How does the work visa process work after completing masters in the UK for a Master's?

Once your university confirms you have passed your UK Masters, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa from inside the UK while your Student visa is still valid, giving you a sponsor-free window to work, job hunt, or freelance at any skill level. This visa is temporary and cannot be extended, so most graduates use it as a runway to secure a longer-term Skilled Worker visa.

Graduate Route Visa at a Glance

Application Steps and Next Moves

• Wait for your university to officially notify the Home Office that you completed and passed your Masters
• Apply online from inside the UK before your current Student visa expires, using your BRP or eVisa share code and CAS reference number
• Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access
• To move toward permanent residency, secure a job offer from an employer holding a Skilled Worker sponsor license, since that time counts toward the 5 year settlement requirement

My Advice

Start applying for graduate schemes and roles months before your dissertation is even due, and target companies that already hold a Skilled Worker sponsor license, since that makes it far easier for them to retain you once your Graduate Route nears its end. Submit your visa application the moment your university confirms your results rather than waiting until your Student visa is about to expire.