Visas & immigration after studies

Advice if you plan to work in the UK after graduation, including where to find out about visas.

You might want to return home after finishing your course or you may be considering your options. If you plan to work in the UK after your studies, you need to know about visas and be able to explain to employers your immigration status. 

Visas for working after your studies

Graduate Route visa

Since the summer of 2021, the new Graduate Immigration Route is available to new graduates. You don't need to have a job offer to apply for this visa. This visa will allow you to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) to work at any level of work or look for work. You could switch from the Graduate Route visa to the Skilled Worker visa once you were in a job which met the criteria for that.

The University's Student Immigration Service provides a detailed guide to applying for the Graduate Route visa. This provides answers to many of the questions you may have:

Graduate Route visa (Student Immigration Service)

Many large graduate employers will be aware of this relatively new visa but some employers might not. You may choose to explain your eligibility, or potential eligibility, to work in the UK in your cover letter or supporting statement.

You may wish to provide an explanation in your own words or you can use one of the following explanations, depending on your situation:

Once I have successfully completed my award and my degree is confirmed (expected date xx/xx/xxxx) I will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route visa which allows me to work in the UK for up to two years [three years for PhDs].


I have successfully completed my award and my degree has been confirmed (date xx/xx/xxxx). I am eligible for, and have applied  for, the Graduate Route visa which will allow me to work in the UK for up to two years [three years for PhDs]. 


I have successfully achieved my award, my degree has been confirmed and I have received my Graduate Route visa, which I am including in this application. This allows me to work in the UK for up to two years [three years for PhDs]. 


Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 route. The points-based criteria for the Skilled Worker visa are outlined below. The Eligibility Criteria section includes a link to the Register of Sponsors. 

Skilled Worker visa (Student Immigration Service)

Other types of visa

Read about other types of visa on the Student Immigration Service:    

Working after studies (Student Immigration Service)

Immigration status

If you have a question about your immigration status, you can explore the Student Immigration Service website or contact them: 

Student Immigration Service 

Another source of support for international students in their final year who would like to stay in Scotland after graduating, is Scotland's Migration Service (part of Scotland.org, provided by the Scottish Government together with other agencies).

Scotland's Migration Service

UKCISA also provides comprehensive advice for international students studying in the UK:

UKCISA

Talking to employers about your immigration status

Claire Guy of Exeter Business School gives practical advice on recognising an employer's concerns about visas, using negotiation to encourage them to consider employing you, and developing your own confidence in understanding - and explaining - these visa routes. Read these LinkedIn posts:

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