How to Switch from a UK Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

Knowing how to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa isn’t just about filling out a few online forms – it’s a strategic move that requires planning, awareness of immigration rules and a proactive approach to your job search. Think of it like a chess game. You’ve invested time, money and energy into your UK education. Now, instead of packing your bags and heading home after graduation, you can capitalize on that investment by transitioning into a professional role that not only pays well but also keeps you in the country legally. That’s the power of the Skilled Worker visa route.

Let’s be honest: staying in the UK after your studies used to be a bit of a grey area. Many students were left in limbo after completing their courses, scrambling for jobs with no idea where to start. But with clear guidelines now available on how to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, the process has become much more transparent and structured. It’s no longer just a dream – it’s a pathway that’s completely within reach if you know how to navigate it.

In fact, many UK employers are actively looking for international graduates with the right qualifications and some even prefer those who have already studied in the UK system.

So why does this switch matter so much? Simple: it opens the door to long-term stability. The UK student visa has limitations – restricted work hours, no access to public funds and an expiration date that often feels like a countdown clock. But once you figure out how to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, those limitations fade.

You get full-time work rights, visa longevity (up to 5 years) and a direct line to permanent residency. And the best part? You don’t need to leave the UK to do it. You can switch visas from right within the country, often without even leaving your city.

In this guide, we’re going deep. We’ll break down exactly how to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa – no fluff, no vague advice. Just the clear, step-by-step information you need to make it happen. We’ll explore eligibility, timelines, job hunting strategies, sponsorship requirements, documentation and even common mistakes that cause applications to fail.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or still studying, this is your go-to roadmap for turning your student visa into a Skilled Worker visa – and turning your short-term stay in the UK into a long-term career success story.

Eligibility

To switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. The UK Home Office allows switching under the following conditions:

• You’re inside the UK at the time of application.
• You hold a valid student visa (Tier 4 or Student Route).
• You’ve completed your course or are within 3 months of completing it.
• You have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
• The job offer must meet the minimum salary and skill requirements.
• You speak English at the required level.

You can apply to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa as soon as your course ends or three months before your course ends, whichever comes first. The timing of your application is crucial. If you apply too early or too late, your application may be rejected or delayed.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Switch from a UK Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

Here’s how to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa the right way:

Step 1: Get a Job Offer with Visa Sponsorship

The most critical requirement to switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa is getting a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.

How to find these jobs:

• Use the official UK Government Sponsor Licence list
• Explore job boards like Reed, Indeed and LinkedIn
• Filter for “visa sponsorship” or “Skilled Worker visa sponsorship” in job listings
• Apply directly to companies known to sponsor international workers

Step 2: Ensure the Job Meets Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

Not every job qualifies. To switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, the job offer must:

• Be on the list of eligible occupations
• Offer a minimum salary (usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour – varies by role)
• Be full-time and long-term
• Match your skill level (RQF Level 3 or higher)

Common qualifying roles:

• Nurses, care workers, doctors
• Engineers, software developers
• Accountants, architects
• Teachers (especially in STEM)
• Chefs, welders, electricians

Step 3: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you’ve secured a job, your employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a digital document containing:

• Employer’s sponsorship number
• Job title and salary
• SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code
• Start date

Without this, you can’t switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

To successfully switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, you’ll need:

• Your current passport and BRP
• Confirmation of your job offer and CoS
• Proof of English language ability (often covered by your degree)
• Financial proof (unless exempt via sponsorship)
• Criminal record certificate (for sensitive jobs)

Step 5: Apply Online

Apply via the UK Government Skilled Worker visa application portal. When switching from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, select “switch from inside the UK”.

Processing usually takes 8 weeks, but faster priority options are available at an extra fee.

Step 6: Await Decision and Continue Working (If Eligible)

If your student visa is still valid and you apply before it expires, you may be able to stay in the UK and begin working for your new employer while waiting for the visa decision.

Financial Requirements

In most cases, your employer will state on your CoS that they will cover your maintenance costs (aka living expenses). If not, you must show:

• £1,270 in your account for 28 consecutive days
• This proves you can support yourself without public funds

Note: If you’ve lived in the UK for 12 months or more, this requirement may be waived.

You don’t need to leave the UK after graduating. You can switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa without returning home, as long as you apply before your visa expires. Many students do this immediately after graduation, while others transition from the Graduate Route (2-year post-study work visa) to the Skilled Worker route.

Graduate Route vs. Skilled Worker Visa: Which is Better?

The Graduate Route allows you to work in any job, but:

• It doesn’t count toward settlement (ILR)
• It doesn’t require sponsorship
• It’s temporary (2 years or 3 years for PhD holders)

The Skilled Worker visa:

• Leads to permanent residency
• Offers more job security
• Is renewable
• Requires sponsorship, but offers long-term benefits

If your goal is to stay in the UK permanently, switching from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa is your golden ticket.

How Long Is the Skilled Worker Visa Valid?

Initially granted for up to 5 years, the skilled worker visa can be:

• Extended multiple times
• Used to apply for ILR after 5 years

This is a massive upgrade from the limited-term student visa.

Can You Switch from a UK Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa Without a Degree?

Surprisingly, yes. You can switch from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa before finishing your degree, but only if:

• You’ve completed at least 1 year of your course
• Your job offer is on the shortage occupation list
• You meet the salary threshold

However, finishing your course strengthens your case and eligibility.

Visa Fees and Health Surcharge

When switching from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, be ready for the following costs:

• Application fee: £610 – £1,408 (varies by length and job)
• Healthcare surcharge: £624/year

Your employer may cover these costs, especially if they’re sponsoring your visa.

Can Dependants Switch With You?

Absolutely. Your spouse/partner and children can switch to dependant visas if they’re already in the UK as your student dependants. They’ll get the same length of stay as your skilled worker visa.

How to Find Companies Sponsoring Skilled Worker Visas in the UK

Here are smart ways to target employers who regularly sponsor international talent:

• Use the UK Government Sponsor List (updated regularly)
• Search by industry, location or company name
• Use LinkedIn filters like “visa sponsorship” or “work permit”
• Focus on Tier 2 sponsors (tech, healthcare, finance, engineering)
• Attend UK job fairs for international graduates

Some popular companies include:

• NHS
• Amazon UK
• Deloitte
• PwC
• Capgemini
• Barclays
• Balfour Beatty (construction/engineering)

You go from being a student with restrictions to a skilled professional with rights, benefits and a future in the UK. That’s the kind of move that changes everything.