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Working in the UK after graduation: Everything international students need to know

At Queen Mary, there will be lots of opportunities to gain industry experience during your studies. With that said, as an international student, it’s important to be aware of your immigration rights and restrictions.  

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An image of Visas

This section is intended as a general overview of working in the UK as an international student, both during your studies and post-graduation. Importantly, this section does not provide immigration advice tailored to your personal circumstances. When you arrive at Queen Mary, you can access visa and immigration support from our Advice and Counselling Service (ACS).  

Working during your studies  

Check your visa work conditions by referring to the ACS website: Does my immigration permission allow me to work? 

Make sure these permissions match what is stated on your UKVI account or eVisa.  

Useful links:  

Working after your studies  

These are the post-study visa routes commonly utilised by international students after they have completed their studies: 

  • Graduate Route Visa  
  • Skilled Worker Visa

Graduate Route Visa  

This route allows eligible graduates to stay and work in the UK without employer sponsorship. The Graduate Route Visa has flexible employment conditions: you can work in almost any role, under any level of salary.  

Under the current Graduate Route Visa, eligible graduates can stay for two years. However, the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (released in October 2025) has stated that successful Graduate route applications will be granted 18 months of permission if the application is made on or after 1 January 2027. 

Useful links:  

Skilled Worker Visa  

Under this route, you can stay and work in the UK if you have a qualifying job offer from an employer with a sponsor license. 

The eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa application are stricter than those for a Graduate Route Visa. For example, you will have to meet a minimum salary requirement* and you need to have visa sponsorship from your employer.  

*If you qualify as a ‘new entrant’, you may be eligible for a lower minimum salary requirement 

Useful links:  

Get ahead: Think about your long-term career plan  

Understanding the different visa options and what fits best for your personal circumstances will mean that you can use your time at Queen Mary strategically.  

For example, if you plan to work in the UK to gain experience after graduation, with the long-term goal of returning to your home country, then you may decide the Graduate Visa is the best fit for you. Since there is no salary threshold and few restrictions on the types of jobs you can do, you have the option of networking with organisations of all sizes – from SMEs to large firms – to discover opportunities that best suit you.  

Conversely, if your long-term goal is to work in the UK and you would like to land a sponsored role under the Skilled Worker Visa, you may decide to plan your applications strategically, targeting large employers with sponsor licenses who provide sponsorship through graduate schemes.  

Useful links on other visa options post-study: 

 

We’re here to support you! At Queen Mary, you’ll have access to tailored careers support for international students, including drop-ins and events featuring international alumni. The Advice and Counselling Team also provide visa and international student advice.

 

 

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