What are my visa options after completing my MBA in the UK?

16 Jan 2025, 59 mins ago

Completing an MBA in the UK is a significant milestone that opens doors to a world of opportunities. As an international graduate, you may be wondering what your next steps are in terms of staying and working in the UK.

1. The Graduate visa

The Graduate visa is a popular choice for those who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after your studies, giving you the freedom to work or look for work at any skill level without requiring sponsorship.

Key Features:

  • No job offer or sponsorship required.
  • Flexibility to switch to other visa categories later.
  • Work, self-employment and short-term study permitted.

2. The Skilled Worker visa

If you secure a job offer from a UK-based employer who is a licensed sponsor and they are happy to sponsor you, you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa. This visa allows you to work in an eligible role and can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.

Key Features:

  • Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
  • You can take on another employment in certain circumstances.
  • The job must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds.

3. The Innovator Founder visa

For entrepreneurial MBA graduates looking to start their own business, the Innovator Founder visa is a promising route. This visa is designed for individuals with innovative, viable and scalable business ideas approved by an endorsing body.

Key features:

  • No minimum investment funds required.
  • You can work on your business, as well as take on another employment in certain circumstances.
  • Your business plan needs to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body.

4. The Global Talent visa

The Global Talent Visa is ideal for MBA graduates who demonstrate exceptional promise in such fields as academia or research, arts and culture or digital technology. This visa does not require sponsorship and offers significant flexibility.

Key features:

  • No job offer required.
  • Pathway to settlement after 3 or 5 years, depending on your endorsement.
  • Freedom to work, switch jobs or be self-employed.
  • You need an endorsing letter issued by a recognised body, such as Tech Nation, Arts Council England or UK Research and Innovation.

Conclusion

The UK offers a variety of visa options to support your ambitions after completing your MBA. Whether you aim to gain work experience, start a business or settle in the UK, there is likely a visa route that suits your goals.

Updated: 16 January 2025

How Gherson can assist

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 XFacebookInstagram, 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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