Graduate route to Skilled Worker — switching inside the UK

The Graduate visa gives most international students two years (three for PhD graduates) of unsponsored right to work in the UK after their course. For many, the next step is switching to a sponsored route — usually Skilled Worker — while in-country.

Why the switch is the standard path

The Graduate visa does not lead to settlement. Time spent on it does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. To build towards settlement, the holder needs to move onto a settlement-eligible route before the Graduate visa expires.

Skilled Worker is the most common target. It counts fully towards the five-year ILR clock from the day the first CoS is issued.

The new-entrant salary discount

Switching from Graduate to Skilled Worker within four years of the most recent qualifying graduation usually qualifies for the new-entrant discount — roughly 20% off the going rate, subject to a floor. This keeps the maths workable for entry-level tech, engineering and research roles that would otherwise sit just under the threshold.

Timing

Applications can be made from inside the UK before the Graduate visa expires. Once a CoS is assigned, the applicant has three months to apply. Leave to remain usually extends from the decision date; in practice many applicants time the move around a job start date.

Common pitfalls

• Leaving the switch too close to the Graduate visa expiry, then losing leave during processing.
• Assuming any offered job counts — it must come from a licensed sponsor and clear the SOC + salary tests.
• Missing the fact that the employer’s sponsor licence must be current at the time of CoS assignment.

Where to look next

Skilled Worker logic: Skilled Worker visa. Live sponsor data: directory. Salary maths: minimum salary.

Switches go wrong on timing more than on eligibility. If you’re at the decision point, talk to a regulated adviser before the CoS request goes in.