On this page
Extending or switching your student visa after you graduate
If your Student visa is ending and you want to stay in Scotland, you need to extend your visa or switch to a different visa.
Check our advice on extending or switching your visa for more information.
The UK government plans to change immigration rules
On 12 May 2025, the UK Government published plans to change immigration rules. Some of the changes have started. We’re updating our advice pages when the rules change. We know you might have questions about what this means for you.
Find out how changes to immigration rules might affect you (citizensadvice.org.uk)
If you need help to move to or settle in Scotland, you can book a free advice appointment with an adviser from a Citizens Advice Bureau in Scotland.
You can read the UK government’s immigration white paper (gov.uk)
Where to look for a job
There are different ways to search for a job, for example:
- On job websites
- Using recruitment agencies
The Scottish Development International (SDI) guide has information to help you start your search.
Check SDI’s guide to finding a job in Scotland (sdi.co.uk)
Find out more about Scotland’s job sectors (sdi.co.uk)
Job websites
There are websites dedicated to job listings. You can use these to search for a job. Some job websites specialise in certain areas. For example:
- MyJobScotland- government and public sector jobs
- NHS Scotland Jobs – health and care jobs.
Search online to find job websites specific to the employment sector you’re looking for.
You can also search for graduate jobs on the Prospects website (prospects.ac.uk)
You can search for visa sponsored jobs on the Student Circus website (student circus.com)
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies are companies that find candidates for employers. You can register with a recruitment agency and be considered for their jobs. They can also give you career advice and support.
Agencies should not charge you a registration fee. The employer pays the recruitment agency to advertise its vacancies. Some recruitment agencies specialise in certain areas, for example, IT or education.
Find out more about recruitment agencies (prospects.ac.uk)
List of employers with a sponsor licenses
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need an employer to sponsor you. There’s a list of companies who can sponsor workers (gov.uk). You can check if any of the employers on this list have vacancies. Do this by looking on their websites.
If you’ve seen a job advertised with an employer who is not on the sponsor list, you can ask them if they will apply for a sponsor licence. You can do this before you apply for a job with the employer or you can ask within your application.
Graduate schemes
A graduate scheme is a training program that companies offer to university graduates. It’s a way for new graduates to start a job and get experience in their chosen field. Some graduate schemes offer visa sponsorship.
Check the top graduate schemes in the UK for international students (studentcircus.com)
Career fairs and networking
Networking can help you find opportunities and get advice. You can join events at your university like:
- career fairs
- employer talks
- networking sessions
They can help you to meet professionals and learn about different industries. Many universities also have alumni networks. These are groups of former students who are now working in various fields.
You can also use LinkedIn to connect with people from your university or industry.
Get help to find a job
There are organisations which can support you. Using their services can help you find the right job more quickly.
University careers service
The careers service at your university can help you to find a job. Some universities and colleges offer support even after you’ve graduated. They can help you:
- Look at different job options
- Find internships, work experience or graduate jobs
- Improve your CV and applications
- Prepare for interviews
- Understand the job market and what employers are looking for
You can find more information about the careers service by looking on your university or college website.
There’s also a list of university career support services (agcas.org.uk)
Local employability charities
Local employability charities help people get ready for work. They can help you with things like:
- Writing a CV
- Job searching and applications
- Getting ready for interviews
- Building your confidence
- Understanding your rights to work
- Finding training, volunteering or work placements to get experience.
They’re free to use and can give you some extra support. You can search online to see if there’s one local to you. Try looking for 'employability support' in your area.
Online advice to help you find a job
There are websites that can make finding a job easier. They offer advice, job listings, and tips on writing your CV and cover letter. For example:
- UCAS advice on what to do after you graduate (ucas.com)
- Prospects careers advice for graduates (prospects.ac.uk)
Check these sites to get support to start your career.
Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa
If you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa, your job must pay a minimum salary. This is decided by the UK Government.
There are exceptions and lower thresholds in certain situations. For example, if you work in healthcare or education. Find out more about the Skilled Worker visa salary requirements (gov.uk).
You can search for visa sponsored jobs on the Student Circus website (student circus.com).
If you cannot find a job that meets the minimum salary, you might be able to apply for a Graduate visa. A Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK and work, or look for work, for a limited time. The Graduate visa does not need sponsorship or endorsement by an employer or university.
Working while you have a Student visa
If you have a Student visa you might be able to work. Whether you can work and what hours you can work depends on the type of student sponsor you have.
You can check what your work conditions are on your visa. It’s important to know your work conditions before you start working.
Find out about working if you have a Student visa (ukcisa.org.uk)
Find out more about Student visas (gov.uk)
How to look after your wellbeing when searching for a job
Looking for a job can be hard. It can take many applications before you get an interview or a job offer- so try not to feel discouraged. Take care of your mental health while you’re applying.