How To Switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa 2024
Switching from a student visa to a skilled worker is a thing of the past now. Student visa holders used to be able to switch to skilled worker visas if they get an eligible employment.
The switch could be made as soon as the eligible employment is secured from the sponsor, provided that the employment meets all requirements of the skilled work route.
But that’s not the case today. The new visa rule has restricted when a student can switch to the skilled worker route.
The new rule requires them to complete their course of study or secure employment from a sponsor and the work start date will be after the completion of their course of study before switching to a skilled worker visa.
This new rule also implies that student visa holders can no longer switch to a skilled worker-dependent visa partner if they have not completed their course of study.
To make it simple, as an international student who has secured a sponsored job offer, you cannot switch to becoming a dependent on your partner’s skilled worker visa unless you complete your course of study or after the course completion day recorded on your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
Why were these changes made?
Suella Braverman, the home secretary at the time, brought about these changes. He intends to tighten the rules for immigrants and to cut down on the net migration figures.
According to the Office for National Statistics report, there has been a significant increase in migration figures, from 184,000 in 2019 to 745,000 in 2019.
The idea of restriction on the student Switching from a student visa to a skilled worker was to haut the misuse of the visa system. The government has directed that the student visa is for study and immigrants who apply for student visas should fulfill their purpose first, before moving in search of jobs.
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Requirements for Switching from a student visa to a skilled worker
Before you Switch from a student visa to a skilled worker you must;
- Have completed your course of study, if happen to be a full-time PhD, then your employment start date should not be earlier than 24 months which is your course duration period.
- You have to meet the English requirements
- You should have a job offer from the eligible occupation list
- Your job offer must come from an employer with a skilled worker sponsor license
- You should have sufficient funds that will support you in the UK
Process to switch to a skilled worker visa
Switching from a student visa to a skilled worker isn’t complicated. Keep in mind that you must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you fail to do this you can be classified as an overstayer. You can apply Here. Once you start your application, you can save and complete the form anytime.
Here are a few steps you need to complete;
- Ensure that you have a valid COS (certificate of sponsorship) before you apply. This certificate will be from your sponsor.
- Fill out the form on the official website. I’ve left a link above.
- There are fees required for application, ensure you pay them.
- You must provide a proof of identity. This can be done by attending a biometric appointment with your nearest UKVCAS or you can download the UK immigration: ID check mobile app on your phone.
- Provide every document necessary to support your application.
It is important to note that you may be required to attend an interview with the home office before they can grant you your skilled worker visa.
What are the fees involved in Switching from a student visa to a skilled worker visa
Here is a breakdown of the fees involved in Switching from a student visa to a skilled worker visa;
- £719 per person is charged for a visa of up to three years
- £1,420 per person is charged if you want a visa for more than three years.
If your job is on the shortage occupation list - £551 per person is charged for up to three years
- £1,084 per person is charged for more than three years
Keep in mind that you will need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge. This allows you to access the £1,035 national health service for each year.
How long does it take to get this visa processed?
The process time is about 8 weeks, within these 8 weeks, you will get a decision on your application date. In some cases, your application might take longer. They will reach out to you if it takes longer than 8 weeks. Some of the reasons you might get a delay are;
- Your supporting documents need more time to verify
- You will be required to come for an interview
- If you had a criminal conviction in the past, it might also be a factor.
Who cannot apply for the switch to a skilled worker visa
You cannot switch to a skilled worker visa if you are in the UK with;
- If you have a visit visa
- You have a short-term student visa
- If you have a parent of a child student visa
- On a seasonal worker visa
- You are a domestic worker in a private household visa
