What work can I do on the UK Graduate Visa, and can I extend it later?
The UK Graduate Visa lets you work full-time in most roles, and self-employment is also allowed. Professional sportsperson or coach roles are not permitted. The visa cannot be extended, so if you want to stay longer, you need to switch to a work visa such as Skilled Worker.
On the UK Graduate Visa, you can take up most jobs full-time and even work for yourself, but you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach. The visa cannot be extended, so to stay longer you would need to move to another route such as the Skilled Worker visa.
What Work You Can Do
| Type of work | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Full-time employment in most roles | Yes |
| Self-employment | Yes |
| Professional sportsperson or coach | No |
How Long It Lasts and Whether It Can Be Extended
| Your qualification | Visa length |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's or Master's, applying on or before 31 December 2026 | 2 years |
| Bachelor's or Master's, applying on or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months |
| PhD | 3 years, whatever the application date |
There is no extension option on this visa. When it ends, you need a different visa, with the Skilled Worker visa being the usual example. Rules can change, so confirm them on the official UK government page before you apply.
My Advice
Start looking for sponsoring employers early in your final year, because the Graduate Visa clock starts running once it is granted. If you are applying close to the end of 2026, note that the application date affects how many months you receive.
Will you actually get a job after your UK master's?
Talk to a counsellor about real outcomes, salaries and which courses employers hire from.
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