If you hold a Graduate Visa or a High Potential Individual Visa, you have likely been granted two or three years of leave to remain in the UK. This period is invaluable for graduates, as it provides an opportunity to gain employment in the UK without requiring sponsorship. Building professional experience post-graduation is often critical for career progression, and the ability to work without sponsorship alleviates the immediate pressures of visa-related employment concerns.

However, for many individuals who have spent several years in the UK completing their higher education and envision settling in the UK, two to three years is not sufficient. The Graduate Visa and Student Visa routes do not lead directly to settlement unless you qualify under the 10-year-long residence route. Consequently, it is essential to start planning your next steps well before your post-study visa expires.

It is advisable to begin considering alternative visa routes early during your post-study visa period. Transitioning to a new visa requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, and early preparation ensures you have sufficient time to address these requirements. In many cases, switching to the Skilled Worker route, which necessitates employer sponsorship, is the most viable option. Alternatively, for those interested in starting a business, the Innovator Founder route may be suitable. Other potential routes include the Global Talent Visa or, for those in long-term relationships with settled individuals in the UK, the Partner Visa.

Each applicant’s circumstances vary based on factors such as the length of time already spent in the UK, family ties or relationships, and career aspirations. Below, we focus on the considerations for switching to the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder routes.

Early preparation is crucial for two key reasons:

1. Residence Period for Settlement

The Graduate Visa does not contribute towards the residence period required for settlement. For many graduates, transitioning to a settlement-eligible route sooner ensures the clock starts ticking toward the required residence period. For the Skilled Worker route, this is five years, while for the Innovator Founder route, it could be as short as three years.

2. Preparation Time

Switching to an alternative visa route is not instantaneous and often involves significant preparation. For example, clients pursuing the Innovator Founder route may require six months or more from initial consultation to visa application submission. Developing a compliant business idea, drafting and revising a business plan, and undergoing endorsement processes—which may include interviews—are time-intensive steps. Starting early allows sufficient time to prepare a robust application.

For those considering the Skilled Worker route, preparation is equally important. If your current employer wishes to sponsor you but lacks a sponsor licence, they will need to apply for one, which involves document preparation and processing times of several months. Even if the employer holds a sponsor licence, they must ensure that Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) are available. If not, they will need to request an increase in their CoS allocation, a process that can take several weeks.

For individuals seeking new employment with sponsorship, the competitive UK job market and lengthy recruitment processes mean that starting your job search early is critical.

The path to settlement and the available visa options can be complex and depend on your unique circumstances. Consulting a UK immigration specialist early in your post-study visa period can help you:

• Understand the visa routes available to you.
• Identify and address eligibility requirements.
• Plan for potential changes to immigration rules.
• Strategise your preparation for a smooth transition.

If you are considering switching to an alternative visa route from within the UK and need tailored advice, our team of immigration specialists is here to help. Whether you are exploring the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or other visa options, we can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to begin planning your transition and secure your future in the UK.