Option 1: Direct switch (Student → Skilled Worker)
The fastest path. Secure a sponsored job offer before your Student visa expires. You can apply from within the UK up to 3 months before the new job starts. Your Student time doesn't count toward Skilled Worker ILR, but you retain continuous UK residence.
Advantages: no gap in status, you start accruing Skilled Worker time toward settlement immediately, visa processing is typically 8 weeks in-country. Disadvantages: pressure to find a sponsored job before graduation, fewer opportunities for probationary employers to try you out.
Option 2: Student → Graduate → Skilled Worker
The most common path. Apply for the Graduate visa (no sponsor needed) before your Student visa ends, then switch to Skilled Worker once you secure a sponsored offer. Graduate visa is unsponsored, so you can change employers freely while job-hunting.
Critical 2026 rule: Graduate visa is 2 years for bachelor's/master's, 3 years for PhD. From 2027, main route reduces to 18 months. If you're graduating in 2027 onward, start job-hunting earlier in your Graduate visa window.
Timing — the biggest practical risk
Give yourself at least 4-6 months between job offer and visa start date. The typical sequence: CoS issue (1 day once employer decides) → visa application (up to 8 weeks in-country) → start work. Tight timelines lead to offer rescinding when the candidate can't start in time.
Start applying for sponsored jobs in the first month of your final university year. That gives 6+ months to close an offer and leaves Graduate visa as a fallback if the job search drags on.