Can I Work While Waiting for My Graduate Visa?

In the UK, a Graduate visa allows you to stay in the country for at least two years after you graduate as an international student. You must have completed your university course and be in the UK when you apply for the visa. Also, make sure that your student visa will not run out before you receive your graduate one!  

A student visa has some restrictions, likewise with a Graduate route visa. One of these being whether you, as an international student, can work in the UK after you graduate.  

Can international students work after graduation in the UK? 

The short answer is yes, you can stay in the UK and work, but there are some rules you’ll have to follow. Firstly, you’ll need to have completed your studies and your degree, whether that be undergrad, postgraduate, or master's. Secondly, you’ll need to change your student visa and apply for a Graduate visa or a Skilled Worker visa. Thirdly, to be eligible to apply for either of these visas, you’ll still need to be living in the UK. 

You can also take other avenues, so it’s best to check the Government website before making your decision.  

Can I work while waiting for my Graduate visa? 

Once you’ve applied for a Graduate visa, it can take up to eight weeks for you to receive it. It’s important to remember that while you’re waiting for your Graduate visa, you can’t leave the UK. If you do leave, your visa will be revoked. During these eight weeks, you’ll still be on a student visa. A student visa states that you can work part-time during term time and full-time when the term is on break or finished. So, while you’re waiting to receive your Graduate visa, you can work full-time in the UK as your term will be finished. 

However, student visas do have more restrictions on the type of jobs you can do. For example, if you want to be self-employed, you’ll have to wait until your Graduate visa arrives, as you can’t do this on a student visa. You’ll also not be able to be a professional sportsperson on either visa - so it’s good to keep that in mind. 

Once you have your Graduate visa you can: 

✅ Work full or part-time jobs 

✅ Actively seek work 

✅ Be self-employed 

✅ Perform voluntary work 

✅ Travel to and from the UK 

UniHomes: Bills-included student accommodation 

Going into your final year at university could be the start of your final adventure with plenty to focus on. That’s why we try to make things as simple as possible by showcasing ideal student accommodations with all their bills included in the price. This means you’ll spend less time researching suppliers and have more time to prepare for your final year. Plus, finding your next student home on our site has never been easier! You can filter the results by location, university, and even how many bedrooms you need your next home to have. 

Take a look at the selection of student homes we offer on our site - all from reputable landlords and letting agents - and book a viewing or contact us with any questions you have.