The process at a glance
- 01Step 1
Find a sponsor-licensed employer
Search the Home Office register of licensed sponsors (updated monthly on gov.uk). Filter by sector and tier. Not every company on the register actively hires graduates — confirm before investing in the application.
- 02Step 2
Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once hired, the employer assigns you a CoS — a digital reference number, not a paper certificate. The CoS lists job title, SOC code, salary, and start date. It is valid for 3 months.
- 03Step 3
Check salary against the going rate
Your salary must beat both the general threshold (£38,700) AND the SOC-code going rate. New entrants get ~20% off both. Software developers (SOC 2136), for example, have specific going rates published.
- 04Step 4
Apply online and pay fees + IHS
Application fee ~£719 (in-country, 3+ years) or ~£827 (out-of-country). IHS £1,035/year. English language proof (or CAS exemption) required. Application can be made inside or outside the UK.
- 05Step 5
Track the ILR clock from day one
5 continuous years on Skilled Worker counts toward ILR. Absences over 180 days in any rolling 12-month period reset the clock — keep a travel log from the first trip.
Overview
Navigating UK immigration regulations requires careful attention to visa conditions and deadlines. This guide covers the key aspects of uk-tier-2-visa-after-study, helping international students understand their options and obligations while studying in the United Kingdom.
Key Information
UK Student visa holders must follow specific rules including maintaining enrollment, attending regular sessions, and reporting any changes to their university's international student support team. Work authorization depends on your program level, with degree-level students allowed more hours than below-degree level programs.
Working During Your Studies
Working while studying in the UK provides valuable experience and income. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Common student jobs include retail, food service, tutoring, and administrative positions. The university careers service offers job listings and application support.
Important Deadlines and Timelines
Track key dates including your visa expiry, BRP validity, and any reporting deadlines. For post-study work, the Graduate Route application window opens after your results are confirmed and closes when your Student visa expires. Apply as soon as you receive confirmation of degree completion.
Additional Resources and Support
International students in the UK can access support from their university's international office, UKCISA, and the Student Immigration Team. Free resources include visa guidance sessions, employment workshops, and wellbeing support. Building a network of fellow international students also provides valuable peer support.
The Skilled Worker visa is the only graduate route that ends in settlement. Every other path — Graduate Route, Student visa — is a holding pattern; this one is the destination.
Switching from Student to Skilled Worker: sponsorship requirements and timeline
To switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa within the UK, you need: (1) a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office approved sponsor employer; (2) a job offer in an eligible occupation code (SOC) that meets the minimum skill level (RQF 3 or above); (3) a salary at or above the general salary threshold (£38,700 per year for new applicants as of April 2026, or the going rate for the SOC code, whichever is higher), though certain health and education roles have lower thresholds; (4) English language proficiency at B1 level or above — this is met automatically if your degree was taught in English and you provide your degree certificate and transcripts. You must apply before your Student visa expires. If you Graduate Route first, you can switch from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker from within the UK without leaving. The application fee varies depending on whether the role is on the shortage occupation list, whether the employer is a small or large sponsor, and whether you opt for priority or super-priority processing.
SOC code and going rate: understanding the mechanical salary rules
The Skilled Worker visa uses Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes to determine: (1) whether the role qualifies as skilled (RQF 3 or above — roughly A-level equivalent); (2) what the “going rate” is for that occupation. Your salary must meet the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for your specific SOC code. For example, a software developer (SOC 2134) has a going rate of approximately £33,200, while the general threshold is £38,700 — so the software developer must be paid at least £38,700. If the role is on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the shortage occupation list), the salary threshold is reduced to £30,960 (or the going rate, if lower). Care workers, for instance, have a lower threshold. If you are a new entrant — a graduate switching from Student or Graduate Route within the last two years — the salary threshold is reduced by 30%, to approximately £27,090 per year. This reduced threshold applies for the first Skilled Worker visa grant but not for extensions or settlement applications.
Settlement timeline and dependants on the Skilled Worker route
After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. Time spent on the Student or Graduate Route does not count toward the 5-year settlement clock. Your dependants (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18) can apply as Skilled Worker dependants and can work full-time without restrictions. They also qualify for ILR after 5 years if they have continuously held dependant status. If you switch from Student to Skilled Worker with a new entrant salary reduction, the full going rate applies when you apply for ILR. Plan salary progression during the 5-year period to ensure you meet the ILR salary requirement at the time of your ILR application. Keep employment letters documenting continuous employment and any promotions.
Flashcards
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What you learned
End-of-guide quiz
3 questions
- 01
A graduate gets a software role at £36,000 with a sponsor. They qualify as a new entrant. Approved or refused?
- 02
You spend 200 days outside the UK across 2027 to care for a parent. What happens to your ILR clock?
- 03
Your sponsor unexpectedly loses its sponsor licence. What now?
0 / 3 answered
Official sources
Verify rules, fees, and forms on first-party government sites. This guide is educational and not a substitute for your DSO, solicitor, or licensed adviser.
Procedural deep-dives
For statutes, forms, deadlines, and evidence standards, use these legal owners on MyCaseworks.
- UK immigration guides
Student visa, Graduate route, and tenancy procedural library.
- Graduate route visa
Post-study work rules and evidence standards.
- Renters’ Rights for international students
Deposit, eviction, and tenancy changes that affect students.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa?+
Yes, if you secure a job with a Home Office approved sponsor paying the relevant salary threshold. You can apply from within the UK.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?+
The IHS gives international students access to NHS healthcare. The current rate is approximately 776 per year, paid as part of the visa application.
Do I need a National Insurance number?+
Yes, a National Insurance number is required for any work in the UK. Apply online through HMRC after arriving.
Get personalized help
Book a consultation or access templates
Talk to a MyCaseworks advisor or download template packs to organize your documents.
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