Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Graduates 2025

Turning your UK degree into a long-term opportunity

You’ve completed your studies and gained valuable UK work experience. Now you want to turn that opportunity into a long-term career. For most international graduates, the Skilled Worker Visa is the key.

This visa allows you to stay in the UK, work for an approved employer, and move towards settlement. But before applying, it’s important to understand the eligibility rules, salary thresholds, and document requirements that apply in 2025.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for:

• International graduates currently on a Graduate Visa
• Students planning to stay and work in the UK after study
• Employers who want to retain international employees legally

If you’re considering switching to the Skilled Worker Visa, this step-by-step guide will help you prepare confidently.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to live and work in the UK in an eligible skilled job. It can last up to five years and leads directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once you complete the required residence period.

You must be sponsored by a Home Office-approved employer, and your job must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds.

Once approved, you can:

• Work full-time for your sponsor
• Bring dependants (partner and children)
• Switch jobs (with a new sponsorship)
• Apply for settlement after five years

Key requirements for graduates in 2025

Eligibility

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a valid Graduate Visa or other eligible visa
• Have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
• Be working in a role on the eligible occupation list
• Meet the salary threshold for your occupation
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Salary thresholds

The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year or the going rate for your job — whichever is higher.

However, lower rates may apply if:

• You qualify as a new entrant (within two years of graduation)
• Your role is on the shortage occupation list
• You work in education or healthcare, where national pay scales apply

Checking your occupation code against Home Office salary tables is crucial before applying.

English language requirement

Most graduates automatically meet this requirement because they completed their degree in the UK. However, if not, you’ll need to prove English ability through an approved language test or academic qualification taught in English.

Financial maintenance

If your employer doesn’t certify maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship, you must show you have enough money to support yourself — usually £1,270 in savings held for at least 28 days.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Confirm your employer is licensed

Only Home Office-approved sponsors can hire international workers. You can check the list on the Register of Licensed Sponsors online.

Step 2: Get your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer issues this electronic certificate containing details of your job title, salary, and occupation code.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

You’ll need:

• Passport and current visa
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Job offer letter
• Proof of English (if required)
• Bank statements or employer confirmation

Step 4: Submit your application

Apply online from within the UK before your current visa expires. You can include dependants in the same application.

Step 5: Pay the fees

• Application fee: £719–£1,500 depending on the visa duration
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Most applications are decided within 8 weeks, but you can pay for a faster service if needed.

Timeline summary

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing the salary threshold

Check your salary matches the Home Office minimum. Even small errors can cause refusal.

Incorrect occupation code

Your job must be listed under the correct code. Always confirm with your employer.

Employer not licensed

If your employer isn’t approved, they can’t issue a CoS. Confirm early to avoid delays.

Late application

Apply well before your Graduate Visa expires to maintain legal status.

How AHJ Immigration helps graduates succeed

At AHJ Immigration, we’ve helped many international graduates transition from study to stable careers in the UK. Our advisors handle every step — from checking job codes to final submission.

We can help you:

• Confirm your eligibility and job role
• Review your employer’s sponsorship status
• Prepare a strong Skilled Worker Visa application
• Avoid the errors that commonly lead to refusal

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to discuss your Skilled Worker Visa plans today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Get a clear overview of UK visa routes and rules. We’ll help you understand your options, timelines, and what’s needed for your application.

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free session, you can book a 1-hour consultation where we:

• Analyse your documents and eligibility
• Review your employer’s sponsorship and salary level
• Provide detailed, written advice

This £120 fee is deducted from your final visa cost if you continue with us.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for a Skilled Worker Visa inside the UK?
Yes. You can switch from a Graduate Visa or other eligible visa from within the UK.

2. Does the Skilled Worker Visa lead to settlement?
Yes. After five years on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

3. Can I bring dependants?
Yes. Your partner and children can join you or stay with you in the UK.

4. Can I change jobs later?
Yes, but your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

5. How long should I plan before applying?
Start preparing around six months before your current visa expires.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and immigration rules.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed document analysis and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Final review and submission.
5. Waiting Phase – Ongoing monitoring and query support.
6. Decision Phase – Explanation of your decision, next steps, and compliance advice.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Your path to a long-term career starts here

The Skilled Worker Visa is more than a work permit — it’s your route to stability, progress, and settlement in the UK. By understanding the requirements and acting early, you can secure your place with confidence.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free session, you can book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for a detailed review and written advice — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final visa cost if you proceed with us.

Let’s build your future in the UK, step by step.