Do you extend the student visa for work visa or post-study work permit after completing the course in UK?
No, you cannot directly extend a Student visa, but you can switch into the Graduate Route post study work visa without needing a job offer. It lasts 2 years for Bachelor's or Master's graduates, drops to 18 months from January 2027, and stays 3 years for PhD graduates.
No, you cannot simply extend your Student visa in the UK, but you can switch into the Graduate Route once you finish your course. This gives you time to work and job hunt before moving on to a longer term sponsored visa. Here is exactly how the transition works and what timeline you are working with.
UK Post-Study Visa Routes And Timelines
| Route | Duration | Job Offer Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Route (Bachelor's/Master's, apply by Dec 31, 2026) | 2 years | No |
| Graduate Route (Bachelor's/Master's, apply from Jan 1, 2027) | 18 months | No |
| Graduate Route (PhD/Doctoral) | 3 years | No |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Length of sponsored contract, counts toward 5 year ILR | Yes, with a licensed sponsor |
Your Step By Step Switch Checklist
- Finish your course; your university reports completion to the Home Office.
- Apply for the Graduate Route from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.
- Use your Graduate Route window to find an employer with a Home Office sponsor licence.
- Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa before your Graduate Route expires to keep building toward settlement.
My Advice
Mark your Student visa expiry date now and apply for the Graduate Route the moment your university confirms course completion, then spend your first months actively job hunting for sponsor employers, since the Graduate Route itself cannot be extended and does not count toward permanent settlement.
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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