UK Student & Graduate Route Visa in 2026: Dependants, Salary & Stay-Back
The UK kept its 2-year Graduate Route but tightened other rules. What master's students need to know about dependants, the Skilled Worker salary threshold, and post-study work.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsGraduate Route retained
After a government review, the UK retained the Graduate Route — 2 years of post-study work (3 for PhD) with no sponsorship or salary requirement. It remains one of the biggest draws of UK study for international students.
Dependants banned for most master's
Since January 2024, students on most taught master's programmes can no longer bring dependants (spouse/children). Exceptions apply to research-based postgraduate programmes and government-sponsored students.
Skilled Worker salary threshold up
To move from the Graduate Route to a sponsored Skilled Worker visa (the path to settlement), the general salary threshold rose to £38,700. New-entrant and shortage-occupation discounts can lower this — research roles in your field before committing.
One-year master's advantage
UK master's degrees are typically one year, saving a year of tuition and living costs versus 2-year programmes elsewhere. Combined with the Graduate Route, that's up to 3 years in the UK from a single year of study.
Settlement (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain is generally available after 5 years of qualifying residence on eligible work visas. Plan your Graduate Route → Skilled Worker transition early, ideally with an employer who sponsors.
Plan your score
UK universities want IELTS UKVI 6.5–7.5 depending on the programme. Take a free IELTS mock on LandingPrep to check where you stand.