through the process.

5. What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying can lead to removal from the UK and future visa refusals. Always apply before your visa ends.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and immigration rules.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed analysis of your documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Access to templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Review and submission of your new visa.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring progress and handling Home Office queries.
6. Decision Phase – Guidance on your result, compliance, and next steps.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Plan ahead and secure your UK future

Your Graduate Visa may be temporary, but your future in the UK doesn’t have to be. By acting early and choosing the right visa, you can continue working, build your career, and move towards settlement.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free session, you can choose a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for tailored advice and a detailed plan — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final application cost if you proceed with us.

Your future starts with one call. Let’s plan it together.