Those studying in the UK on a Student visa are able to switch into other routes if they wish to stay longer in the UK. There are two types of routes open to Students. These are 1) independent visa routes without a job offer, and 2) visa routes with a job offer.
1) Visa categories under the Independent routes are mainly the Graduate visa and the Innovator Founder visa
Graduate Visa
In the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules published on 14 October 2025, a significant change has been announced affecting international students switching into the Graduate visa route in the UK.
The Graduate visa route currently allows eligible graduates who have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other relevant qualification to remain in the UK for two years, and those who have a PhD qualification to remain for three years.
From 1st January 2027, students switching into the Graduate visa route will be granted permission to stay for a reduced duration of 18 months, as opposed to 24 months granted under the current rules. The change does not affect PhD students; they will continue to receive a Graduate visa for 3 years. For applications submitted until 31 December 2026, you will continue to receive a 24-month visa.
Another change announced for Students transitioning into the Innovator Founder route
Effective 11 November 2025, this is a specific change to Student work conditions that allows Student visa holders to establish a business, where they have completed their course and are applying to switch to the Innovator Founder route. It replaces a similar provision that previously applied to those switching into the Start-up route, which is now closed to new applications.
Family Visa route
There are family routes that students may be able to switch into, if the requirements of the immigration rules are met.
2) Visa routes with a job offer students can switch into.
Skilled Worker visa
You can apply to switch to Skilled worker visa, if you have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, will be paid the minimum salary rate for the type of work you will be doing. In addition, as a student you must also meet one of the following requirements:
- you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
- your job start date is after your course has finished
- you’re studying for a PhD full time, and have been for at least 24 months.
How we can Help
At Karir Solicitors, we have in-depth expertise and a proven track record in assisting students with their applications to switch into other routes. Feel free to get in contact with us for any queries relating to your immigration application.