Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa UK
International students who wish to work in the UK after completing their studies might be able to apply to change ('switch') to a Skilled Worker visa.
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we offer expert guidance and professional assistance to individuals seeking to switch their visas. With our deep knowledge of immigration law, we are committed to providing you with the support you need for a successful transition.
Engaging our services can offer numerous benefits throughout the visa switch process. We pride ourselves on our expertise in immigration law and our ability to provide valuable support and guidance at every step.
If you want to apply to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, contact our immigration solicitors at 0203 959 7755 or fill in the enquiry form.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Skilled Worker visa
- What are the benefits of switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
- Key Requirements for Switching from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa
- New rules for switching from student to skilled worker visa
- Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK 2025
- Documents required for switching to a Skilled Worker visa
- How to switch from a student to a Skilled Worker visa?
- How much does it cost to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
- How long does it take to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
- Visa application using super priority service
- How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
- How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
- How to contact a UK work visa solicitor?
- Switching from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa (FAQs)
Understanding the Skilled Worker visa
As part of our comprehensive guide to transitioning from a student visa to a work visa in the UK, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa category is designed to enable international students who have completed their studies in the UK to work in the country, utilising their skills and expertise in various industries.
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa in the United Kingdom, individuals must meet specific criteria. These requirements include having a job offer from an approved sponsor, and a minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 or equivalent etc.
What are the benefits of switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
One of the key benefits of the Skilled Worker visa is its flexibility. Unlike a student visa that has restrictions on the number of hours individuals can work, the Skilled Worker Visa allows full-time employment. This opens opportunities for international students to gain valuable work experience in the UK and contribute to the country's economy.
Another advantage of the Skilled Worker Visa is the potential to bring dependents to the UK. Spouses, partners, and children may accompany the visa holder and access healthcare, education, and employment opportunities during their stay.
Holders of the Skilled Worker visa may also have a path to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK after 5 years of continuous and lawful residence, provided they meet all the necessary criteria, including minimum salary requirements and absence limits from the UK.
Moeen & Co. Solicitors, with their expertise in UK immigration law, can provide the necessary guidance and support throughout the visa application process. To learn more about the Skilled Worker Visa and how it can be tailored to your specific situation, please contact us at 0203 959 7755.
Key Requirements for Switching from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa
When planning to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, it is important to be aware of the key requirements that need to be fulfilled during the visa application process. These requirements ensure a smooth and successful transition from one visa category to another.
To switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Course: You must have completed the course of your study.
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
- Salary Requirements: The job offer must meet the minimum salary threshold, which is usually £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the occupation, whichever is higher.
- Skill Level: The job must be at or above the required skill level of RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels).
- English Language: You should prove your knowledge of English, which you may already satisfy if you've completed a degree in the UK.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.
New rules for switching from student to skilled worker visa
When it comes to switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, it's essential to stay informed about the latest rules and regulations. Recent policy changes have been introduced to streamline the transition process and ensure a smooth pathway for individuals seeking to work in the UK after completing their studies.
From 17th July 2023, the immigration rules require that students must have completed their course of study or have a work start date that is after the completion date of their course before they can switch to the Skilled Worker visa.
Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK 2025
The minimum salary requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa generally must meet either the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for the specific job, whichever is higher. The specific salary requirements are:
- General Salary Threshold: The minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is £38,700 gross per year. However, this is the basic threshold and might be higher depending on the job.
- Going Rate: Each occupation code has a specific "going rate", which is determined based on national pay scales for that profession. The job you are offered must pay at least this rate.
The salary must be the applicant's basic gross pay (before taxes) and cannot include allowances, bonuses, or any other additional payments. This is to ensure that the applicant is guaranteed a stable income that meets the minimum threshold.
Documents required for switching to a Skilled Worker visa
When applying to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, it is essential to ensure that you include all the necessary documents to support your application. The Home Office requires specific documentation to assess your eligibility and determine if you meet the requirements for the visa.
Documents will be required to submit:
- Your valid passport
- Proof of job offer from an approved UK employer
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Your job title, occupation code and annual salary
- The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Evidence that you have enough to support yourself
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
- References from the previous employer
Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
Contact our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 for expert guidance on the required documents for your Skilled Worker Visa UK application. We are here to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all the necessary requirements.
How to switch from a student to a Skilled Worker visa?
To apply to switch to a UK Skilled Worker visa, the applicant will need to submit an online visa application along with all the supporting documentation and visa fees.
Please refer to the following steps to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK:
- Step 1: Initial consultation and assessment of your eligibility.
- Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
- Step 3: Gathering the required documentation.
- Step 4: Complete the visa application form online.
- Step 5: Submit your visa application supporting documents, and pay relevant fees.
- Step 6: Book and attend the biometric appointment
- Step 7: Monitoring the progress of your application.
- Step 8: Receiving a decision on your application.
To begin your Skilled Worker visa application process, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert legal assistance and ensure that your application is handled with utmost professionalism and care.
How much does it cost to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
When you're applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa using the standard service, the standard fee depends on whether you'll be in the UK for:
- up to 3 years - £827 per person
- more than 3 years - £1,636 per person
Please note that these fees do not include any additional charges that may apply, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge, or priority service fees, if applicable.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Skilled Worker visa application fees and associated costs, we recommend consulting our immigration lawyers at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. We will guide you through the fee structure and ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in your visa application.
How long does it take to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
The Home Office generally takes up to 8 weeks to make the decision when you're applying to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa category from inside the UK. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.
Visa application using super priority service
If you require a decision on your visa application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your visa application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.
To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.
How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:
- Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
- Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
- Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
- Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
- Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
- Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!
How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our immigration solicitors in London charge an affordable fixed fee for complete legal services for your UK visa application. The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of visa application and the complexity of the matter. Learn more about our legal fees.
How to contact a UK work visa solicitor?
If you are considering switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, call us today at 0203 959 7755 to schedule your initial consultation. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Switching from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa (FAQs)
Yes, you can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK, provided you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Yes, you can bring dependents, including your spouse and children under the age of 18, on your Skilled Worker visa.
You can usually apply for an administrative review if your visa application is rejected. Check the refusal notice for specific reasons and address those points in your re-application or review request.
Yes, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain after living in the UK for 5 years with a Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet the minimum salary threshold and other residency requirements.
Hiring a UK work visa lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a successful application. They have expertise in navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all eligibility requirements.
Moeen & Co. Solicitors is a team of experienced immigration lawyers who can provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the entire Skilled Worker visa application process. We will ensure that you meet all the requirements, help you gather the necessary documents, and provide full support to maximise your chances of a successful application.
Contact Immigration Solicitors in London
If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.