The desire of many Pakistani students in the UK is to have a clear plan of what to do after graduation and parents would like to know whether it is realistic. Study lead Consultants will help the student to make safe decisions, including the course of study and the right visa choice. This guide is a simple step-by-step guide on how to act on the UK jobs after studies.
Step 1: Be Familiar with Your Work Options for UK Jobs after Graduation.
The Graduate Route visa is the first option that gives most students the right to work or seek employment in the UK once they complete a qualifying course. It is not restricted to a single employer, making it the first option of action, which is normally easy to new graduates.
Note the time: the existing regulations indicate 2 years in the case of the majority of graduates and 3 years in the case of PhD graduates, and a subsequent revision is reported concerning applications on 1 January 2027. Always refer to the most recent rule before applying.
Step 2: Learn Skilled Worker Sponsorship at an Early stage.
In case you would like to have a longer period to stay, the Skilled Worker visa can also be a popular option, though there must be some job offer, and an employer who can sponsor you. One of the most important ones is that of pay: it is recommended that you typically need to earn a minimum amount of salary (in addition to that of going rate of the job), rather than receive any job offer.
There are minimum pay levels to which some positions can be categorized on the Immigration Salary List but again it is still dependent on the position, code and what you are offering.
A Single Table to Compare Your Principal Routes.
Route after study | Best for | What you usually need | Typical length |
Graduate Route visa | Time to construct UK experience and find in peace. | Eligible course completion in the UK, apply in the UK. | 2 (3 in case of PhD); change to be listed in 2027. |
Skilled Worker visa | Prolonged employment in a qualified position. | Meet going rate and pay rules, qualified employment, sponsor. | May be renewed after as many as 5 years (subject to your offer) |
Health and Care Worker visa | Medical jobs in qualified employers. | Qualified medical employment opportunity and position. | Up to 5 years, extendable |
Step 3: Develop Student Work Rules to gain Experience.
Part-time employment to get UK workplace references and habits can assist in studies. UKCISA recommends that most students are limited to a 10 or 20-hour per week term-time time restriction, and are allowed to work full-time during non-term time but you should abide by your visa and your university.
Do not believe that you will receive a long summer break in case you are doing a master course. Part of summer may be considered as term time in some courses, and therefore you need to verify your academic calendar, before you agree to additional shifts.
Step 4: Target Areas that regularly recruit graduates.
Rather than applying to all sectors, choose several and find out what they want. These areas offer early opportunities to a number of Pakistani graduates, based on location and skills:
- IT and data.
- Business functions.
- Finance and accounting support (assistant positions, audit support)
- Engineering and built environment (graduate positions that are connected to your degree)
- Care support careers (unless your job and career route comply with the regulations)
It is here that your job search strategy becomes important. With a specialized strategy, you will be able to customize your applications and enhance better interview outcomes.
Step 5: locate Employers to sponsor you.
In case the long-term visa you have in mind is the Skilled Worker route, find out what the concept of sponsorship licence looks like in practice: the employer has to qualify to sponsor, and the job has to be within the guidelines. Begin to identify sponsors at least at the start of your Graduate period and not at the end.
One viable option is to narrow down the list of employers to those within your city and industry and monitor their graduate schemes and entry positions. During an interview with recruiters, probe with simple questions on advancement and qualification but not in a pushy manner.
Step 6: Networking with no awkwardness.
Networking and referrals are used to fill many positions including junior jobs. It does not entail pleading to be hired. It involves making friends, seeking counsel and becoming regular.
Keep it simple:
- Visit career fairs and socialise.
- Follow up on one thing after a conversation.
Final Thoughts
The UK post-study work can be made possible in case you know about the visas in advance, prefer to pursue a sensible career goal, and accumulate experience progressively. Graduate route is the way to get momentum and then shift to sponsorship provided that it suits your goal and role possibilities.
To get more information, call Studylead Consultants in order to organize your study abroad journey.