Discover the latest UK work rules for international graduates after study, including work rights on a UK student visa, post-study work opportunities, and visa options such as the Graduate Route visa UK and the Skilled Worker Visa for international graduates UK. Learn how to stay and work in the UK after study, meet the Graduate visa UK requirements, and explore pathways to permanent residency in the UK after study.
Your Student Visa: What It Allows:
- Valid for the length of your course plus a short “wrap-up” period (usually 4 months for courses over a year).
- Work rights:
- Upto 20 hours per week during term time.
- Full-time during official holidays.
- No self-employment or permanent full-time contracts.
Work Rights on a UK Student Visa:
While on a UK student visa, your work rights are limited but still provide useful experience.
- You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- You can work full-time during official holidays.
- You cannot be self-employed, run a business, or take a permanent full-time job.
Work Opportunities in the UK After Graduation:
After completing your degree, you can explore various career options for international students in the UK. From the Graduate Route (post-study work visa) to more permanent options like the Skilled Worker Visa, the UK immigration system offers multiple pathways.
The choice depends on your career goals, job offers, and long-term plans.
Switching to Another Visa Without Leaving the UK:
The good news? You usually don’t need to return home to change visas. You can apply from inside the UK before your Student Visa expires.
Popular Options:
- Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa): 2 years (UG/PG) or 3 years (PhD). No sponsorship required.
- Skilled Worker Visa: Requires a job offer from an approved employer. Salary usually £26,200+, lower for shortage jobs and healthcare roles.
- Health & Care Worker Visa: For graduates entering healthcare or social care.
- Global Talent Visa: For those with proven excellence or potential in academia, research, tech, or arts.
- Innovator Founder Visa: For graduates with innovative, endorsed business ideas.
- Some Temporary Worker (T5) visas.
Not Eligible for Switching:
- Visitor visas
- Seasonal worker visas
- Certain short-term visas
The Graduate Route Visa UK (Post-Study Work Visa):
The Graduate Route visa UK, also known as the UK post-study work visa 2025 / 2026, is the most common next step for graduates.
Key features:
- Duration: 2 years (Bachelor’s or Master’s) or 3 years (PhD).
- Flexibility: Work in any role—full-time, part-time, self-employed, or freelance.
- No sponsorship required: You don’t need a job offer to apply.
Graduate visa UK requirements:
Apply from inside the UK.
You must have completed a UK-recognized degree.
Apply before your student visa expires.
Skilled Worker Visa: A Path to Settlement:
If you want to stay in the UK long-term, this is often the next step.
Requirements:
- Job offer from a Home Office–approved employer.
- Salary usually £26,200/year, with lower thresholds for shortage roles.
- Meets skill and English language requirements.
Check Also: UK Shortage Occupation List Highlights Urgent Demand For Skilled Migrants
Other UK Visa Options After Graduation:
Beyond the Graduate Route and Skilled Worker Visa, there are other UK visa options after graduation, such as:
- Health and Care Worker Visa – for healthcare and social care roles.
- Global Talent Visa – for graduates with outstanding potential in research, technology, or the arts.
- Innovator Founder Visa – for those with an endorsed business idea.
- Temporary Worker visas – for short-term roles.
Pathway to Permanent Residency in the UK After Study:
Here’s what a typical journey looks like for many students:
- Complete your studies on a student visa.
- Apply for the Graduate Route visa (2–3 years).
- Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa or another long-term visa.
- After 5 years on an eligible visa, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This pathway lets international graduates stay, work, and eventually settle permanently.
Practical Tips for Students:
- Plan ahead: Start researching visa options in your final year.
- Use university support: Career fairs, workshops, and employer connections are gold.
- Target sponsoring employers: Focus on companies licensed to hire international graduates.
- Polish your CV & LinkedIn: Highlight your UK education and practical experience.
- Apply early for the Graduate Route: Don’t leave it until your visa is about to expire.
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Conclusion:
Understanding the UK work rules for international graduates after study is the first step toward a successful career. Whether you start with the Graduate Route visa, move on to the Skilled Worker Visa, or pursue other UK visa options after graduation, the UK offers strong opportunities for motivated international students. With the right planning, you can stay and work in the UK after study—and even build a pathway to permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I stay and work in the UK after study as an international graduate?
Yes. You can stay and work in the UK after study by applying for the Graduate Route visa (post-study work visa). This lets you remain for 2 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or 3 years after a PhD.
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What are the work rights on a UK student visa?
While studying, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, you cannot be self-employed, run a business, or take permanent full-time jobs.
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What are the requirements for the Graduate Route visa UK?
To qualify, you must:
Successfully complete a UK-recognized degree.
Apply before your student visa expires.
Be inside the UK when you apply.
