Stay in the UK After Study – Graduate Visa & Post-Study Options 2025

So, you’ve finished your degree in the UK. Congratulations! After all those late nights and essay deadlines, you’re now wondering: “What’s next? Can I stay in the UK?”
The good news is, yes — the UK offers several visa options for international graduates who want to continue their journey here.

This guide will walk you through the Graduate Visa, what happens when it ends, and the other immigration routes you can transition into in 2025 and beyond.

The Graduate Visa: Your Post-Study Launchpad

The Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for two years after completing an eligible course.
If you’ve completed a PhD, that extends to three years.

During this period, you can:

• Work full-time at any skill level
• Be self-employed
• Switch jobs freely without sponsorship

It’s designed to help you gain UK work experience and build your career foundations.

However, this visa cannot be extended — which is why planning your next move early is crucial.

Who Can Apply for the Graduate Visa?

To qualify, you must:

1. Hold a valid Student Visa at the time of applying.
2. Have completed a UK degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD).
3. Have studied at a Home Office-licensed sponsor.
4. Apply from inside the UK.

Applications are usually processed within 8 weeks, and the cost is £822, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £1,035 per year.

What You Can and Can’t Do

✅ You can:

• Work in any job (except professional sports roles)
• Switch employers without permission
• Be self-employed

❌ You can’t:

• Apply for most public funds
• Extend this visa
• Add new dependants (only those already in the UK with you)

Planning Ahead: Life After the Graduate Visa

The key to success is thinking ahead. Once your Graduate Visa is due to expire, you’ll need to move into a longer-term visa route if you want to stay.
Here are your main options:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

If you find a job with a Home Office-approved sponsor, this is the most direct way to remain in the UK long-term.
You’ll need:

• A certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
• A job on the eligible occupation list
• A minimum salary (usually £38,700, but can vary by role)

This visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

Perfect for those in healthcare professions — nurses, doctors, carers, or therapists.
It offers:

• Lower salary thresholds
• Exemption from the IHS
• A faster route to ILR

3. Start-Up & Innovator Founder Visas

If you’re entrepreneurial and have a business idea endorsed by an approved body, this route lets you establish your company in the UK.

4. Family or Partner Routes

If your partner is a British citizen or settled in the UK, you might be eligible for a Spouse or Partner Visa.

What Happens if You Don’t Switch in Time?

If your Graduate Visa expires and you haven’t applied for another route, you’ll lose your right to work and must leave the UK.

Overstaying can seriously affect future visa applications — so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Ideally, start planning 6 months before your visa ends.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Immigration rules can be complex — especially when it comes to switching routes and meeting salary or sponsorship thresholds. At AHJ Immigration, we help graduates like you explore all the options, assess eligibility, and prepare strong visa applications.

Whether you’re aiming for a Skilled Worker Visa, a Start-Up route, or simply want clarity about your options, our team ensures you stay on the right path.

📞 Call us on 0121 828 2224 to discuss your next steps.
We’ll guide you through your visa options and help you plan your long-term future in the UK.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking your course eligibility: Only degrees from licensed institutions count.
• Waiting too long: Apply before your Student Visa expires.
• Ignoring the next step: The Graduate Visa is short-term; plan early for Skilled Worker or other routes.
• Overstaying: Even a few days can affect future visas.

FAQ Section

1. Can I switch from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes. You can switch at any time if you have a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor.

2. Can I study while on a Graduate Visa?
You can study, but only on courses that don’t require a Student Visa.

3. Can my dependants stay with me?
Dependants already in the UK on your Student Visa can stay — but you can’t add new ones.

4. How long before expiry should I apply for a new visa?
Ideally, start preparing 6 months before your Graduate Visa ends.

5. Can the Graduate Visa lead directly to settlement?
No, it doesn’t count toward ILR — but time on your next visa (like Skilled Worker) does.

Ready to Plan Your Post-Study Future?

The Graduate Visa opens doors — but it’s only the beginning. Whether you want to gain work experience, start a business, or build a future here, there’s a pathway for you.

Don’t risk missing out due to delays or misunderstandings — let AHJ Immigration guide you.

📞 Call us now on 0121 828 2224 to discuss your visa options or book a consultation today.