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.
Following the publication of the immigration white paper (PDF, 2.3MB) on Monday 12 May 2025, our advisers are currently working through the changes which are being proposed and will be updating the web pages below, when we have more detailed guidance and an implementation date for the proposed changes to the immigration rules.
Some of the information on the 'Work after Studies' pages will be subject to change, in particular the Skilled Worker Visa and the Graduate Immigration Route.
Contact ISSAC if you are due to be applying for a visa shortly and have a particular concern about your eligibility.
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 EU Settlement Scheme
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 government visa guidance 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. See 'Contact ISSAC' below for 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 ISSAC
For individual advice about post study work options, contact our International Student Support & Advice team. We cannot check work visa application forms or advise potential employers.
Contact the Careers Service
Our Careers Service can help you understand the UK job market and make an informed decision about whether working in the UK is right for you and your career. They advertise careers events and post-study work visa talks via Career Connect.
Useful information
UK graduate labour market weekly updates
UKCISA: Recruiting international graduates employer guide
How to explain your visa status to employers (PDF, 144KB) - information on how to explain your visa and working rights to employers during and after study