Why early planning matters
A Graduate visa cannot be extended. An eligible holder may switch to Skilled Worker, but the business and worker stages must be ready at the right time.
- Sponsor licence eligibility and timing
- The proposed role and occupation code
- The applicable salary requirement
- Sponsorship systems and key personnel
- The employee’s visa expiry date
- Certificate of Sponsorship and worker evidence
Can a Graduate visa holder switch?
A Graduate visa holder may be able to apply from inside the UK if they have an eligible sponsored job, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, qualifying salary and English ability, and meet the remaining eligibility and suitability requirements.
Existing employment does not automatically make the role eligible. Duties, skill level, occupation code and salary still need to be assessed.
A complete employer-and-worker package
- Business, role and timeline assessment
- Sponsor licence document and application support
- Key-personnel and submission guidance
- Certificate of Sponsorship review
- Worker document checklist and visa application
- Consistency checks across every stage
One strategy across the process
Coordinating the stages helps keep the business need, duties, occupation code, salary and timing consistent. It also gives both employer and employee a clearer understanding of what they need to do next.
Frequently asked questions
Does the business need a licence before the worker applies?
Yes. The employer must be approved for the relevant route and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship before the Skilled Worker application is submitted.
Can the employee keep working while preparations are made?
They can work in line with the conditions and validity of their existing Graduate permission. Timing and the effect of any later application should be assessed individually.
What if the company already has a sponsor licence?
ORSAYA can assess whether it covers the correct route and advise on the Certificate of Sponsorship and Skilled Worker stages.
Who pays the costs?
Certain sponsorship costs must be paid by the employer and cannot be passed to the worker. Other visa-related costs must be considered under the current rules and the parties’ arrangements.
Information reviewed 10 September 2026. Official sources: Graduate visa, switching to Skilled Worker. Requirements should be checked again when an application is prepared.