The Graduate visa is a post study immigration route that allows graduates to remain in the UK for a period of time after their studies, to work or look for work. The work can be in any sector and at any level, without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship. Graduate visa holders are also able to start their own business or to be self-employed.

Important: you cannot make an application under this visa route until you have been awarded your degree and the Student Immigration Team has confirmed your eligibility to UKVI.  

For further information about the Graduate route visa eligibility requirements see our webpages.

The Skilled Worker visa is the main visa route used for those working in the UK. You must find an employer who is a Skilled Worker Sponsor, and the position must meet certain criteria in order for the employer to be able to sponsor you such as the job being a specific role and having a minimum salary. You may be able to switch from the Student Route visa into the Skilled Worker visa from inside in the UK if you meet all the necessary requirements.

The University's Careers Service provides specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning. 

Global Talent visa is for individuals who are internationally recognised as leaders, or show strong potential to become leaders, in fields such as arts and culture, humanities and social sciences, natural and medical sciences, engineering, or digital technology.

Most applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved organisation. However, if you hold a relevant Research Council fellowship, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) can assist you in applying through this route.

Since 5 May 2021, an endorsement is no longer required if you have received one of the prestigious prizes listed Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

The Innovator Founder visa route offers a visa without the need to hold investment funds and which permits work in a skilled occupation alongside running your business. Time under the Innovator Founder route and time under the route will count towards permanent residency (settlement).

When applying with your business idea, you will still need to demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Innovation: Is there a genuine business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creatives a competitive advantage?
• Viability: Does the applicant have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to successfully run the business?
• Scalability: Is there evidence of structures planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets?
• The university is not eligible to sponsor you under this Route and there are currently only four government approved endorsing bodies going forward who are charging a minimum of £1000 for providing the endorsement and monitoring your progress.

While the University is not a visa sponsor under this route, support is available for graduates looking to start a business. Contact the University of Manchester's Masood Entrepreneurship Centre for further information. 

The Scale-up Worker visa is designed for individuals who have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved UK Scale-up employer. Applicants must meet minimum salary requirements, similar to those under the Skilled Worker route.

Initial applications must be sponsored by an eligible employer, but extensions can be made without ongoing sponsorship.

This visa leads to settlement after five years, and applicants are allowed to bring dependants.

Some University of Manchester students may have the option to apply for a High Potential Individual visa having completed a degree in the past five years from a top 50 overseas institution, as defined by UKVI.

If you are a graduate of an eligible institution, you will not be able to switch into the High Potential Individual Route until your course completion date as stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has passed or you have completed at least 24 months of your PhD programme. 

You cannot obtain a High Potential Individual visa if you have previously obtained either a Graduate visa or a Doctorate Extension Scheme visa.

The Tier 5 Youth Mobility is a visa that is valid for two years and it allows you to work or study. Only students with certain types of British nationality or from certain countries are eligible to apply. You must return home to apply for your Youth Mobility visa.

To be eligible you must be aged 18 – 30 and have £2530 in savings and it costs £319 for the visa application.

The Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchanges visa route is designed for graduates to work in the UK for a short time to complete a paid internship or training in the UK. You must have sponsorship to apply for this visa but the sponsorship comes from an over-arching body instead of an employer.

There is useful information on the UKCISA website and the Careers Service website

AISEC is an over-arching body that can offer sponsorship to you under Tier 5 (GAE). Other over-arching bodies who can offer your sponsorship under Tier 5 are BUNAC and Tier 5 intern

The UKVI website lists all of the over-arching bodies that can sponsor you under Tier 5.