There are some limited exceptions to having completed the course on your CAS:

  • If your CAS was assigned for an integrated programme, and you successfully completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree as part of that programme, you can use that degree as the relevant qualification. This is only for degrees, not for other types of course.
  • If the immigration rules allowed you to switch to a different course without applying for new Student Route permission, you can use that new course as the relevant qualification.
  • If the University of South Wales changed the name of your course without changing the content
  • If an assessed work placement or study abroad programme was added to your course
  • If you hold Student permission to work as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer, your relevant qualification can be granted in the previous period of Student Route permission.

You need the following documents:

  • Your current passport
  • Your BRP card
  • Your CAS number – The University will email this to you once your course completion has been reported to UKVI.  Do not apply until you have had this email.
  • If your full tuition fees and living costs have been paid by a government and/or an international scholarship agency, you must provide a letter showing the financial sponsor's consent to this application under the Graduate route.  See our sponsor information section for more information.

You can also check if you need any other documents on the gov.uk website.

While you are waiting for UKVI to make a decision on your application, you can continue to work under the same conditions as your Student Route permission as you will be covered by Section 3C leave.
 
You may be able to start working in the UK whilst your Graduate route application is pending if your Student permission was sponsored by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance. If your Graduate route application is still pending in these circumstances, you are able to start work (this can be a full-time permanent vacancy). However, you must still wait for the decision on your Graduate route application if you are planning work as an entertainer, or you plan to be self-employed. 
The Immigration Rules permit you to fill a permanent full-time vacancy according to Appendix Student (paragraph ST 26.6). Employers may not be aware of this rule, and your right to work share code will not explain this rule to them. You may need to explain this particular allowance to a prospective employer.
 
Once your Graduate Route visa is granted you can undertake employed or self-employed work at any level, but you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

The Home Office have confirmed that there is restricted study on the Graduate Route. You can only study with a Graduate visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a Student visa. If your course is eligible for a Student visa, you can extend your Student visa instead.

You may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you’re studying or researching sensitive topics.

Your education provider will be able to confirm your right to study, so please check with them before starting your course if your Graduate Route Visa will allow you to legally study in the UK.