Please read this article if you want to know about the Qualification Requirement for Graduate Route Visa.
If you are planning to stay in the UK and work after completing your studies, the Graduate Route visa offers a valuable opportunity. However, it is essential to understand that the qualification requirement for Graduate Route visa is specific, well-defined, and not open to interpretation.
As per the Home Office’s official immigration rules:
GR 5.1 – The applicant must meet the qualification requirement. This means they must have successfully completed a course of study for which they have been awarded:
- A UK bachelor’s degree,
- A UK postgraduate degree, or
- A relevant qualification as defined under GR 5.2.
This rule ensures that only genuine students who have achieved a legitimate academic or professional qualification in the UK can benefit from the Graduate Route.
If you have recently completed your course in the UK and are unsure whether your qualification meets the criteria, read further or get in touch with our expert team at Asher & Tomar Solicitors. We have been guiding students and professionals since 2008 with honest, strategic, and reliable legal advice.
2. Qualification Requirement for Graduate Route Visa – GR 5.2 and GR 5.2A Explained
Under GR 5.2, a “relevant qualification” refers to more than just academic degrees. According to immigration rule GR 5.2A, the following professional and educational qualifications are also recognised under the Graduate Route:
- A law degree or law conversion course validated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- The Bar Practice Course (BPC)
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- A Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
- A professional course requiring study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above in a regulated profession
This inclusive list ensures that students pursuing legal, educational, and professional paths are also given access to the Graduate Route.
It is also important to understand that GR 5.3 states that if the applicant’s course was changed by their student sponsor but the core course content remained the same, this will not disqualify them from meeting the qualification requirement for the Graduate Route visa.
So if you were moved to a different course code or department due to institutional restructuring, your eligibility should remain intact, provided the core curriculum was consistent.
3. Qualification Requirement for Graduate Route Visa – Timing and Validity
Timing is critical when applying for a Graduate Route visa. Rule GR 5.4 clarifies that:
The qualification must have been obtained during the applicant’s most recent grant of permission as a Student (Tier 4 or Student Route), or immediately before that grant of permission.
This means that if you were granted student permission, and your qualification was achieved under that grant or the one just prior, then you satisfy this essential requirement. Delayed completions or qualifications gained outside of this permitted time frame may cause complications in your Graduate Route application.
If you are unsure about your eligibility timeline, Asher & Tomar Solicitors can conduct a complete review of your immigration history and provide clear, actionable guidance.
4. Why Choose Asher & Tomar Solicitors for Your Graduate Route Visa Application (Qualification Requirement for Graduate Route Visa)
If you’re looking to apply for the Graduate Route visa, make sure you are guided by a professional team with the experience and dedication to support your journey. At Asher & Tomar Solicitors, we bring a client-first approach that’s backed by years of successful immigration work.
Here’s why clients choose us:
A. Acting in Your Best Interest
We always act in the best interests of our clients. Your goals are our mission, and we strive to provide clear advice tailored to your specific case.
B. Over 17 Years of Experience
Our immigration solicitors bring over 17 years of hands-on experience in UK immigration law. From student visas to complex appeals, we’ve seen it all and won for our clients.
C. SRA-Regulated Firm
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which means we follow the highest legal and ethical standards in every case we handle.
D. Transparent Fee Structure
No hidden charges. No confusing jargon. We offer a transparent and fair fee structure so that you always know what you’re paying for.
If you have all your academic documents ready—such as your degree certificate, CAS letter, and BRP card—and you meet the qualification requirement for Graduate Route visa, don’t delay. Contact Asher & Tomar Solicitors today and get your application right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the qualification requirement for Graduate Route visa?
To be eligible, you must have completed a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, or a relevant professional qualification as listed under GR 5.2A.
Q2: Can I apply if I completed a PGCE or LPC?
Yes. Both PGCE and LPC are accepted qualifications under the Graduate Route visa, as long as they were completed under a valid student visa.
Q3: Does a change in course affect my eligibility (Qualification Requirement for Graduate Route Visa)?
Not necessarily. If your course content remained the same despite a course code change or departmental transfer, you may still meet the qualification requirement.
Q4: Can Asher & Tomar help even if my case is complex (Qualification Requirement for Graduate Route Visa)?
Absolutely. We specialize in complex cases and provide step-by-step support, ensuring your Graduate Route application is legally sound and timely filed.
