Every year, thousands of international students arrive in the UK, investing in world-class education, building professional networks and gaining skills that could benefit the UK economy for years to come. Yet, when graduation arrives, many find themselves facing an uphill battle to stay and build their careers here. The transition from a student visa to work visa is far from straightforward. While the UK offers several routes to move from a student visa to work visa, each comes with its own complexities.
The Graduate Visa: A Temporary Solution
The Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) after completing their degree. It’s an unsponsored visa, meaning you don’t need a job offer to apply. This gives graduates time to gain work experience, explore career options, and potentially secure a longer-term visa.
However, the Graduate Visa is not extendable and once it expires, you must switch to another visa or leave the UK. This is where many graduates face their biggest hurdle.
The Skilled Worker Visa: Finding a Sponsor
To stay beyond the Graduate Visa, many graduates aim for the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence. The role must meet minimum salary and skill requirements.
Competition is fierce, and some industries are more open to sponsorship than others. Graduates often find themselves in a race against time, securing a sponsored role before their Graduate Visa runs out.
The Innovator Founder Visa: A Path for Entrepreneurs
For those with a business idea, the Innovator Founder Visa could be an alternative. This visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative business in the UK.
Key benefits include:
- setting up a business or several businesses
- working for your business – this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
- doing work outside your business, as long as it’s ‘skilled work’ – for example, a job on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list or a job needing at least a level 3 qualification
- bringing your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
- applying to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements
However, the application is rigorous, you will need a viable, innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. Not everyone qualifies, making it a challenging but rewarding option for the right candidates.
The Reality of Transitioning from Student Visa to Work Visa
The truth is, staying in the UK after studies is not guaranteed. The system requires careful planning, persistence and sometimes a bit of luck. Some graduates secure sponsorship, others switch to different visas and many are forced to leave despite their contributions to the UK’s workforce and economy.
Have you faced the struggle of switching from a student visa? Get in touch to explore your visa options and find the best path forward.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
