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

Last update: 25 April 2023

Under the current immigration rules, it is possible to switch from a UK Student visa to a UK work visa before your course ends, but you must have a job offer from an approved employer with a sponsor licence. Under the old Tier 2 (general) work visa, applicants needed skills equivalent to a degree level (RQF level 6) or higher qualification. Under the newer Skilled Worker visa which replaced it, applicants only require skills of RQF level 3 or above¹. The lowering of the skills threshold makes it possible to acquire a long-term work visa even if you do not have a degree-level qualification. If you are a long-term student who is already in the UK, this means you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa before you graduate or if you leave your course of study early.

It is important to note that the skills level requirement does not necessarily mean that applicants need a qualification to the level required. What matters is that they have skills that meet or exceed the level. For new job entrants, however, it may be that a suitable qualification is needed if they do not have the necessary job experience and skills.

How to switch from a student visa to a work visa without a degree

It may be possible to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa (i.e. senior care visa), or a Scale-up Worker visa without obtaining a degree. The route you choose will largely depend on your working background, your job, and your future plans. In this article, we will focus on switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa.

For Health and Care Worker visa and Scale up Worker visa routes, it will depend on the job and experience required. Speak to one of our immigration lawyer for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk.

To switch from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to meet the Skilled Worker visa eligibility requirements, 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 £624 per year. Please note that you must apply to switch UK visas while your student visa is valid (i.e. before it expires).

Skilled worker visa requirements

To make a successful application for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Have a job offer from an approved UK employer with a valid sponsor licence².
• Have a job on the list of eligible occupations³.
• Have a salary of at least £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for your job.
• 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 student and work visas, including switching 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 by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk.

References

¹ GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa qualifications

² GOV.UK: List of registered sponsors

³ GOV.UK: Skilled worker eligible occupations