Introduction: Can You Switch From a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
Graduates can switch to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK. The Graduate visa is a short-term, unsponsored route (currently 2 years after a bachelor’s or master’s, or 3 years for a PhD) and cannot be extended. However, you may apply to switch into a Skilled Worker visa while your Graduate visa is still valid. Moving onto the Skilled Worker route is important because it opens the door to long-term settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). In contrast, time spent on the Graduate route does not count towards the 5-year ILR requirement.
Switching requires a sponsoring employer. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. Since it may take time to find a sponsor and get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), start planning early to avoid running out of time on your Graduate visa.
Eligibility Requirements for Switching
To switch in-country from the Graduate route to Skilled Worker, the applicant and employer must meet all the normal Skilled Worker requirements:
- Applicant requirements: You must hold a valid Graduate visa at the time of application (it must not have expired). You need a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor for a genuine vacancy that meets the skill level. The role’s occupation code must be eligible (most degree-level jobs qualify, some medium-skilled roles need to be on the temporary shortage or salary list). You will have already met the English Language requirements by completing your UK Degree.
- Employer requirements: The UK employer must have a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. They must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you through the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System. The CoS must accurately state your job title, SOC 2020 occupation code, working hours and salary. The employer must pay at least the going rate for that occupation (or the required threshold) and confirm the role meets the skill requirement. If your employer does not have a sponsor licence, then they must successfully apply for one, please note once the licence application is submitted, it can take up to 8 weeks for a decision to be processed.
Salary Thresholds: New Entrant vs Experienced Worker Rates
Skilled Worker visas have minimum salary rules. Graduates switching in-country generally qualify as “new entrants.” This gives a lower salary threshold for their first visa.
- New Entrant Rate: As of July 2025, most first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants must meet the higher of £33,400 per year or 70% of the occupation’s going rate. The “new entrant” category applies to recent graduates starting their careers, up to a 4‑year cap counting any time spent on the Graduate visa. In practice this means your first sponsored role can pay £33,400 (if that’s higher than 70% of your role’s going rate). After 4 years total on the Graduate/Skilled Worker route, you must meet the full standard rate.
- Standard Going Rate: For applicants beyond the new-entrant cap, or those who have held Skilled Worker leave before, the normal skilled-worker salary applies. Currently this is the higher of £41,700 per year or 100% of the going rate for your job. If your occupation’s going rate is higher than £41,700, you must be paid at least the higher rate. Health & care or education jobs have special pay scales; there are also reduced thresholds for certain PhD roles or shortage occupations, but those rarely apply to entry-level graduates.)
The Application Process Step by Step
- Before You Apply – Secure Sponsorship: First, find an eligible employer willing to sponsor you. Check the UKVI register of approved sponsors for companies with a Skilled Worker licence. Your employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship via the Sponsor Licence which will confirm the job details (title, SOC code, hours, salary)
- Gather Documents: Prepare your documents before applying. You will need a valid passport and your CoS. You’ll also need your degree certificate to evidence meeting the English Language requirement. If required, gather bank statements for maintenance funds evidence (£1,270 savings held 28 days) though this is usually waived if you’ve been in UK 1+ year or your employer selects to certify your maintenance on the CoS.
- Submit Your Application: You must apply before your Graduate visa expires. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year) at and application fee at submission. For a Skilled Worker visa, the standard fee is now £943 (for up to 3-year visa) or £1,865 (for more than 3 years). Attend your in person biometric appointment if you are unable to apply via the Gov.uk ID check app. Once submitted, you can remain in the UK while your application is decided. Under Section 3C of the Immigration Act, your previous leave continues and you may start working in your sponsored role immediately under the Skilled Worker conditions (provided your CoS and application are valid).
- Processing and Decision: The Home Office aims to process the application within 8 weeks under the standard service. A priority service (5 working day decision) may be available for an extra fee. During this time, you should not leave the UK or you will automatically withdraw your application.
Impact on Settlement and ILR
Time on the Graduate route does not count towards ILR in the 5-year Skilled Worker category. Your “ILR clock” effectively restarts when your Skilled Worker visa is granted. From that date, under the current rules, you will need five continuous years on the Skilled Worker route to qualify for settlement, subject to the usual UK residence and absence rules and passing the Life in the UK test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK on a Graduate visa?
Yes. As long as your Graduate visa is still valid, you can apply from inside the UK without leaving.
- Does my Graduate visa time count toward ILR?
No, time spent on a Graduate visa does not count towards the 5-year settlement requirement under work routes. You must accumulate five years from the start of your Skilled Worker visa to qualify for ILR.
- What is the new entrant salary rate for graduates?
Graduates typically qualify for the new entrant rate. As of 2025, that means a minimum of £33,400 per year (or 70% of the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher) for the first assignment. After 4 years in combined Graduate/Skilled Worker leave, you must meet the standard threshold (now £41,700 or the full going rate).
- What if my employer does not have a sponsor licence?
They must have or obtain one. An employer without a Skilled Worker licence cannot issue a CoS. Your employer would need to apply for and successfully obtain a sponsor licence
- Can I work while my Skilled Worker application is being processed?
Yes. If you apply in time (before your Graduate visa expires), you automatically get lawful permission under Section 3C to remain in the UK while the new visa is decided. You may start working in your sponsored role as soon as your application is submitted.
- What happens if my Graduate visa expires before my Skilled Worker decision?
If you applied before expiry, your leave continues. You will not become an overstayer while waiting. However, if you did not apply in time and your Graduate visa expires, it’s likely your application will be unsuccessful, and you may lose lawful status. Always apply before the current visa ends.
Conclusion: Plan Your Transition Early
Switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa is a well-trodden path, but it requires careful timing and coordination. Start discussions with potential employers and prepare your documents well before your Graduate visa runs out. Double-check all details: the job must meet the skill and salary rules, and the CoS salary and SOC code must be correct. Many applications are unsuccessful or decisions are delayed due to simple administrative errors, not because of ineligibility. Getting professional advice early can help you avoid pitfalls and ensure your switch proceeds smoothly.
If you are on a Graduate visa and planning to switch to the Skilled Worker route, professional guidance can help you navigate the requirements and timing. Our team at Migrate UK can assist you and your employer with every step, from assistance with applying for the sponsor licence, preparing the CoS to submitting the visa application so you avoid costly delays or refusals.