Use these guides to understand published UK immigration requirements and questions to check. Confirm the current rule on GOV.UK and obtain regulated advice for your own circumstances.
The useful starting point
These routes solve different immigration problems
Graduate permission can provide job-search flexibility, while Skilled Worker is a sponsored long-term route. Switching rules and timing should be checked before the Graduate permission expires.
Side-by-side
Key differences
Not required at the point of application.
A confirmed eligible sponsored job is required.
No employer sponsorship.
Requires a Home Office-approved employer and Certificate of Sponsorship.
Most work is permitted during the limited permission period.
Work is connected to the sponsored role, with rules for changes and additional work.
Does not itself lead directly to settlement.
Can lead to settlement if the qualifying requirements are met.
Confirm the current rules
Read both official route pages
Know when a guide is no longer enough
Eligibility assessments, evidence reviews, application preparation and representation should be handled by a suitably regulated professional.