Other visa routes for working after studies
Updated on: 29 May 2024
Find out about options for switching from a student visa to a work visa after your studies.
British National (Overseas) visa
If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas) you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa.
Learn more about the British National (Overseas) visa.
Global Business Mobility routes
A Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch.
Learn more about the Global Business Mobility routes.
Global Talent
You can apply for this visa if you’re a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology.
Learn more about the Global Talent visa.
Graduate route
The Graduate route is a working visa route that allows successful applicants to stay in the UK for two years. PhD graduates can stay for three years.
Learn more about the Graduate route on the following websites:
High Potential Individual
With this visa you can stay in the UK for at least two years. You must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last five years.
Learn more about the High Potential Individual visa.
India Young Professionals Scheme
This visa allows Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for two years.
Learn more about the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
Innovator Founder
This visa is designed for migrants who either want to start a business in the UK, or have existing businesses endorsed by an approved body.
Learn more about the Innovator Founder visa.
Scale-up Worker
This visa allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’).
Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria to sponsor scale-up workers.
Learn more about the Scale-up Worker visa.
Student Union Sabbatical Officer
You can stay in the UK if you have been elected to a full-time salaried post as a sabbatical officer where you are registered as a student.
Learn more about the Student Union Sabbatical Officer option.
Temporary Worker - government authorised exchange
You can apply for this visa if you want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience or training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme. You will need a sponsor.
Learn more about the Temporary Worker visa.
UK Ancestry
The UK Ancestry route allows eligible people to take employment and to set up a business.
Learn more about the UK Ancestry visa.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
You can work in the UK for two years (three for New Zealanders). Age, nationality and financial conditions apply.
Learn more about the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
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