After completing my master's, how long can I work full-time in the UK and what are the settlement visa options?
After your UK masters, the Graduate visa lets you work full time for up to two years if you apply before January 2027, dropping to 18 months after that. To settle permanently, you must later switch to a route like the Skilled Worker visa, leading to residency after 5 years.
After your masters in the UK, you can work full time on the Graduate visa without needing employer sponsorship, but this visa alone will not get you permanent settlement. You need to move to a separate route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, to eventually qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
How Long You Can Work Full Time
| Route | Duration | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate visa | 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months from 1 January 2027 | No sponsorship needed, cannot be extended |
| Skilled Worker visa | Typically 3 to 5 years, renewable indefinitely | Needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor |
Your Settlement Visa Options
- Skilled Worker visa: apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 continuous years with a sponsoring employer.
- Global Talent visa: fast track to settlement in 3 to 5 years if you are endorsed as a leader in your field.
- Innovator Founder visa: one of the fastest work based routes, with settlement possible after 3 years.
- Family or Partner route: settlement typically after 5 years if you marry or partner with a British citizen or settled person.
- 10 year long residence route: settlement after 10 continuous years across any combination of valid visas.
My Advice
Do not treat the Graduate visa as your settlement plan. Use those two years to secure a Skilled Worker sponsorship early, since that is what actually starts your 5 year clock toward Indefinite Leave to Remain.
How long can you stay and work after a UK master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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