Post-Study Opportunities - UK

Graduate Visa (formerly known as the Post-Study Work Visa)
- Duration: Allows graduates to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or up to 3 years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work.
- Eligibility: Available to international students who have completed a degree at an approved UK higher education provider.
- Conditions: There are no restrictions on the type of job or employer; graduates can work in any field to gain experience.
Skilled Worker Visa
- Duration: Typically valid for up to 5 years.
- Eligibility: Graduates must have a job offer from an approved employer who can sponsor the visa. The job must meet certain skill and salary requirements.
- Conditions: The visa is tied to the employer, and the employee must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office.
Start-up Visa
- Duration: Valid for up to 2 years.
- Eligibility: For graduates who want to start a new business in the UK. They must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved organization.
- Conditions: The visa does not require previous business experience but requires endorsement from an approved organization.
Innovator Visa
- Duration: Valid for up to 3 years.
- Eligibility: For more experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea. The idea must be endorsed by an approved organization and meet certain requirements.
- Conditions: Innovators must invest at least £50,000 into their business and meet specific business progress and job creation targets.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Eligibility: After 5 years on a qualifying visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa), graduates may apply for ILR, allowing them to live and work in the UK without restrictions.
- Conditions: Applicants must meet residency requirements, pass an English language test, and demonstrate knowledge of life in the UK.
British Citizenship
- Eligibility: After 1 year of holding ILR (and 5 years of residence in the UK), graduates can apply for British citizenship.
- Conditions: Applicants must meet residency requirements, demonstrate knowledge of English, and pass the Life in the UK Test.