Since 2021, the UK offers one of the most generous post-study work routes for international students — the Graduate Route visa. This allows Pakistani students who complete a UK degree to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for 2 years after graduation — with no employer sponsorship needed, no minimum salary requirement, and no job offer required before applying.
What is the UK Graduate Route Visa?
The Graduate Route (sometimes called the Post-Study Work visa) is a UK immigration route that allows international students to remain in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders) after completing their degree. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, it does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship, or a minimum salary. You can work in any job at any salary level — or spend the time looking for a skilled job.
Who Qualifies for the Graduate Route?
To qualify, you must have successfully completed a UK Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree (or other eligible qualification) from a licensed UK Higher Education Provider. You must apply from within the UK while still on your Student visa. You cannot apply from outside the UK. You must not have previously held a Graduate Route visa.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The application fee is £822 (approximately PKR 280,000). You apply while still in the UK on your Student visa — you cannot apply after leaving. Your university will confirm your completion directly with the Home Office via the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) system. Processing typically takes 8 weeks.
What Can You Do on the Graduate Route?
On the Graduate Route you can work full-time in any role including minimum wage jobs, freelance or self-employment, multiple jobs simultaneously, and unpaid work or volunteering. Many Pakistani graduates use this time to build UK work experience, improve their CV, save money, and eventually apply for a Skilled Worker visa which leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
Can You Extend the Graduate Route?
No — the Graduate Route cannot be extended. After 2 years (or 3 for PhD), you must either leave the UK or switch to another visa category such as the Skilled Worker visa (requires a job offer at the required salary), the Global Talent visa (for exceptional leaders), or another eligible route. Many Pakistani graduates who get a good job during their Graduate Route period switch to Skilled Worker visa and eventually achieve UK permanent residency.