Post-Study Work Visa in UK: Everything You Need to Know
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you’re planning to study in the UK, the Post-Study Work Visa in UK—also known as the Graduate Route—has likely played a big role in your decision. And why not? It gives you the chance to stay, work, and build a career after graduation. But recent updates from the UK government mean students (especially Indian students) need to be more aware and proactive than ever before.
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In this blog, we’ll break down what’s changing, who’s still eligible, and how to prepare for the future—plus how bluehawks is giving students an edge that no AI tool or old-school consultant can offer.
🇬🇧 What Is the Post-Study Work Visa in UK?
The Post-Study Work Visa in UK (Graduate Route) currently allows:
- 2 years of work or job search time after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- 3 years after a PhD
It’s unsponsored, meaning you don’t need a job offer to apply. It’s open, flexible, and has been hugely popular among Indian students.
But starting in late 2025 or 2026, key changes are expected to take effect.
⚠️ What’s Changing in 2025–2026?
1. Graduate Route May Be Cut to 18 Months
The new UK government (under PM Keir Starmer) has announced plans to shorten the Graduate Route from 2 years to 18 months. This means less time to find a job—so you’ll need to be more prepared, more focused, and faster in your approach.
2. Minimum Salary Threshold Being Proposed
New rules may soon require students on the Graduate Route to secure graduate-level jobs with a minimum salary of £36,000–£40,000, based on recommendations by the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee. While this is not yet official, it’s likely to shape the future of post-study options.
3. Skilled Worker Visa Salary Is Now £38,700
If you plan to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa after your Graduate Route ends, the minimum salary has increased to £38,700 (or more, depending on your role). New graduates can sometimes qualify at lower “new entrant” rates (~£30,960), but you’ll need to meet strict criteria.
👩💻 Job Search Tips for Indian Students
If you’re an Indian student aiming to stay and work in the UK post-study, here are some updated tips:
- Start your job search in your final semester—don’t wait until graduation.
- Aim for graduate-level roles in tech, consulting, finance, engineering, healthcare, or green energy—these sectors are most likely to meet the £36K+ range.
- Use your university’s career services early to improve your CV and interview skills.
- Build your LinkedIn presence—most UK employers actively recruit via LinkedIn.
- Prepare for PSW-to-Skilled Worker transition—know which companies sponsor visas and understand the timelines.
🔄 UK vs US: What’s Better in 2025?
| Feature | UK Graduate Route (Updated) | US OPT |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months (proposed) | 1 year (3 years for STEM) |
| Job Offer Requirement | No | Yes (after 90 days) |
| Salary Requirement | £36K+ (proposed) | No specific threshold |
| Easy switch to work visa? | Yes, via Skilled Worker | Harder (H-1B lottery) |
While the US remains popular, the UK still has a smoother visa transition—but now demands more structured planning and better job alignment.
Why bluehawks Is Your Best Bet in This Changing Landscape
Let’s face it—AI tools can give you information, but they can’t read between the lines, coach you through salary negotiations, or simulate an actual job interview. Traditional consultants? Most stop at your university admission and move on.
At bluehawks, we stay with you till the very end—and beyond.
Here’s how we’re different:
- ✅ Real-time policy alerts so you’re never caught off-guard by rule changes
- ✅ UK-specific job prep, including LinkedIn branding, mock interviews, and salary expectation mapping
- ✅ Transition planning from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker visa
- ✅ A human-first approach: where mentors listen, not just sell
AI can’t understand your fear of being rejected. We can.
AI can’t roleplay a real UK employer interview. We can.
AI doesn’t care if you land a job. We do.
✈️ Final Advice: What You Should Do Now
- Apply for your Graduate Route as early as possible before the 18-month cap kicks in.
- Set your job target above £36,000 per year if you want to be eligible for long-term visas.
- Stay updated on UK immigration policy changes—and always have a Plan B.
- Don’t do it alone. Let experts walk you through the maze—bluehawks is here to help.
🌎 Chat with our 24/7 chat support team, tap on that chat button on the right bottom of your screen 👉
