Can I Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends?

Last updated: 10 April 2024

Under the new UK immigration rules, you must have completed the course of your study in order to switch from a student visa to a work visa within the UK (e.g. skilled worker visa). You can still apply for a work visa before your course ends or without a degree. However, the employment start date must be no earlier than your course completion date. It may be possible to switch from a student visa to a work visa after 24 month's full-time PhD study.

How to switch from a student visa to a work visa

To switch from a student visa to a work visa, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements of the work visa, complete the online application form and provide any required documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You will also need to pay the application fee (this ranges from £719 to £1,423 depending on how long you will be working in the UK) and the healthcare surcharge of £1035 per year. Please note that you must apply to switch UK visas while your student visa is valid (i.e. before it expires). Here we use skilled worker visa as an example:

Student visa to skilled worker visa requirements

To make a successful application from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Have completed the course of your study. If you are studying a full-time PhD, the employment start date should be no earlier than 24 months.
• Have a job offer from an approved UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
• Have a job on the list of eligible occupations.
• Have a salary of at least £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job. However, new graduates may qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa with a lower salary (e.g. £30,960) if you are considered a new entrant or have a PhD.
• Meet the English language requirements (you must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale).
• Have at least £1,270 to support yourself (this is not required if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more).

Skilled worker visa required documents

Along with your application form and fee, you will also need to provide several items of documentation to support your case; these include:

• Passport or another form of valid ID
• Current valid student visa
• Certificate of sponsorship reference number as shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
• Proof of your knowledge of English (e.g. an English language pass certificate)
• Job title and annual salary
• Standard occupation code
• Name of your employer and their sponsor licence number
• Evidence of sufficient savings (if required)

Skilled Worker Visa vs Graduate Visa (PSW)

The main difference between the Skilled Worker visa and the Graduate Visa (PSW) is that it is not possible to switch from a student visa to a Graduate Visa without first completing an eligible course or obtaining a degree.

Another key difference is that the Graduate visa does not provide a direct route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), while the Skilled Worker visa does lead to ILR. To settle on a Graduate visa, it is necessary to switch to a visa that qualifies for ILR and live in the UK for the required amount of time (normally 5 continuous years).

How can Reiss Edwards help?

Reiss Edwards specialises in all aspects of work visas, including switching from student visa to work visas within the UK. Our immigration solicitors can:

• Review your current circumstances and advice the suitable immigration route
• Prepare and submit your Skilled Worker application on your behalf and for your dependant family members
• Handle any queries raised by UKVI on your behalf as well as a Skilled Worker visa refusal
• Guide you through how to settle in the UK and British citizenship as a Skilled Worker visa holder

For assistance with switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, please speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form.

References

GOV.UK: Statement of changes to the immigration rules: HC 1496, 17 July 2023

GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa qualifications

GOV.UK: List of registered sponsors

GOV.UK: Skilled worker eligible occupations