Working in the UK after your studies

As an international student, you must apply for a visa if you wish to stay in the UK to work after your studies.

Post study work visa support

ISSAC's work visa specialist gives a brief overview of the Graduate Immigration Route and Skilled Worker visa, and details the changes to the Graduate Immigration Route from 1 January 2027.

Following the publication of the immigration white paper (PDF, 2.3MB) on Monday 12 May 2025 and subsequent statement of changes to the immigration rules on and , we have updated our information and would refer you to the Graduate Immigration Route and Skilled Worker visa pages where there have been significant changes announced.

If you are due to apply for a visa and have a particular concern about your eligibility, contact ISSAC.

You do not need to apply for a visa if:

  • you’re an Irish citizen
  • have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
  • have settled or pre-settled status under the

If you’re a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, you must apply for a work visa if you arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020 and you’re not eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Always check the latest as immigration rules are subject to frequent changes.

On Wednesday afternoons we host a specialist 'Wednesday Work’ visa drop-in. We suggest that students with post-study work visa questions come at this time if possible. Details of where to find us.

Working on a student visa after study

Information about working after your studies on a Tier 4 or Student visa.

Skilled Worker visa

How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa to allow you to work in the UK after study.

Health and Care Worker visa

How to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa to allow you to work in the UK after study.

Global Talent route

How to apply for the Global Talent visa route if you want to work in the UK in a specific sector such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, technology or arts and culture.

Graduate Immigration Route

Information about the UK government’s graduate work visa for international students with a Student or Tier 4 visa.

Temporary Worker visa

Basic information on temporary work visas for short-term work, training and work experience in the UK.

Other work visas

Basic information about work visa routes which were announced for 2022.

Contact International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC)

For individual advice about post-study work options, contact the ISSAC team. We cannot check work visa application forms or advise potential employers.

Useful information

GoinGlobal- international career and employment information.

How to explain your visa status to employers (PDF, 341KB) - information on how to explain your visa and working rights to employers during and after study