UK Graduate visa vs Skilled Worker visa: which is better for you?

If you are an international student finishing your studies in the UK, you may be thinking whether it is possible to stay and work here once your student visa ends. The two most common options are the Graduate visa and the Skilled Worker visa.

This blog breaks down the key differences between the two visa routes, explains which is preferable depending upon your circumstances, and will help you understand how these routes could lead to the next step in your immigration journey.

The Graduate visa: a post-study opportunity

The Graduate visa is aimed at international students who have successfully completed a degree in the UK. It gives graduates the opportunity to stay in the UK and seek work without needing a job offer or commencing employment.

Key requirements:

• You must be in the UK and hold a valid Student visa when you apply.
• Your university must confirm to the Home Office that you have completed your course.
• You will be granted a visa for 2 years, or 3 years if you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
• You cannot extend this visa. Once it ends, you will need to switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
• You do not need a job offer to apply.

As such, this visa is ideal for graduates who want the flexibility to explore job opportunities or gain work experience in the UK before committing to a longer-term visa route.

The Skilled Worker visa: a route to settlement

The Skilled Worker visa is designed for those who have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers.

Key requirements:

• You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
• The job must meet the minimum skill and salary requirements.
• You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
• This visa can last up to 5 years and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after that period, if the necessary requirement are met.
• You must apply before you start work.

As such, this visa is ideal for people who have found a job in the UK that meets the visa requirements and are looking for a more stable, long-term option that could eventually lead to settlement.

Can one visa lead to the other?

Many people use the Graduate visa as a stepping stone to the Skilled Worker visa. The Graduate visa allows you time to live and work in the UK, gain experience and find a sponsoring employer. Once you have a job offer that meets the Skilled Worker criteria, you can switch to this route without leaving the UK, before your Graduate visa expires.

According to Home Office data, 32% of international students who completed their studies in 2023 moved onto the Graduate visa, and 18% moved into other work routes, including the Skilled Worker visa.

The table below provides an overview of the key differences between the two visas:

Choosing the right visa will vary depending upon where you are in your career journey. In many cases, it is not a matter of choosing one or the other, but using both strategically. For example, an applicant may start with the Graduate visa and move into the Skilled Worker route when the time is right.

At Gherson, our team can guide you through each step, whether you are just finishing your studies or ready to take the next big step in your career.

Updated: 14 July 2025

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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