This guide explains the main visa options available to employers, including short-term hiring under the Graduate visa and longer-term retention through Skilled Worker sponsorship. It provides practical information to help employers understand when sponsorship is required and how to plan for future workforce needs.
Hiring international graduates can support skills development and long-term workforce resilience. This guide is designed to help employers make informed decisions and understand the steps involved.
Explore the Hiring International Graduates: A Quick Guide for Employers (PDF) (seraphus.co.uk)
About the guide
The Hiring International Graduates: A Quick Guide for Employers sets out:
- How the Graduate visa works and when sponsorship is not required
- When international graduates need to switch to the Skilled Worker visa
- A step-by-step overview of hiring and retaining international graduates
- What is involved in applying for a sponsor licence
- The benefits of holding a sponsor licence
- Skilled Worker sponsorship requirements, including salary thresholds
- How the new entrant discount works and when it can be used
- Answers to common employer questions
The information in this guide is accurate as of January 2026.
Note: The two year graduate visa will be shortened to 18 months for new applications after 1 January 2027. Immigration rules and visa requirements are subject to change.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is suitable for:
- Employers hiring recent graduates in Scotland
- Organisations employing Graduate or Student visa holders
- Employers considering applying for a sponsor licence
- HR professionals and hiring managers
- Employers planning early-career recruitment and retention
Other support available
Since it began, Scotland’s Migration Service has supported employers across many sectors, including health and social care. We provide clear guidance on immigration processes and access to free expert legal advice.
Webinar Recording
A previous How to Hire International Graduates in Scotland webinar is available to watch. The session explains how employers can recruit international graduates, engage with university careers services, and understand visa and sponsorship options.
Free advice from an immigration lawyer
If you need one-to-one immigration advice, you can book a free appointment with an immigration lawyer through Scotland’s Migration Service.
Appointments can support employers with:
- Graduate visa right to work checks
- Sponsor licence applications
- Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
- Recent or upcoming immigration changes