After graduation · checked 20 October 2026
After Graduation in the UK: Graduate Visa, Skilled Worker and Settlement (2026)
Most Nepali graduates who stay in the UK move from the Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker job. Here is how each step works, what counts towards settlement and what does not.
What Can You Do After Graduating in the UK?
After a UK degree, Nepali graduates can apply for the Graduate visa: 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, 3 years after a PhD. To stay longer you usually need a Skilled Worker job paying £41,700 or the going rate. Settlement currently needs 5 years on the Skilled Worker route; Graduate visa time does not count.
Work on the Graduate visa without a sponsor, then switch to a Skilled Worker visa when an employer sponsors you. Students who want to stay should choose their course with the Skilled Worker salary rules in mind.
Key facts
Checked against the sources cited on 20 October 2026.
- Graduate visa
- 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027 (2 years if by 31 December 2026; 3 years after a PhD); £937 feeGOV.UK
- Skilled Worker salary
- £41,700 or the going rate; lower rates for many new entrants (from £33,400) and some health and education jobsGOV.UK
- Settlement (ILR)
- After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route; Student and Graduate visa time does not countGOV.UK
- Proposed changes
- A 10-year baseline for settlement has been proposed but is not in the Immigration Rules as of 20 October 2026Home Affairs Committee
- Life in the UK test
- £50, 24 questions in 45 minutes; needed for ILR and citizenshipGOV.UK
What Is the Usual Path from Student to Settlement?
| Step | Visa | Length | Counts towards ILR? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student visa | Your course (1 year for most master’s) | No |
| 2 | Graduate visa | 18 months from 1 Jan 2027; 3 years after a PhD | No |
| 3 | Skilled Worker visa | Up to 5 years, renewable | Yes |
| 4 | Indefinite leave to remain | After 5 years as a Skilled Worker | n/a |
Example. A one-year master’s starting in September 2027 ends in 2028. With 18 months on the Graduate visa and then 5 years as a Skilled Worker, the earliest ILR application is around 2035, if the rules do not change. Citizenship is usually possible 12 months after ILR.
Which Jobs Can Lead to a Skilled Worker Visa?
The job must be at degree level (RQF 6) with a licensed sponsor and pay at least £41,700 or the going rate. Many graduates switching from a Student or Graduate visa can be paid less as new entrants, but not below £33,400.
- Health and education: nursing, teaching and similar roles use going rates based on national pay scales. NHS Band 5 starts at £32,073 in 2026/27.
- Computing, data, engineering, finance: many graduate roles sit near or above the new-entrant threshold; check the going rate for the occupation code.
- Care work: new overseas recruitment of care workers closed on 22 July 2025, so it is not a route to plan around.
See the Skilled Worker visa guide and NHS jobs.
Can Your Family Join You?
On the Graduate visa, only family members who were already your dependants on your Student visa. On a Skilled Worker visa, your partner and children can usually apply as dependants. There is no extra salary threshold, but they show funds (£285 for a partner, £315 for one child, £200 for each additional child) unless your employer certifies maintenance or you have been in the UK for 12 months. Some medium-skilled and care roles cannot bring dependants.
What About British Citizenship and Nepali Citizenship?
Most people can apply for British citizenship 12 months after getting ILR, after passing the Life in the UK test (£50). Nepal does not generally allow dual citizenship, so taking British citizenship can affect your Nepali citizenship. Get advice on Nepali law before you apply.
How to Plan Your Route After Graduation
Choose your course with jobs in mind
Check graduate salaries against the Skilled Worker rules for that field.
Apply for the Graduate visa in time
Apply in the UK before your Student visa expires, once the university confirms you have completed.
Look for a licensed sponsor
Check employers on the register of licensed sponsors.
Switch to Skilled Worker
With a Certificate of Sponsorship, B2 English and the fee.
Track your settlement clock
Five years on the Skilled Worker route, under the rules in force when you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 months on the Graduate visa if you apply from 1 January 2027, 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, or 3 years after a PhD.
No. Only time on a qualifying route such as the Skilled Worker visa counts towards settlement.
Currently 5 years on the Skilled Worker route. A 10-year baseline has been proposed but is not in the Immigration Rules as of 20 October 2026.
£41,700 or the going rate; many new entrants can qualify from £33,400; health and education jobs use pay-scale rates.
Yes, once a licensed sponsor offers you an eligible job.
On the Graduate visa only if they were already your dependant; on a Skilled Worker visa they can usually apply.
Usually 12 months after ILR. Nepal does not generally allow dual citizenship, so check Nepali law first.
No. HOA’s guidance is free for students. It is admissions guidance, not immigration advice; for individual cases speak to a regulated adviser.
Key Terms
- Graduate visa
- Lets you stay and work after a UK degree without a sponsor: 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027.
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- The reference a licensed employer assigns so you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
- ILR
- Indefinite leave to remain: permission to stay in the UK without a time limit.
- New entrant
- A worker who can be paid a lower Skilled Worker salary, for example after switching from a Student or Graduate visa.
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against these sources on 20 October 2026. If an official page and this page disagree, the official page is right.
- GOV.UK, Graduate visa
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa: your job
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa: your partner and children
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa: how much it costs
- House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, Earned Settlement: examining the Government’s proposed reforms
- GOV.UK, Life in the UK Test
- GOV.UK, Register of licensed student sponsors
About This Guide
Written by House of Admissions (HOA), a UK-only education consultancy founded in 2016 with offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All 20+ HOA counsellors hold the British Council’s UK counsellor certification. HOA’s guidance is free to students. Reviewed by Rahul Chhetri, Director. This is admissions guidance, not immigration advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related Guides
Planning to Stay and Work in the UK?
Choose a course with sponsored-job prospects before you apply. A counsellor can talk it through with you. HOA’s guidance is free.