For many international students, graduating from a UK university is not the end goal but the beginning of a long-term career and settlement plan. The UK offers several post-study options, but one of the most stable and career-focused routes is staying in the country through Tier Two sponsorship, now officially known as the Skilled Worker visa. This route allows graduates to move from student status into skilled employment, gain valuable UK work experience, and potentially qualify for permanent residence. Understanding how Tier Two sponsorship works, who is eligible, and how to transition smoothly after graduation is essential for students who want to remain in the UK legally and build a sustainable future.
Understanding Tier Two Sponsorship in the UK
Tier Two sponsorship refers to employer-sponsored skilled work visas under the UK immigration system. Although the term “Tier Two” is still widely used, it has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. This visa allows UK employers to sponsor non-UK nationals for eligible skilled roles where specific salary and skill requirements are met. Official guidance on this route is available at https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. For graduates, this pathway is particularly attractive because it provides a direct route into professional employment and counts toward long-term settlement.
Why Tier Two Sponsorship Is Important for Graduates
Tier Two sponsorship is one of the few post-study routes that offers long-term stability. Unlike short-term graduate schemes or temporary visas, the Skilled Worker visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five continuous years in the UK. It also allows graduates to bring dependants, switch employers under certain conditions, and progress professionally without needing to leave the UK. For students whose home countries do not offer comparable career opportunities, this route can be life-changing.
Eligibility Requirements for Graduates
To stay in the UK through Tier Two sponsorship after graduation, several key requirements must be met. The graduate must have successfully completed a UK degree or eligible qualification at bachelor’s level or above. They must receive a genuine job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence. The role must be at the required skill level, which is generally equivalent to RQF Level 3 or above. The job must also meet the minimum salary threshold, which varies depending on the occupation, age, and whether the applicant is a new entrant to the labour market.
The New Entrant Advantage for Graduates
One major advantage for recent graduates is the “new entrant” salary threshold. Graduates switching from a Student visa are often classified as new entrants, allowing employers to sponsor them at a lower minimum salary than experienced workers. This makes sponsorship more attractive to employers and increases graduates’ chances of securing sponsored roles early in their careers. New entrant status is usually available for up to four years and is a critical strategic window for international graduates.
Finding a Licensed Sponsor Employer
A key step in staying in the UK through Tier Two sponsorship is securing employment with a licensed sponsor. Not all UK employers are permitted to sponsor international workers. Employers must hold a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. The official list of licensed sponsors is publicly available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers. Graduates should prioritise job applications to employers on this list or to organisations known to sponsor international staff regularly.
Choosing the Right Job Role
Not every job qualifies for Tier Two sponsorship. The role must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the skill and salary requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration. Graduates should carefully assess whether a job offer meets these criteria before accepting it. Many refusals occur because applicants assume any graduate-level job is eligible, when in fact the role may not meet sponsorship rules. Reviewing occupation codes and salary thresholds early helps avoid disappointment later.
Switching From a Student Visa to Tier Two
One of the most significant benefits for international students is the ability to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK. This avoids the need to leave the country and reapply from abroad. To be eligible, the student must have completed their course or be close to completion, and the sponsor must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. Switching in-country is generally faster and less disruptive than applying overseas.
The Role of the Certificate of Sponsorship
The Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital reference number issued by the sponsoring employer. It confirms the job offer, salary, start date, and duration of employment. The Certificate of Sponsorship is central to the visa application and must be accurate and valid at the time of submission. Errors in the certificate, such as incorrect job codes or salary details, are a common cause of delays or refusals.
English Language Requirements
Most graduates will already meet the English language requirement because they studied in the UK in English. In many cases, UK degree completion automatically satisfies this requirement. However, applicants should confirm this during the application process to ensure no additional evidence is required. English proficiency is assessed as part of the Skilled Worker visa rules and is essential for approval.
Salary Thresholds and Graduate Pay
Salary is one of the most important aspects of Tier Two sponsorship. The general salary threshold applies, but graduates may qualify for lower thresholds under new entrant rules or occupation-specific allowances. Some roles, especially in shortage occupations such as healthcare, engineering, and technology, benefit from reduced salary requirements. Understanding how salary thresholds apply to your role helps in negotiating offers and ensuring compliance.
Application Process and Supporting Documents
Once a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship are secured, the graduate must submit an online visa application through the UK government portal at https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk. Supporting documents typically include a valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship reference, proof of English language ability if required, and evidence of funds unless the sponsor certifies maintenance. Applicants must also pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, which grants access to the National Health Service.
Timing and Planning After Graduation
Timing is critical when transitioning from student status to Tier Two sponsorship. Graduates must ensure their Student visa remains valid at the time of application. Applying too late risks overstaying, while applying too early without course completion confirmation can cause issues. Many students plan their job search well before graduation to secure sponsorship in time. Early planning significantly reduces stress and improves outcomes.
Using the Graduate Route Strategically
Some graduates choose to apply for the Graduate visa before moving into Tier Two sponsorship. The Graduate route allows two years of unrestricted work, providing time to gain experience and secure a sponsoring employer. While this route does not lead directly to settlement, it can be an effective stepping stone. Graduates should weigh whether to switch directly to Tier Two or use the Graduate route first based on their career prospects and employer interest.
Bringing Dependants Under Tier Two Sponsorship
The Skilled Worker visa allows graduates to bring eligible dependants, including spouses, partners, and children. Dependants can live, work, and study in the UK with relatively few restrictions. This makes Tier Two sponsorship particularly attractive for graduates planning to settle with family members.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain
One of the strongest advantages of Tier Two sponsorship is the pathway to settlement. After five continuous years on the Skilled Worker route, graduates may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they meet salary, residence, and language requirements. Time spent on a Student visa or Graduate visa does not count toward this five-year period, making early transition to Tier Two strategically important for long-term plans.
Common Challenges Graduates Face
Graduates often struggle with limited employer awareness of sponsorship rules, competition for sponsored roles, and salary thresholds that are difficult to meet early in a career. Another common challenge is misunderstanding eligibility timelines or relying on employers who are unwilling or unable to sponsor. Being informed and proactive helps graduates navigate these challenges more effectively.
Practical Tips for Securing Tier Two Sponsorship
Graduates should tailor their CVs to highlight skills aligned with shortage occupations, apply early to sponsoring employers, and be transparent about visa needs during recruitment. Networking, internships, and graduate schemes with multinational companies can improve sponsorship prospects. Understanding immigration rules also helps graduates communicate clearly and confidently with potential employers.
Conclusion
Staying in the UK after graduation through Tier Two sponsorship is one of the most secure and rewarding pathways available to international students. While the process requires careful planning, employer sponsorship, and compliance with immigration rules, it offers long-term career stability and a clear route to settlement. By understanding eligibility requirements, securing the right job with a licensed sponsor, and managing timelines strategically, graduates can successfully transition from student life into professional employment and build a future in the United Kingdom.
Anjola Adebanjo