Graduate route to Skilled Worker visa — the complete pathway explained

The pathway step by step:n

1. Apply for Graduate route before your Student visa expires — gives you 2 years to work in any role (3 years for PhD graduates)
2. Build UK work experience during Graduate route — any paid role counts
3. Secure a job offer from a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor at the required salary threshold (currently £41,700 standard, or lower for shortage occupations)
4. Switch to Skilled Worker visa from within the UK — apply before your Graduate route expires
5. After 5 years on qualifying visas, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

nnKey thresholds to know:n

• Standard salary: £41,700
• New entrant rate: £33,400
• Shortage occupation: £33,360 (20% discount)

nnFull settlement pathway guide on UKBuddy