Careers ServiceWork in the UK after graduation

If you're thinking of working in the UK after your studies, there are important things you must check. The Careers Service is not authorised to give advice on work permit or visa applications.

Working in the UK

Before applying for graduate jobs in the UK, we recommend you consult the GOV.UK website: UK Visas and Immigration. Be sure to check regularly as government regulations are subject to continuous change.

Graduate Route Visa

As an international graduate, you'll have the option to apply for the Graduate Route Visa. Graduates on this will be able to work or look for work after studies for a maximum period of two years, or three years for Doctoral students.

Guides and advice

• The Recruiting international graduates - a guide for employers Sept 23 highlights the unique skillset international graduates bring. It is important you understand the hiring options available to employers under the Graduate and Skilled Worker routes and this guide clearly explains them. The guide is aimed at employers so you may wish to share it with an employer.
• UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs): working after studies (general information on immigration, visas and work permits)
• TARGETjobs - Guide to job hunting for international students
• TARGETjobs - Visas and permits for international students who wish to work in the UK
• Prospects - Work in the UK
• Equivalence of qualifications - this resource will help you understand how your qualifications relate to UK qualifications

Finding opportunities

Try to start your job search as early as possible. Deadlines for students requiring a sponsored visa are sometimes earlier than general deadlines.

As well as using the MyCareerHub Strathclyde vacancy portal (DS login), use our pages on looking for a job and how to find vacancies.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are three-way partnerships involving a business, a graduate and an academic institution, lasting between 1-3 years.  These paid projects require research in specialist areas, and welcome applications from international graduates.

To find out more about UK employers and job sector information check out:

• our Online Careers Toolkit Explore Your Options: Industry insights and labour market information
• the Prospects website for information about different job sectors in the UK
• TARGETjobs: See who's hiring
• Talent Scotland

UK employers and job sector information

• Employer information resources on this website can allow you to explore the UK job market and also identify possible employers
• use our Online Careers Toolkit Explore Your Options: Industry insights and labour market information
• use the Prospects website for information about different job sectors in the UK
• use TARGETjobs: See who's hiring for information on UK graduate recruiters
• to explore the option of living and working in Scotland use the Talent Scotland website

Register of licensed sponsors

The Careers Service cannot give you a list of companies who will sponsor a visa to work in the UK.

The Home Office has produced a register of licensed sponsors to employ migrant workers. 

If you’re using the register of licensed sponsors to check organisations be aware they may only sponsor:

• experienced hires, not recent graduates
• specific roles
• for some of their offices, not across the UK
• internal transfers, not new entrants

If an organisation is on the list it means they have previously or are currently sponsoring a migrant worker, it is not necessarily a commitment to sponsor in the future.

If an organisation is not on the list, you could still apply to work for them. The employer may be willing to become a registered sponsor to hire you, if you are the best candidate for the job.

You could consider including information about sponsorship in your application. For more information, see GOV.UK: UK visa sponsorship for employers.