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UK Graduate VisaStudy in UKPost-Study WorkUK Visa
Quick Answer: What is the UK Graduate Visa and How Do I Get It?
The UK Graduate Route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD) to work in the UK after graduating from a Student Route-licensed university. No job offer needed, no salary threshold, any employer. Apply online within 3 months of completion. Cost: £822 + IHS. Then switch to Skilled Worker Visa to stay longer and work toward ILR (UK Permanent Residency).
UK Graduate Route Visa: Stay and Work After Your Degree
The UK Graduate Route (formerly PSW visa) allows international students to work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing their degree.
Key Facts
- Duration: 2 years (Bachelor/Masters); 3 years (PhD)
- Eligibility: Must have studied at a licensed Student Route sponsor university
- Work: Any job, any employer, no salary threshold
- Cost: £822 application fee + IHS surcharge
- Application: Online, within 3 months of completing studies (can apply before graduation results)
Step-by-Step Process
- Receive unconditional offer from CAS-holding university
- Graduate or receive final results
- Apply for Graduate Route online (within 3 months of completion)
- Continue working (any job) while searching for skilled role
- Switch to Skilled Worker Visa once you secure a qualifying job offer
Switching to Skilled Worker Visa
Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa:
- Job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor employer
- Role on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list
- Salary: £26,200/year minimum (or £10.75/hour); higher for some roles
- English language: CEFR B1+
UK Settlement Pathway (ILR)
After 5 years of continuous legal residence in the UK (including study time):
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) = UK Permanent Residency
- Graduate Route years count toward ILR
- After ILR: eligible for British Citizenship after 1 more year
In-Demand Jobs for Indian Graduates in UK
| Field | Typical Starting Salary | Visa-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | £35,000–55,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Data Scientist | £38,000–58,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Financial Analyst | £32,000–50,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Mechanical Engineer | £30,000–45,000 | ✅ Yes |
| NHS (Doctors/Nurses) | £32,000–55,000 | ✅ Yes (Health & Care route) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time on the UK Graduate Route?
Yes. The Graduate Route allows you to work full-time in any job for any employer with no restrictions. This includes self-employment. There is no minimum salary requirement during the Graduate Route period — salary thresholds only apply when switching to Skilled Worker.
Does the UK Graduate Visa lead to PR?
Not directly — the Graduate Route itself does not lead to PR. You must switch to a qualifying visa (Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, etc.) and accumulate 5 years total continuous UK residence to apply for ILR (UK Permanent Residency).
