The UK Graduate Visa gives Indian MS graduates 2 years to work anywhere in the UK after completing their degree — no job offer required, no sponsorship, complete freedom. For Indian students graduating from a UK university, this is the first and most important step toward a UK career and potentially UK settlement. This complete guide covers everything: eligibility, application, switching to Skilled Worker visa, salary thresholds, and the UK PR timeline.
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UK Graduate Visa — Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years for MS/bachelor's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates |
| Job offer required? | No — you can work for any employer, in any role, at any salary |
| Work rights | Full work rights — any employer, any job, unlimited hours |
| Self-employment | Allowed — you can freelance or start a business |
| Visa fee (2026) | £822 application + £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
| Can extend? | No — Graduate Visa cannot be extended. Must switch to Skilled Worker visa to stay. |
| Counts toward settlement? | Yes — time on Graduate Visa counts toward the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) |
Eligibility for UK Graduate Visa
- You must have completed a degree at a UK university that is on the UKVI-approved list (virtually all established UK universities qualify)
- You must have been on a Student Visa (Tier 4) for your UK studies
- You must apply from within the UK — you cannot apply from India
- You must apply before your Student Visa expires (most students apply in their final semester)
- No English language test required — your UK degree proves English proficiency
How to Apply for UK Graduate Visa
- Receive confirmation of your award from your university. You typically apply after completing all exams and submitting your dissertation/final project, but before official graduation.
- Check UKVI approval: Confirm your university is on the UKVI's list of approved institutions. All Russell Group universities and major UK universities are approved.
- Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The application takes approximately 30–60 minutes.
- Pay the fee: £822 visa fee + £1,035/year IHS (£2,070 total for 2-year Graduate Visa for an MS graduate).
- Provide biometrics: Attend a UKVCAS appointment in the UK for fingerprints and photo if needed.
- Wait for decision: Processing typically takes 8 weeks. You can usually continue living in the UK on your existing Student Visa while you wait.
Switching from Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa
The Graduate Visa cannot be extended — to stay in the UK after it expires, you must switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. This requires:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| UK employer sponsorship | Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office |
| Eligible occupation | Your job must be on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list (SOC code). All tech, engineering, and finance roles qualify. |
| Minimum salary 2026 | £38,700/year general threshold, or going rate for the occupation (whichever is higher). New entrant rate: £30,960. |
| English language | Proven through UK degree at CEFR B1 level or above (your UK MS degree satisfies this) |
Key insight for Indian MS graduates: Entry-level CS, ECE, and Data Science salaries in the UK typically range from £35,000–£55,000 — most roles in tech and finance meet the £38,700 threshold without difficulty.
UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — The Path to UK PR
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is the UK equivalent of permanent residence. The standard pathway for Indian MS graduates:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| 1-year MS in UK | 1 year (on Student Visa) |
| Graduate Visa | 2 years — counts toward ILR qualifying period |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Remaining time to reach 5 years total continuous lawful residence (typically 2 more years) |
| Apply for ILR | After 5 years continuous lawful residence in the UK |
| Total from MS start to ILR | ~5 years |
Note: Student Visa time counts toward the 5-year ILR qualifying period for Skilled Worker, but not all visa categories. Check the most current UKVI guidance as rules can change.
Salary After MS in UK for Indian Students 2026
| Field | Entry Salary (London) | Entry Salary (Other cities) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | £45,000–£65,000 | £35,000–£50,000 |
| Data Science / ML | £45,000–£65,000 | £38,000–£52,000 |
| Finance / Investment Banking | £50,000–£90,000 | £35,000–£50,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | £38,000–£55,000 | £32,000–£45,000 |
| Management Consulting | £45,000–£70,000 | £38,000–£55,000 |
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FAQs — UK Graduate Visa for Indian Students 2026
Can I apply for UK Graduate Visa from India?
No — you must apply from within the UK before your Student Visa expires. You cannot apply for the Graduate Visa from outside the UK. Apply during your final semester once you receive confirmation that you have met all course requirements.
Does Graduate Visa count toward UK settlement (ILR)?
Yes — time spent on the Graduate Visa counts toward the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) when you subsequently switch to a qualifying visa like Skilled Worker. An Indian student completing a 1-year MS + 2 years Graduate Visa + 2 years Skilled Worker can apply for ILR after approximately 5 years.
What salary do I need to switch from Graduate to Skilled Worker visa?
As of 2026, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700/year. For new entrants (under 26 or first job in occupation), the threshold is £30,960. Most CS and engineering entry-level roles in the UK pay £35,000–£55,000 — meeting this threshold is achievable for Indian MS graduates in tech fields.
Is 1-year MS in UK worth it for Indian students?
A 1-year UK MS is excellent value if you want a globally recognised degree quickly and plan to return to India or work in Europe. The brand value of UK degrees (especially Russell Group) is very high in India and globally. For immigration purposes, the 2-year Graduate Visa + Skilled Worker pathway is achievable, though the PR timeline is longer than Canada. Total cost is lower than a 2-year US MS.