The UK 2 Year Post Study Work Visa Graduate Route has become one of the most attractive pathways for Pakistani students who want to study in the United Kingdom and gain international work experience afterward. This visa allows eligible graduates to stay in the UK for 2 years, work in any sector, switch jobs freely, and gain valuable exposure without requiring a job offer or sponsorship. For Pakistani students completing an undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD degree, this route creates long-term opportunities for career growth, global mobility, and even eligibility for future work visas like the Skilled Worker Visa.

What Is the UK Graduate Route (2-Year Post-Study Work Visa)?

The UK Graduate Route is a special immigration category that allows international students who complete a qualifying degree in the UK to stay and work for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates). The purpose of this route is to help talented graduates gain practical experience after completing their academic programs. Unlike other work visas, the Graduate Route does not require sponsorship, minimum salary, employer approval, or specific job type.

Key Benefits of the UK 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa for Pakistanis:

The UK Graduate Route visa benefits are highly appealing for Pakistani students because the rules are simple, flexible, and career-friendly. Major advantages include:

• No job offer required at the time of application
• Freedom to work in any job or switch between sectors
• Eligibility for full-time, part-time, freelance, and self-employment
• Opportunity to build UK work experience
• Pathway to Skilled Worker Visa or permanent residency routes
• Dependents allowed if they were already in the UK on Student Visa
• No sponsorship or employer documentation needed

These benefits make the UK Graduate Route one of the easiest and most flexible post-study options among developed countries.

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Eligibility Criteria — How Pakistanis Qualify for the UK Graduate Route:

1. Valid UK Student Visa at the Time of Application

To qualify for the UK 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa, a Pakistani student must already hold a valid Student Visa (previously Tier 4). The application must be submitted before the expiry of the current visa.

2. Completion of a Qualifying UK Degree

Applicants must have completed one of the following UK degrees at a recognized institution:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BEng)
• Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MBA)
• Integrated Master’s
• Postgraduate Diploma (select cases)
• PhD or Doctorate (eligible for 3-year Graduate Route visa)

The degree must be successfully completed and officially awarded by a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance.

3. Physical Study Requirement for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students must have completed:

• At least 1 year of physical on-campus study for a Master’s degree
• At least 2 years of physical on-campus study for a Bachelor’s degree
• For PhD: Most of the program must be completed inside the UK

Exceptions were temporarily allowed during COVID but no longer apply.

4. Eligible UK Institutions for the Graduate Route

Only universities or colleges that are licensed Student Visa sponsors can offer access to the Graduate Route. Most major UK universities including:

• University of Manchester
• University of Birmingham
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds
• University of Nottingham
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Sheffield
• University of Edinburgh

and others provide qualifying degrees for Pakistani students.

5. No Minimum Salary or Job Type Requirement

Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, the Graduate Route has no salary threshold.
Pakistani applicants can work:

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Temporary work
• Freelance work
• Internships
• Skilled or unskilled jobs

This flexibility helps students settle in the UK job market.

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How to Apply for the UK 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route):

Step-by-Step Application Process for Pakistanis

The application process is entirely online:

Step 1: Confirm degree completion

Your university must report your degree completion to the UK Home Office.

Step 2: Prepare required documents

These include:

• Valid passport
• Current biometric residence permit (BRP)
• CAS number used for the Student Visa
• Confirmation email from your university (optional but helpful)

Step 3: Apply online using the official Graduate Route portal

You must apply from inside the UK.

Step 4: Pay application fee and health surcharge

• Visa Fee: £822
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
  Total: Approximately £2,892 for Master’s graduates.

Step 5: Biometrics submission (if required)

Some applicants may be asked to use the UK Immigration ID Check app or attend a biometric appointment.

Step 6: Receive decision

Most Pakistani graduates receive decisions within 8 weeks.

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Jobs You Can Do on the UK Graduate Route (For Pakistani Graduates):

1. Skilled Jobs Allowed Without Sponsorship

Pakistani graduates commonly work in:

• IT and software development
• Engineering
• Accounting & finance
• Business management
• Data analysis
• Digital marketing
• Healthcare support roles
• Hospitality and services

2. Self-Employment Allowed Under the Graduate Route

Pakistani youth are allowed to be self-employed if:

• They do not own a business with employees
• They do not build premises
• They follow UK tax rules

3. Internships and Placements Allowed

Paid or unpaid internships are fully permitted for skill development.

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Can the UK Graduate Route Lead to Permanent Residency?

Transition to Skilled Worker Visa

The UK 2 Year Post Study Work Visa Graduate Route does not directly lead to settlement, but it provides a pathway. After gaining UK experience, many Pakistani graduates switch to:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Global Talent Visa

A Skilled Worker Visa eventually leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

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Requirements for Dependents Under the UK Graduate Route:

Who Can Stay as a Dependent?

Pakistani students can bring dependents if they were already dependents under the Student Visa:

• Spouse
• Children
• Civil partner

New dependents cannot be added during the Graduate Route.

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Common Reasons for Rejection of Graduate Route Applications:

1. Degree Not Reported by University

If the university fails to notify the Home Office, the application may be delayed or refused.

2. Incorrect or Expired Documents

Expired passports, incorrect BRP details, or mismatched CAS numbers can cause issues.

3. Applying from Outside the UK

Applications must be submitted from within the UK only.

4. Incomplete Physical Study Requirement

If major parts of the degree were completed online without valid reason, the application may be rejected.

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Cost of Living in the UK for Pakistani Graduates on the 2-Year Visa:

Typical monthly expenses include:

• Rent: £500–£1,200
• Food: £150–£250
• Transport: £60–£150
• Mobile & Internet: £20–£40
• Utilities: £80–£150

Graduates are advised to secure part-time work quickly to manage expenses.

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Tips for Pakistani Students to Improve Job Chances on the UK Graduate Route:

1. Build a Professional CV and LinkedIn Profile

UK employers prefer achievement-based CVs.

2. Apply for Jobs Before Graduation

Many companies recruit graduates before their final exams.

3. Improve English Communication

Strong language skills increase employability in the UK.

4. Gain UK Experience Through Internships

Even short internships improve chances for sponsorship later.

5. Network Actively

Attend university career fairs and alumni events.

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FAQs — UK 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) for Pakistanis: