Working after study

The available options for working after study will depend on your immigration status.

Working in the time remaining on your Student visa after completion of studies

You can use any time left on your Student visa when you complete your course to work full-time in a temporary job until visa expiry. Your visa does not allow you to take a permanent full-time position.

If your employer asks for evidence you have finished your studies, request a letter to prove your right to work online.

If you want to stay in the UK after your course, you must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. 

Graduate Route 

This route is for Student visa holders who complete an eligible degree. Graduate route permission can only be granted once. Students completing an undergraduate or masters degree will receive 2 years. PhD students receive 3 years.

Full eligibility criteria and application timelines are explained in the Graduate visa guide.

Skilled Worker route 

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa you must

• Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from your employer
• Do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• Be paid a minimum salary

You will be able to apply under this route from the UK or from your home country. A full guide to the Skilled Worker route is available on the Home Office website.

Student visa holders cannot change to a Skilled Worker visa until they have completed their course. The only exception is students who have studied at least 24 months of a PhD.

Innovator Founder route (replacing the start-up visa)

This route is aimed at people who wish to establish a business in the UK. You need a business plan endorsed by one of the Home Office-approved endorsing bodies. Currently there are only 4 endorsing bodies for the Innovator Founder visa. 

Student Union Sabbatical Officers

Student visa holders can stand for election as a student union sabbatical officer. This can be either during or after studies. UKVI permits a break in studies for this purpose for up to 2 years at one institution. A Student visa can usually be sponsored to cover the sabbatical and any remaining studies. The Immigration Compliance team work closely with DUSA to support international students interested in a sabbatical role.

For more information and options for working after your studies, see UKCISA guidance.