Graduate Visa to
Skilled Worker Visa
You can switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK — you need a job offer from a licensed sponsor paying at least £33,360/year (new entrant rate, July 2025). Here's exactly how to do it.
Check your salary requirements
As a Graduate visa new entrant, you need at least £33,360/year from July 2025. But also check the going rate for your specific role — it may be higher. Use our Salary Checker.
Check salary thresholdFind a licensed sponsor
Your employer must hold a valid UK Sponsor Licence. Confirm this before spending time in a hiring process — use our free Sponsor Licence Checker.
Check if employer is licensedSecure the job offer & Certificate of Sponsorship
Once hired, your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a reference number you'll need for your visa application. Confirm your employer knows this process.
Apply for your Skilled Worker visa
Apply online via GOV.UK up to 3 months before your employment start date. Apply before your Graduate visa expires. Standard processing is ~8 weeks.
GOV.UK apply pageThe Salary Reality Check
As a Graduate visa holder switching to Skilled Worker, you qualify for the new entrant rate. From July 2025 that means a minimum of £33,360/year. Here's which sectors typically make that work — and which don't.
Sectors that typically qualify
Technology
Software engineers, data analysts, IT managers — strong sponsorship culture, salaries typically £40k+
Finance & Consulting
Grad schemes at banks and consultancies often include sponsorship. Salaries typically meet threshold.
Engineering
Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical — strong demand, salaries meet threshold for most roles.
Healthcare
Nurses, pharmacists, physios, doctors — NHS and private sector actively sponsor. Health & Care visa route available.
Architecture / Planning
Chartered roles typically meet the threshold. Strong demand for international graduates.
Sectors that often struggle
- ✗ Retail and hospitality — salaries rarely meet £33,360 minimum
- ✗ Early-career marketing or PR roles — often below threshold
- ✗ NGO/charity sector — salary constraints
- ✗ Adult social care — route heavily restricted since 2024
Find employers who will sponsor your switch
Browse roles from 90,000+ licensed sponsors — filtered to show jobs that meet the Skilled Worker salary threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information based on Home Office rules effective July 2025. Always verify with GOV.UK and consider professional immigration advice. Not legal advice.