- The Graduate Route visa grants international students up to 18 months of unsponsored work permission after completing their degree in the UK.
- UK Skilled Worker visa requires employer sponsorship, a minimum salary of £41,700 (₹50L), and leads directly to PR after 5 continuous years.
- UK Graduate Route visa cannot be extended or renewed, requiring strategic transitions to Skilled Worker sponsorship before expiry.
Finishing your studies in the UK opens doors to two powerful post-graduation pathways, each offering distinct advantages for Indian students planning their UK careers. The Graduate Route and Skilled Worker visa represent two different approaches to work visas: one prioritises flexibility and exploration, while the other emphasises career stability and long-term settlement.
In this guide, we break down both UK visa routes, compare costs, requirements, benefits, and help you determine which aligns with your career goals.
What Is the Graduate Route Visa in the UK?
The Graduate Route gives international students freedom to stay and work in the UK after completing their degree without employer sponsorship or job restrictions.
A change to the Graduate Route visa duration was announced by the UK Home Office on 14 October 2024, reducing the visa period from 2 years to 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates.
How long you can stay
A Graduate visa lasts for:
- 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
- 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years
Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Route Visa
Indian graduates must satisfy all these conditions to qualify for this flexible pathway:
- You must be physically present in the UK when submitting your application
- Your current visa must be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa at the time of application
- You must have completed an eligible bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other qualifying course whilst holding valid Student permission
- Your university must have confirmed your successful completion to the Home Office before you apply
- Your education provider must hold “Track Record of Compliance” status on the Register of Student Sponsors
- You can only apply for Graduate Route once in your lifetime, so timing matters
Cost of Applying
The application fee is £880 (₹1L), plus healthcare surcharge of £1,035 (₹1.2L) per year.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa connects you with long-term UK employment through formal employer sponsorship. This sponsored route requires a confirmed job offer and leads directly to permanent settlement after 5 years, making it ideal for graduates with specific career targets in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa
Indian students transitioning from Graduate Route must meet these mandatory criteria:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office
- Your employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship with your role details
- Your job must appear on the list of eligible occupations at RQF level 6 or above
- Your salary must meet at least £41,700 (₹50L) annually or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher
- You must demonstrate English language proficiency at minimum CEFR Level B2
Cost of Applying
- Application fee ranges from £769 to £1,751 (₹90k – 2L) based on visa duration and job type
- Healthcare surcharge of £1,035 (₹1.2L) per year, paid upfront for the entire visa period
- Proof of £1,270 (₹1.4L) in personal savings unless your employer covers maintenance costs
Graduate Route vs Skilled Worker Visa: Key Differences
Both routes serve fundamentally different purposes in your UK career journey. Understanding these distinctions helps you align your choice with your immediate priorities and long-term settlement goals:
| Aspect | Graduate Route Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A temporary visa allowing international graduates to stay and work or look for work in the UK | A long-term work visa tied to a specific job offer |
| Who is it for? | Recent graduates who want flexibility to explore opportunities | Graduates who already have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer |
| Duration | 18 months (fixed period) | Up to 5 years (renewable) |
| Job Requirement | No job offer needed | Must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor |
| Salary Requirement | No minimum salary | Minimum £41,700 (₹50L annually) |
| Long-term Benefits | Cannot be extended (must switch to another visa) | Path to permanent residence after 5 years |
| Family Benefits | Limited dependent rights | Dependents can join and work |
Proof of Funds Requirement for a UK Student Visa
A change to the maintenance-fund requirements for UK Student visas was announced by the UK Home Office on 14 October 2025. For applicants applying under the Student route on or after 11 November 2025, the monthly maintenance requirements are as follows:
- Students studying in London must now show £1,529 (₹1.8 lakh) per month, up from £1,483 (₹1.7 lakh).
- For those studying outside London, must now show £1,171 (₹1.3 lakh) per month, up from £1,136 (₹1.3 lakh).
| Study Location | Monthly Maintenance Funds Requirement | Total Funds Required for 9 Months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 (₹1.8L) | £13,761 (₹16.2L) |
| Outside London | £1,171 (₹1.3L) | £10,539 (₹12.4L) |
Key Takeaways
The UK offers two distinct post-study pathways for Indian graduates. The Graduate Route grants up to 18 months of unsponsored work permission which allows complete career flexibility without employer dependencies. The Skilled Worker visa is valid for up to 5 years and can lead to permanent residence after five continuous years of UK residency.
Successful graduates often combine both routes strategically: using the Graduate Route to build professional networks and identify suitable employers, then transitioning to Skilled Worker sponsorship. This approach balances career exploration with long-term settlement objectives.
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FAQs
Can I work part-time whilst studying in the UK?
Yes, international students on a Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays.
What is the Graduate Route Visa for Indian students in the UK?
The Graduate Route Visa provides 18 months of UK work authorisation after programme completion without requiring a job offer.
Can I switch from a Graduate Route Visa to Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Yes, you can transition from the Graduate Route Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa if you secure a qualifying job offer meeting the £41,700 salary threshold.
What is the 28-day rule for UK student visa bank statements?
The required funds must be held in your bank account for a consecutive 28-day period, with bank statements printed no more than 31 days before your visa application date.
How are UK student visa maintenance funds calculated for the course duration?
UK student visa maintenance requirements are calculated monthly for the course length, capped at nine months maximum.
How are UK student visa maintenance funds calculated for the course duration?
UK student visa maintenance requirements are calculated monthly for the course length, capped at nine months maximum.
What is a CAS for UK student visa applications?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is a unique reference number issued by your UK university that confirms your unconditional offer and sponsorship.
What is the total character limit for the new UCAS personal statement 2026 format?
The total character limit remains 4,000 characters including spaces, with each of the three questions requiring a minimum of 350 characters.
What is the cost of living in the UK for Indian students?
In London, students typically spend £1,310–£2,230 (₹1.5–2.6 lakh) per month. In other UK cities, the cost is lower, around £760–£1,550 (₹90,000–1.8 lakh) per month.
What is the minimum salary requirement for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa requires a minimum salary of £41,700 (₹50L) annually or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher, as per 2025 regulations.
What happens to my UK visa status if I lose my job whilst on a Skilled Worker visa?
You have 14 days to find alternative employment with a new sponsor; failing to do so will result in visa cancellation and requirement to leave the UK.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
