Regarding masters degree and visa
I’m an architecture graduate in the UK on a Graduate Visa and I’m stuck deciding whether to stay at my current job or leave before my contract ends.
My office is offering to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa, which sounds ideal on paper because it could lead to ILR after 5 years. The issue is the work environment itself.
Despite doing a large portion of project work, I’m regularly undermined, have responsibilities taken away, and feel like I constantly need to prove my competence. Work gets reassigned quickly if I’m absent, while others are given more patience and mentoring. I’m often picking up unfinished work from colleagues but not receiving recognition or progression. The culture feels dysfunctional and draining.
Their proposal:
• Sponsor my work visa
• I stay for 4-5 years total
• Complete a part-time RIBA-accredited Master’s while working (Part time 3 year course)
• Remain at the practice at least one year after finishing the course
• Salary stays around £25–26.5k (they can legally pay under the usual threshold because of graduate rules)
My concern is committing several years to a workplace that already feels unhealthy, especially while studying part-time.
Would you prioritise visa stability or leaving early to find a healthier long-term career environment?