Can international students bring dependants to the UK?

Under UKVI rules, international students are only permitted to bring dependants (spouse and children) if enrolled in a postgraduate research course (such as PhDs or designated research-based master’s programs).

What is the 28-day financial maintenance rule for the UK Student Visa?

Your required maintenance funds (£1,529/month in London up to 9 months, or £1,136/month outside London up to 9 months, plus any unpaid course fees) must be held continuously in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application.

What is the minimum salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The general minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year (or the occupation’s going rate). New entrants (graduates under 26 or switching from a Student/Graduate visa) benefit from a discounted threshold of £30,960 per year (70-80% of going rate).

How long does it take to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Skilled workers qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years of lawful residence on a qualifying work visa, provided they meet salary thresholds and have no more than 180 days of absence in any 12-month period.

Home United Kingdom HubUK Graduate Route & Skilled Worker Visa

UK Graduate Route & Skilled Worker Visa Requirements & Roadmap

Country: United Kingdom•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$822 USD

Average Processing Window3 Wks (3 to 8 weeks)

Approval Rate Index86%

Eligibility Requirements

Graduation from a UK higher education provider (2 years Graduate Route, 3 years for PhD), or a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer meeting the £38,700 standard salary threshold (or £30,960 for new entrants).

Documents Checklist Drawer

Completed eligible UK bachelor, master, or PhD degree

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number (for Skilled Worker)

Job offer in an eligible occupation code meeting salary requirements

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment of £1,035/year (standard route)

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Wait for university to notify UKVI of your successful course completion.

Apply online for the Graduate Route visa from inside the UK before your student visa expires.

Pay application fee of £822 and IHS of £2,070 (2 years).

Verify identity using the "UK Immigration: ID Check" mobile app.

Receive digital eVisa confirmation grant with unrestricted UK work rights.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Applying for Graduate Route from outside the United Kingdom.
•University not reporting course completion to UKVI prior to application.
•Employer lacking a valid A-rated sponsor licence.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official United Kingdom immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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