Study in UK planning • Nepal applicant guide

What to Do After Your UK Graduate Visa Ends

A Graduate visa cannot be extended, so the expiry date is a planning deadline rather than a point to start exploring. Before permission ends, either qualify for and apply to another route, or prepare to leave the UK lawfully and continue your career elsewhere.

Fact-checked: 24 July 2026
Course-specific guidance
Official-source workflow

Important: There is no automatic grace period after a Graduate visa. Eligibility and switching rules differ by route and personal history, so recheck current GOV.UK guidance and use regulated advice for complex cases.
Start early

Build the expiry timeline before the final year

A useful plan has evidence deadlines, not only a desired visa name.

Time before expiry Priority Deliverable
12 months Review career direction, sponsorship likelihood, salary gap and alternative countries or Nepal plan. Two realistic routes plus a financial buffer.
6–9 months Target eligible employers or begin endorsement, portfolio, registration or family-route evidence. Document checklist and dated milestones.
3–6 months Secure the offer, CoS, endorsement, CAS or relationship evidence required for the chosen route. Application-ready core evidence.
Final month Apply only if every requirement is met, or finalise lawful departure. Submission confirmation or booked exit and practical closure plan.
Sponsored employment

Switch to Skilled Worker when the job is eligible

This is a common route, but employer licence and salary are not enough on their own.

Requirement Current test Evidence
Sponsor Employer is approved for Skilled Worker and will assign a valid CoS. Current register entry and CoS reference.
Occupation Actual duties fit an eligible occupation code. Job description and employer-confirmed SOC 2020 code.
Salary Usually at least £41,700 and the going rate, with qualifying lower options in defined cases. Guaranteed basic pay, hours and correct official table.
English A switch into an initial Skilled Worker grant normally requires CEFR B2 unless an accepted basis applies. UK degree, approved test or other official evidence.
Timing Apply online before Graduate permission expires. eVisa expiry date and application receipt.
Other work routes

Check alternatives only when their distinct test fits

Another work route is not a fallback with weaker evidence; it has different evidence.

Route Core requirement Key caution
Scale-up Worker Eligible high-skilled job with an approved scale-up sponsor and required salary for at least six months. The July 2026 headline salary is £39,100 or the going rate, whichever is higher.
Global Talent Leadership or potential in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology, through endorsement or an eligible prize. It is evidence-intensive and not a general graduate work visa.
Innovator Founder Endorsed innovative, viable and scalable business with an active founder role. A normal small business or freelance plan is not enough.
Health and Care Worker Eligible health or social-care occupation, approved employer and applicable salary rules. Professional registration and current occupation restrictions can control eligibility.
Family and study

Consider non-work routes on their own rules

Do not use a course or relationship as a device to extend stay.

Route When it may fit Evidence focus
Family or partner You have a qualifying relationship and the sponsor and applicant meet the route rules. Relationship, status, finance, accommodation and English where required.
Student You have a genuine eligible new course, licensed sponsor and academic progression position. CAS, finance, English, course purpose and timing.
Dependant Your partner’s qualifying route allows you to apply as a dependant. Relationship history and the lead applicant’s permission.
Private-life or human-rights route Only where the specific legal requirements genuinely apply. Use regulated immigration advice; do not rely on internet checklists.
No automatic extension

Understand what happens at Graduate visa expiry

The Graduate route is time-limited and non-extendable.

Situation Correct action Avoid
Eligible new route Submit a valid in-country application before expiry. Assuming an offer or draft form protects status.
Application pending Follow existing conditions and the new route’s pending-application rules; do not travel if travel would withdraw it. Booking overseas travel before the decision.
No qualifying route Leave the UK before the expiry date. Overstaying while waiting for a better job.
Employer undecided Set a decision deadline well before visa expiry. Depending on an informal sponsorship promise.
Career continuity

Protect your career if you leave the UK

A lawful departure is not a failed career plan.

Action UK career value Practical step
Keep evidence Projects and results remain useful internationally. Save lawful copies of references, payslips, contracts and portfolio material.
Maintain network Colleagues and alumni can support future roles. Agree references and keep professional contact details current.
Apply from abroad Some work routes allow entry-clearance applications when an eligible offer arises. Tell employers your location and sponsorship need accurately.
Use Nepal experience UK study and work can transfer to consulting, education, technology, finance and development sectors. Translate outcomes into employer-relevant evidence rather than only naming the UK.
Practical closure

Close UK obligations before departure

Immigration planning also involves housing, money and records.

Area Action Record
Employment Give contractual notice, collect final pay and request P45 where applicable. Contract, payslips, P45 and reference.
Housing Serve valid notice, document condition and resolve deposit. Inventory, photos, meter readings and correspondence.
Bank and tax Decide which accounts remain needed and check tax or refund responsibilities. Statements and HMRC records.
Healthcare and study Update services, collect academic documents and manage prescriptions. Degree evidence, transcript and medical information you lawfully need.
Travel and eVisa Check passport, booking and UKVI contact details. Proof of departure and current digital records.
Decision control

A two-route plan for the final six months

The backup should be lawful and affordable, not merely hopeful.

Decision Primary plan Backup plan
Sponsored job likely Target eligible roles with an employer decision deadline. Scale-up or departure plan if no CoS is secured.
Exceptional profile Prepare Global Talent evidence and endorsement route. Sponsored job or international career option.
Genuine venture Test Innovator Founder endorsement criteria early. Employment or departure without investing solely for immigration.
No route yet Intensify a measured search while preserving savings. Return or move before expiry and continue applications lawfully.
MKS Education AIO support

Turn a broad university list into an evidence-based shortlist

MKS Education helps Nepali students compare the exact course, campus, intake, entry route, tuition terms, deposit and CAS conditions—not just a university name. Our counselling team near Shankerdev Campus can review your academic timeline, documents and budget, identify questions that still need written confirmation, and help you prepare a transparent application.

Admissions and immigration decisions always remain with the university and UK authorities. We do not promise admission, a scholarship, a placement or a visa; we help you build a clear, verifiable plan.

Book an MKS Education profile review

Official sources

Verify before paying or applying

Policies can change by course and intake. Use these official sources, then confirm any unresolved point with the university in writing.

Final decision checklist

  • Record the exact Graduate eVisa expiry date.
  • Choose a primary route and lawful backup at least six months early.
  • Verify every new route independently; Graduate permission cannot be extended.
  • Submit a valid application before expiry or leave in time.
  • Preserve career evidence and close UK obligations properly.

Continue your Study in UK research

MKS Education support

Plan your application with MKS Education

MKS Education is a study abroad consultancy opposite Shankerdev Campus in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. We help Nepali students review profiles, shortlist universities and courses, prepare applications, organise documents, research scholarships, and plan CAS and visa-file stages using current official sources. Universities and immigration authorities make all admission and visa decisions.

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