Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) vs Skilled Worker Visa

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your employment situation and timeline. The Graduate Visa is a 2-year grace period after finishing your UK degree with no job offer needed. The Skilled Worker Visa is the permanent route, but it requires an employer sponsor and costs nearly 3x more. Your path depends on whether you have a job lined up and how long you want to stay.

1. 01

   You just graduated

   Pick Graduate

   Pick Graduate Visa. You get 2 years to find work without needing sponsorship or a job offer.

   Pick Skilled Worker

   Pick Skilled Worker Visa only if you already have a licensed employer willing to sponsor you.

2. 02

   Budget is tight

   Pick Graduate

   Pick Graduate Visa. It costs $1,170 versus $3,290 for Skilled Worker.

   Pick Skilled Worker

   Pick Skilled Worker Visa if you can afford the higher cost and need permanent residency pathway.

3. 03

   You want to stay long-term

   Pick Graduate

   Pick Graduate Visa as stepping stone only. You must switch to Skilled Worker before it expires.

   Pick Skilled Worker

   Pick Skilled Worker Visa. It leads to PR in around 5 years and doesn't need renewal.

4. 04

   You have a job offer

   Pick Graduate

   You're already qualified for Graduate. Keep it for lower cost if within 2-year window.

   Pick Skilled Worker

   Pick Skilled Worker Visa if you've exhausted Graduate or want the permanent residency path now.