Graduate Route Work Rights UK 2026
What you need to know
- •Full unrestricted work rights in any role.
- •Self-employment and freelancing permitted.
- •No minimum salary or sponsor required.
- •Work rights end when the Graduate route expires.
Graduate route holders have full, unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer, in any role, be self-employed, or start a business. There is no minimum salary, no sponsor needed, and no job type restriction.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
What You Can Do
On the Graduate route, you can:
- Work for any employer in any role
- Work part-time or full-time
- Hold multiple jobs
- Be self-employed or freelance
- Start and run a business
- Volunteer
- Study
There is no minimum salary requirement, no Shortage Occupation List restriction, and no need for a sponsor. This is more flexible than the Skilled Worker visa (which ties you to a specific employer and role).
What You Cannot Do
- Access public funds. You cannot claim Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other public funds.
- Work as a professional sportsperson. This is specifically excluded on the Graduate route.
Comparison with Other Visas
- Student visa: Limited to 20 hours per week during term. See student visa guide.
- Skilled Worker: Tied to your sponsor and specific role. Cannot be self-employed. See Skilled Worker guide.
- Global Talent: Also unrestricted. See comparison guide.
- Ancestry visa: Also unrestricted. See Ancestry guide.
Employment Rights
As a Graduate route holder working in the UK, you have the same employment rights as any other worker:
- National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage
- Holiday entitlement (28 days including bank holidays)
- Sick pay
- Protection from unfair dismissal
- Protection from discrimination
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
See our salary guide and PAYE guide.
National Insurance
You will need a National Insurance number to work. Apply as soon as you start your Graduate route.
Right to Work Checks
Employers must verify your right to work. You can prove this through your online immigration status or eVisa.
Planning for the Future
The Graduate route is temporary (2-3 years). Use this time to build your career and find a sponsored role so you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa and begin your path to ILR.
Next Steps
For official information, visit GOV.UK.
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.