The UK Home Office has officially announced the UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes, introducing key updates to post-study work (PSW) policies for international students. This includes changes in eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and visa duration. The new rules aim to balance the UK’s growing need for skilled graduates with its long-term immigration targets.
The UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes are especially relevant to Indian students and other non-EU nationals who wish to remain in the UK after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. These changes are now in effect for all applications submitted from April 2025 onward.
What’s New in the 2025 Graduate Route Visa Policy?
The UK government has revised several aspects of the PSW scheme under the UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes. These include:
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Revised salary threshold for transitioning to Skilled Worker Visa
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Clearer pathways for career progression and visa extension
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Changes to dependent eligibility
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Introduction of an online work tracker for compliance
These updates are part of the UK’s plan to attract global talent while also ensuring that international graduates actively contribute to the UK job market.
Updated Post-Study Work Duration
The post-study work duration remains unchanged in terms of initial validity but with added clarity on extension pathways:
| Qualification Type | Duration of Stay Under Graduate Route |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 years |
| Master’s Degree | 2 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 3 years |
However, under the UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes, students now have a better transition route from Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa if they secure a qualifying job with a minimum salary.
New Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Route
One of the most significant UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes is the increase in the minimum salary required to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa category:
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New Minimum Salary Threshold: £26,200 annually (or £10.75/hour)
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For Shortage Occupation Roles: £20,960 annually
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For Recent Graduates: A transitional minimum of £23,000/year applies for two years post-study
Employers must be registered sponsors to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), and students must apply before their Graduate Visa expires.
Changes in Dependents and Work Rights
The UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes also modify who can stay in the UK as a dependent and what kind of work rights they have:
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No new dependents can be added during the Graduate Visa period
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Only dependents who were on the student visa can continue
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Graduate Visa holders can work full-time in any sector
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Self-employment and freelance work are now permitted under updated rules
These rules ensure greater flexibility while maintaining control over dependent migration numbers.
Key Points to Remember for 2025 Applicants
Students and recent graduates must take note of these updates under the UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes:
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Ensure that your university has “licensed sponsor” status
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Apply for the Graduate Route within 60 days of course completion
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Maintain a valid Tier 4/Student Visa during your application
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Keep a record of work status and salary for Skilled Worker transition
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Use the Home Office’s new Work Tracker Portal for smooth visa progression
Understanding these rules is essential for staying compliant and taking full advantage of the UK’s post-study opportunities.
FAQs
What are the UK Graduate Route Visa 2025 Changes?
The changes include updated salary thresholds, dependent rules, and transition policies to the Skilled Worker Visa.
Has the PSW duration changed in 2025?
No. It remains 2 years for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates and 3 years for PhD holders.
What is the new minimum salary to switch to Skilled Worker Visa?
You need a job offer with a salary of at least £26,200 annually (or £23,000 for recent graduates).
Can I add new dependents during my Graduate Visa?
No, dependents must already have been on your Tier 4/Student Visa to remain in the UK.
Can I be self-employed on the Graduate Route?
Yes, self-employment and freelance work are permitted under the 2025 updates.