Graduate Route Visa Issue – Results after Visa Expiry (Urgent Advice N

Hello everyone,

I’m an international MSc student in the UK and need some urgent advice regarding the Graduate Route Visa.

My official course end date is 5th December 2025 (dissertation submission).

My current Student Visa expires on 16th January 2026.

My results will only be released on 13th February 2026.

The university compliance team will inform UKVI one week after results (so around late Feb 2026).

The problem:
To apply for the Graduate Route Visa, I need to:

Be on a valid student visa when applying.

Have received official confirmation from the university that I have successfully completed my course.

Wait until the university notifies UKVI about my course completion.

But since my visa expires before my results are out, I won’t be able to apply while I’m still in the UK.

I’ve spoken to:

UKVI contact centre: They said they cannot give me direct legal advice.

International Student Support at my university: They also cannot provide a solution.

I cannot extend my visa as my dissertation submission date is before my current visa expires, so technically my course will be considered finished in December.

👉 What options do I have here?

Is there any legal route to bridge this visa gap?

Can I apply for another visa type (like a short-term extension or visitor visa) to legally remain until my results are out?

Has anyone here been in a similar situation with results being released after visa expiry?

I really want to apply for the Graduate Route Visa to gain UK work experience before returning to my country, but I’m stuck due to this timing issue.

Any legal advice, or if anyone can suggest the right type of solicitor/immigration adviser to speak with, would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance!