The UK Graduate Route (formerly the Post-Study Work visa) allows international graduates to remain in the United Kingdom for two years (three years for PhD holders) after completing a qualifying degree, working or seeking work at any skill level. The Skilled Worker Visa, introduced in December 2020, replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and requires a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor, a minimum salary threshold, and English proficiency. The transition from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker Visa is a critical pathway for graduates seeking long-term residency and eventual settlement in the UK.
Key Facts Table
| Metric | Value (2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Route duration (Bachelor’s/Master’s) | 2 years | UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) |
| Graduate Route duration (PhD) | 3 years | UKVI |
| Skilled Worker minimum salary (general threshold) | £38,700 per year | Home Office, April 2026 |
| Skilled Worker minimum salary (new entrant / STEM PhD) | £30,960 per year | Home Office, April 2026 |
| Going rate for SOC 2020 code 2135 (Software Developer) | £49,500 per year | Office for National Statistics (ONS) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year | £1,035 | UKVI, 2026 |
| Skilled Worker visa application fee (3 years) | £719 | UKVI, 2026 |
| Graduate Route visa application fee | £822 | UKVI, 2026 |
| Number of Graduate Route visas granted (2025) | 114,000 | Home Office Immigration Statistics Q4 2025 |
| Number of Skilled Worker visas granted (2025) | 185,000 (main applicants) | Home Office Immigration Statistics Q4 2025 |
Overview of the Graduate Route
The Graduate Route was launched on 1 July 2021, replacing the previous Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa that was abolished in 2012. The route is designed to retain international talent in the UK labour market after graduation. It is unsponsored, meaning graduates do not need a job offer to apply, and there is no minimum salary requirement during the two-year (or three-year for PhD) period. Graduates can work in any role, switch jobs, be self-employed, or be unemployed without impacting their immigration status.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Completion of a qualifying UK degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or other eligible qualification) at a Home Office-recognised Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
- The applicant must be in the UK at the time of application and have valid Tier 4 or Student Route leave.
- No criminal record or previous immigration breaches.
The Graduate Route does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR). For permanent residency, graduates must transition to a work visa that counts towards the five-year ILR qualifying period, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
Skilled Worker Visa: Current Requirements
The Skilled Worker Visa is a points-based system requiring applicants to score 70 points. Mandatory points (50) are awarded for:
- A valid job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor (20 points)
- A job at RQF Level 3 or above (skill level) (20 points)
- English language proficiency at B1 level (10 points)
Tradeable points (20) are earned through meeting the salary threshold or other criteria. The general minimum salary threshold was raised to £38,700 per year on 4 April 2026, up from £26,200 in early 2024. However, lower thresholds apply for:
- New entrants: Defined as individuals under 26, or those switching from a Student or Graduate Route visa, or those in a post-study period. The new entrant threshold is £30,960 per year.
- STEM PhD holders: If the job is directly relevant to the PhD, the threshold is also £30,960.
- Health and education occupations: Jobs on the Immigration Salary List (replacing the Shortage Occupation List) have lower thresholds, typically £30,960 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is lower.
The job must also meet the “going rate” for that occupation, as defined by the ONS Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 codes. If the salary is below both the general threshold and the going rate, the visa will be refused.
Timeline for Transition from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker
The transition is time-sensitive. The Graduate Route visa is valid for a fixed period (2 or 3 years). During this time, graduates must find a sponsor employer and apply for a Skilled Worker Visa before their Graduate Route visa expires. There is no automatic conversion; a full new application must be submitted.
Typical Timeline
| Stage | Timing | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Graduation | Month 0 | Complete degree; apply for Graduate Route within 3 months of course end |
| 2. Graduate Route granted | Month 1–2 | Receive 24- or 36-month visa; begin job search |
| 3. Job offer | Month 6–18 | Secure a skilled job offer from a licensed sponsor |
| 4. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Month 18–22 | Employer issues CoS; applicant prepares documents |
| 5. Skilled Worker application | Month 22–23 | Submit online application, pay fees, attend biometrics |
| 6. Skilled Worker granted | Month 23–24 | New visa begins; 5-year ILR clock starts |
| 7. ILR eligible | 5 years after Skilled Worker grant | Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain |
Note: If the Graduate Route expires before the Skilled Worker application is decided, the applicant must leave the UK and apply from overseas, which adds complexity and risk.
Key Deadlines
- Application within UK: The Skilled Worker application must be submitted before the Graduate Route visa expiry date. Switching within the UK is permitted if the applicant has valid leave.
- Application from overseas: If the Graduate Route has expired, the applicant must apply from their home country or country of residence. This requires a new CoS and may delay start dates.
- No grace period: There is no automatic extension or bridging visa. Overstaying by even one day can lead to a 12-month re-entry ban.
Salary Thresholds and Going Rates in 2026
The table below compares the general threshold, new entrant threshold, and going rates for selected high-demand graduate occupations.
| Occupation (SOC 2020 code) | General Threshold (£) | New Entrant Threshold (£) | Going Rate (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer (2135) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 49,500 | Going rate well above threshold |
| Mechanical Engineer (2123) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 44,200 | Typical graduate salary ~£32,000 |
| Management Consultant (2423) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 55,000 | Often requires prior experience |
| Secondary School Teacher (2314) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 34,500 | On Immigration Salary List; lower threshold applies |
| Registered Nurse (2231) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 35,000 | On Immigration Salary List |
| Data Analyst (2134) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 45,000 | Entry-level often below threshold |
| Financial Analyst (2425) | 38,700 | 30,960 | 52,000 | Competitive field |
Source: Home Office Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (2026) and ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 data for SOC 2020 codes.
Costs of Transition
Transitioning to a Skilled Worker Visa involves significant financial outlay. All figures are in GBP (£) and current as of May 2026.
| Cost Item | Amount (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker visa application fee (3 years) | 719 | For main applicant; 3-year visa |
| Skilled Worker visa application fee (5 years) | 1,420 | For 5-year visa (if granted) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year | 1,035 | Paid upfront for full visa duration |
| Biometric enrolment (if required) | 19.20 | UKVCAS appointment |
| Priority processing (optional) | 500 | 5 working days decision |
| Super priority processing (optional) | 800 | Next working day decision |
| Total for 3-year visa (standard) | 3,824 | Application fee + 3 years IHS |
| Total for 5-year visa (standard) | 6,595 | Application fee + 5 years IHS |
Note: IHS is £1,035 per year for students and workers, increased from £624 in early 2024. Dependents pay the same rate. Dependents also require separate applications and fees.
Employer Sponsorship Requirements
To hire a Graduate Route holder under the Skilled Worker Visa, the employer must:
- Hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence (A-rated).
- Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – either a defined CoS for overseas applicants or an undefined CoS for in-country switchers.
- Pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000 per year for larger employers, £364 for small/charitable sponsors).
- Ensure the role meets the skill level (RQF 3) and salary threshold.
Employers often prefer candidates already on a Graduate Route because they can start immediately and do not require a defined CoS. However, the employer must still demonstrate that the role is genuine and that the salary meets the required threshold.
Path to Settlement and Citizenship
The Skilled Worker Visa counts towards the five-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Once ILR is granted, the individual may apply for British citizenship after one additional year of residence (or immediately if married to a British citizen).
Key requirements for ILR via the Skilled Worker route:
- Continuous residence in the UK for five years (with absences no more than 180 days per year).
- Continuous employment in a skilled role with a sponsor throughout the period.
- Meeting the English language and Life in the UK test requirements.
- No criminal record or immigration breaches.
The Graduate Route period does not count towards the five-year ILR clock. Only time spent on a work visa (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, etc.) counts. This means a graduate on a two-year Graduate Route who then secures a Skilled Worker Visa will need a total of seven years in the UK before ILR eligibility (2 years Graduate + 5 years Skilled Worker).
Policy Changes and Future Outlook
The UK government under the current administration has tightened immigration rules since 2024. Key changes affecting the Graduate Route to Skilled Worker transition include:
- Salary threshold increase: The general Skilled Worker threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 in April 2026, making it harder for graduates in lower-paid fields (arts, humanities, retail) to qualify.
- Immigration Salary List revision: The Shortage Occupation List was replaced in April 2026 with a smaller Immigration Salary List, reducing the number of occupations eligible for lower thresholds.
- Graduate Route review: In December 2024, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended retaining the Graduate Route but with stricter compliance checks on universities and employers. No major cuts have been implemented as of May 2026.
- Dependent restrictions: From January 2024, most international students (except those on postgraduate research courses) cannot bring dependents. This reduces the number of families transitioning to Skilled Worker visas.
The Labour government has signalled a continued focus on reducing net migration, which stood at 685,000 in 2024. Further tightening of the Skilled Worker route, including potential increases to the salary threshold or a cap on numbers, remains possible.
Alternatives to the Skilled Worker Visa
Graduates unable to meet the Skilled Worker threshold may consider other routes:
- Global Talent Visa: For individuals with exceptional talent or promise in science, engineering, humanities, digital technology, or arts. No job offer required, but requires endorsement from a recognised body.
- Innovator Founder Visa: For those with a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires £50,000 in investment funds (waived for some).
- Health and Care Worker Visa: For medical professionals with a job offer in the NHS or adult social care. Lower salary threshold (£30,960) and reduced visa fees.
- Temporary Work Visas: Seasonal Worker or Youth Mobility Scheme (for certain nationalities aged 18–30) offer short-term options but do not lead to settlement.
Common Pitfalls and Advice
- Salary miscalculation: Graduates often assume any job offer meets the threshold, but the going rate for their occupation may be higher. Using the Home Office’s online eligibility checker is essential.
- Sponsor licence expiry: Employers must maintain an A-rating. A lapsed licence can void a CoS.
- Graduate Route expiry: Applying for Skilled Worker within the UK is only possible while Graduate Route leave is valid. Overstaying by even a few days requires an overseas application.
- Documentation errors: Missing payslips, bank statements, or English test certificates can lead to refusal. The Home Office has become stricter on document completeness.
- Dependent complications: Dependents’ visas must align with the main applicant’s timeline. If a dependent’s Graduate Route expires before the Skilled Worker application, they must leave the UK.
Sources
- Home Office. “Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker.” UK Visas and Immigration. Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-worker
- Home Office. “Graduate Route.” UK Visas and Immigration. Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
- Home Office. “Immigration Statistics, Year Ending December 2025.” Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-year-ending-december-2025
- Migration Advisory Committee. “Annual Report 2025.” Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/migration-advisory-committee
- Office for National Statistics. “Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025: Occupation Codes.” Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/occupation4digitsoc2020ashetable14
- UK Visas and Immigration. “Skilled Worker Visa: Eligibility.” Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job
- UK Visas and Immigration. “Immigration Health Surcharge.” Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
- Home Office. “Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations.” Accessed 18 May 2026. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupations
- House of Commons Library. “UK Immigration Policy: Net Migration and Visa Routes.” Briefing Paper No. 10023, 2026. Accessed 18 May 2026. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10023/