Working after you graduate

You may be looking to work in the UK after you've completed your studies. This page summarises two of the possible routes to switching from a student visa to a work visa. More comprehensive information is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and from the UK government.

Graduate route (Post study work)

The Graduate route is similar to the previous Post-Study Work scheme. Successful applicants are granted 2 years to live and work in the UK after they graduate (3 years for PhD students).

If you have completed your course successfully and your Student Visa has not yet expired then you should be eligible to apply. The Graduate route requires a new visa application, which is only possible from within the UK. Applicants will need to pay a fee and you can find more details about this from the UK Government.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provide detailed information about the Graduate Visa, including links to the application form and Home Office guidance. The DMU Visa Advice team also provide information on the Graduate Visa.

Skilled worker route

Graduates may be able to apply to stay to work in the UK by making an application under the Skilled Worker route. In order to apply under the Skilled Worker route you would need sponsorship by a licensed employer to do a specific job that meets minimum levels of skill and salary. If you have a prospective employer, you could ask them about applying for the Skilled Worker Route.

Find out more about the Skilled worker route.