Graduate Visa Solicitors with offices across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire
Graduate visas offer a valuable short‑term option for businesses seeking to recruit talented graduates from UK universities. However, they must be managed carefully to ensure a smooth transition into long‑term employment routes where required.
At Trethowans, our Immigration team provides clear, practical advice to help employers and graduates understand how the Graduate visa works and how to plan ahead for continued employment after the visa expires.
What do our Graduate Visa solicitors do?
A Graduate visa is available to individuals who have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or another eligible qualification while holding a student visa. Once granted, the visa allows graduates to remain in the UK and work in any role, without restriction.
Currently, a Graduate visa provides:
- Up to 2 years’ permission to live and work in the UK
- No minimum salary requirement (other than the national minimum wage)
- No job role restrictions
From January 2027, the duration of a Graduate visa will reduce to 18 months.
However, Graduate visas cannot be extended and do not provide a route to settlement. As a result, they are not a long-term staffing solution for employers and planning ahead is essential.
Our Immigration experts advise business and individuals on:
- Applying for Graduate visas
- Assessing long‑term employment options
- Identifying whether a role is eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship
- Structuring graduate roles to support potential future sponsorship
- The full process of switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa
- Applying for a sponsor licence
- Managing timings, evidence and Home Office requirements
- Supporting dependants through linked applications
Because a sponsor licence application can take several months and requires specific evidence to be collated relating to both the business and the individual, early preparation is crucial.
For tailored advice on graduate visas or long-term staffing strategies, call us on 0800 2800 421.
Why choose Trethowans for Graduate Visa advice?
We understand the challenges businesses face when employing recent Graduates on temporary visas. Our team will work closely with you to ensure you understand your obligations, risks and options.
Clients choose us because we provide:
- Clear, strategic advice on long‑term workforce planning
- Practical guidance on Skilled Worker eligibility and salary thresholds
- Full support with Sponsor Licence applications
- Joined‑up employment law and immigration expertise
- A proactive approach to timelines, compliance and evidence gathering
Our goal is to help you retain key talent, minimise disruption and ensure full Home Office compliance at every stage.
Contact Trethowans Graduate Visa solicitors today
For expert support with Graduate visas or long-term immigration planning, contact our team on 0800 2800 421.
