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Switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa

Timing, the new-entrant salary rate, English requirements and the 2027 change.

If you studied in the UK, the Graduate visa lets you stay and work without a sponsor for a limited time. Most people then switch to a Skilled Worker visa with an employer who sponsors them, and you can make that switch from inside the UK.

The 2027 change to the Graduate visa

For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa for bachelor's and master's graduates lasts 18 months instead of two years. PhD graduates keep three years. If you finish your course in 2026, applying for the Graduate visa before the end of December 2026 gets you the longer two-year period, provided you meet the other requirements.

Why switching earlier can be cheaper for employers

People switching from a Student or Graduate visa usually count as new entrants, so the minimum salary is £33,400 rather than the general £41,700, subject to the going rate for the job. That makes graduate-level roles easier for employers to sponsor. Today 1,961 jobs on this site advertise a starting salary at or above the new-entrant rate.

What you need to switch

  • A job offer from a licensed sponsor and a certificate of sponsorship for an eligible occupation.
  • English at level B2 for first-time Skilled Worker applicants. A degree taught in English can count as evidence, so check the English language options.
  • The salary and skill level required for your job. See our salary guide.

A practical timeline

  1. Final year of study: start applying to employers that sponsor, and use our search to find them.
  2. After your results: apply for the Graduate visa while your Student visa is still valid.
  3. On the Graduate visa: build experience, and talk to your employer about sponsorship early. The visa cannot be extended.
  4. Switch: once you have a certificate of sponsorship, apply for the Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK.

The headline rules (Skilled Worker visa)

  • Most new applicants need a job at degree level (RQF 6) or one on the Temporary Shortage List.
  • The general salary threshold is £41,700, or £33,400 for new entrants, such as people switching from a Student or Graduate visa. You must also be paid at least the going rate for your occupation.
  • First-time applicants need English at level B2 (since 8 January 2026).
  • Health and care roles on national pay scales, such as NHS jobs, are assessed against those pay scales.

Check the details for your job on GOV.UK.

Jobs at or above the new-entrant rate

  • Human Resources Business PartnerNew

    Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • Liverpool
    • £57,528 to £64,750 a year
    • Fixed term, full time, flexible working, compressed hours
    • Posted yesterday
    • Closes in 10 days
    • On the Home Office sponsor register

  • Acute Medicine Consultant

    Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
    • Bath
    • £113,565 to £150,569 a year
    • Permanent, full time, part time, flexible working
    • Posted 3 days ago
    • Closes in 14 days

  • Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Cellular pathology

    Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
    • Salford
    • £49,387 to £56,515 a year
    • Permanent, part time
    • Posted 3 days ago
    • Closes today
    • On the Home Office sponsor register

  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Emergency Department

    Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
    • Bath
    • £57,528 to £64,750 a year
    • Fixed term, part time
    • Posted 3 days ago
    • Closes in 2 days

  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner - UEC

    Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust
    • Shrewsbury
    • £57,528 to £64,750 a year
    • Permanent, full time, flexible working
    • Posted 3 days ago
    • Closes in 11 days
    • On the Home Office sponsor register

  • Advanced Occupational Therapist

    The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • North East England
    • £49,387 to £56,515 a year
    • Permanent, full time
    • Posted 3 days ago
    • Closes in 13 days
    • On the Home Office sponsor register

Search all sponsored jobs

Questions people ask

Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa inside the UK?

Yes, if you have an eligible job offer and certificate of sponsorship and meet the requirements, you can apply from inside the UK.

How long is the Graduate visa?

Two years for applications made up to 31 December 2026, then 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get three years.

General information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always check GOV.UK before you act.