Top 5 Mistakes Graduates Make When Switching Visa in 2025

Don’t let simple visa mistakes cost you your UK future

After years of hard work and dedication, you’ve earned your UK degree and found your first job. But when it comes to staying in the UK permanently, many international graduates make the same mistakes and those small errors can have serious consequences.

Switching from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa isn’t difficult, but it does require planning, accuracy, and a clear understanding of Home Office rules. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five most common mistakes graduates make when switching visas and how you can avoid them.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for anyone who:

• Is currently on a Graduate Visa
• Plans to stay and work in the UK long-term
• Wants to understand how to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa correctly
• Needs help avoiding errors that could lead to refusals or delays

If you want to stay in the UK beyond your Graduate Visa, this guide will help you prepare with confidence.

Mistake 1: Leaving everything to the last minute

The most common error is waiting until your visa is about to expire before starting the process. Employers often need time to apply for sponsorship licences, issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), and prepare compliance documents.

Start planning six months before your Graduate Visa ends. Early preparation gives you time to:

• Confirm your employer’s sponsorship licence
• Check your occupation code and salary level
• Prepare all supporting documents
• Submit your Skilled Worker application on time

Applying late or overstaying your visa can seriously affect future applications.

Mistake 2: Accepting a job that doesn’t qualify

Not every job in the UK qualifies for sponsorship. To be eligible, your job must:

• Be listed on the Home Office eligible occupation list
• Meet the minimum salary threshold (usually £38,700, or the “going rate”)
• Be offered by an approved sponsor

If your role doesn’t meet these requirements, your application may be refused even if your employer is supportive.

Before applying, confirm your occupation code and ensure your salary meets the threshold for your role.

Mistake 3: Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents

A single missing document can delay your application or lead to refusal. You’ll need:

• Your passport and current visa
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Proof of English language ability (often your UK degree)
• Financial evidence if required
• Confirmation of your job details and salary

Make sure your job title, sponsor name, and salary match exactly across all documents and your application form.

Mistake 4: Assuming your Graduate Visa counts towards settlement

Many graduates believe the two years spent on a Graduate Visa count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

The five-year clock for ILR begins once your Skilled Worker Visa starts. The sooner you switch, the sooner you begin your journey toward permanent settlement in the UK.

Mistake 5: Not seeking professional advice

UK immigration rules change frequently. Relying on old information or guesswork can lead to simple but costly mistakes.

A qualified immigration advisor can help you:

• Check your eligibility before applying
• Confirm your sponsor’s licence status
• Review your documents for accuracy
• Ensure your salary and occupation code meet current standards

Professional support can save you time, money, and the stress of a potential refusal.

How AHJ Immigration helps you avoid these mistakes

Switching visas can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. At AHJ Immigration, we guide you through every step of your post-study journey.

We help you:

• Understand which visa options fit your situation
• Prepare accurate, complete documents
• Liaise with employers about sponsorship
• Avoid pitfalls that commonly lead to refusal

With expert support and transparent advice, you can secure your future in the UK confidently.

Book your consultation

We make it easy to get started.

Free 30-minute consultation

Your free consultation gives you an overview of UK visa routes and immigration rules. We’ll outline which pathways suit your goals and what requirements apply.

Or call us directly at 0121 828 2224.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

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

• Review your documents in detail
• Assess your eligibility and success chances
• Provide written, step-by-step advice tailored to you

This £120 fee is deducted from your final application cost if you choose to proceed with us.

FAQs

1. When should I start planning my visa switch?
Start at least six months before your Graduate Visa expires to avoid last-minute stress and missing paperwork.

2. Can I switch jobs while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

3. Does my Graduate Visa count towards ILR?
No. The five-year ILR period starts once your Skilled Worker Visa is approved.

4. What if my employer isn’t licensed?
They can apply for a sponsorship licence. AHJ Immigration can guide your employer through the process.

5. What happens if I miss the application deadline?
If your visa expires before you apply, you lose your legal status and must leave the UK. Always apply early.

Our process

We keep your immigration journey simple and transparent:

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and the relevant immigration rules.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed document analysis, eligibility assessment, and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Access to templates, checklists, one-to-one consultant support, and help if documents are missing.
4. Application Stage – Final review and submission of your application.
5. Waiting Phase – We monitor your case and assist with Home Office queries.
6. Decision Phase – We explain your decision, next steps, and ongoing compliance. If refused, we help you resubmit; if approved, we guide you on staying compliant.

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.

Take control of your future today

Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between success and disappointment. With early preparation and professional support, your move from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa can be smooth and stress-free.

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

After your free session, you can choose a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for detailed, tailored advice, and the fee will be deducted from your final application cost if you continue with us.

Your next step in the UK starts here.