Student to Skilled Worker
What you need to know
- •You can switch from Student to Skilled Worker from within the UK.
- •You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- •New entrant salary thresholds (£30,960) may apply to recent graduates.
- •Student visa time does not count towards the 5 years needed for Skilled Worker ILR.
- •Consider the Graduate route if you do not have a sponsored job offer yet.
You can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if you have a sponsored job offer that meets the salary and skill requirements. Time on your Student visa does not count towards ILR. New entrant salary thresholds may apply, reducing the minimum salary to £30,960. This guide covers eligibility, the process, and strategic considerations.
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Eligibility Requirements
To switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet all the standard Skilled Worker requirements:
- Job offer from a licensed sponsor: Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must assign you a valid CoS confirming the job details and salary.
- Skill level: The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level).
- Salary: The job must meet the salary threshold (see below).
- English language: You must meet the B1 English requirement. As a Student visa holder, you may already satisfy this through your university admission or a previous test.
You must also currently hold valid Student visa leave or be within the period covered by Section 3C (if your visa has expired but you applied before it did).
Salary Thresholds for Recent Graduates
If you are a recent graduate (switching directly from a Student or Graduate visa), you are likely classified as a "new entrant" to the labour market. New entrants benefit from a reduced salary threshold.
- General threshold: £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher).
- New entrant threshold: £30,960 per year (or 70% of the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher).
You qualify as a new entrant if you are under 26 years old, or if you are switching from a Student or Graduate visa. The new entrant concession applies for up to 4 years, after which you must meet the full salary threshold on your next visa extension.
For more on salary thresholds, see our Skilled Worker salary threshold guide.
The Application Process
- Secure a job offer. Find an employer with a sponsor licence who is willing to sponsor you.
- Employer assigns a CoS. Your employer requests a CoS through the Sponsorship Management System and assigns it to you.
- Apply online. Submit your Skilled Worker visa application on GOV.UK. Choose the option to apply from within the UK.
- Pay fees. Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. See our Skilled Worker cost guide.
- Attend biometrics. Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS centre.
- Wait for decision. Standard processing takes approximately 8 weeks. Priority options may be available. See our processing time guide.
- Receive decision. If approved, your new BRP will be issued and you can start work under your Skilled Worker visa conditions.
Impact on Your ILR Timeline
This is the most important thing to understand about this switch: time on your Student visa does not count towards ILR on the Skilled Worker route.
You need 5 years of continuous residence on the Skilled Worker route to qualify for ILR. The clock starts on the date your Skilled Worker visa begins, not the date you first arrived in the UK on your Student visa.
For example, if you spent 3 years on a Student visa and then switch to a Skilled Worker visa, you will need another 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa before you can apply for ILR. The total time in the UK would be 8 years.
This is worth factoring into your long-term plans. If settlement in the UK is your goal, starting the Skilled Worker route as early as possible is beneficial.
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Student vs Graduate vs Skilled Worker: Which Route?
After finishing your studies, you typically have three options:
Option 1: Switch Directly to Skilled Worker
Best if you already have a sponsored job offer. This starts your ILR clock immediately. The downside is that you need a specific sponsor, and you are tied to that employer until you switch sponsors.
Option 2: Graduate Route First, Then Skilled Worker
The Graduate route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD) to work without sponsorship. This gives you time to find the right job and employer. However, Graduate route time does not count towards ILR. See our Graduate to Skilled Worker guide.
Option 3: Leave and Apply from Abroad
If you cannot find a sponsor in the UK, you may need to return home and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad once you have secured a sponsored role. This is less convenient but achieves the same outcome.
English Language Requirement
The Skilled Worker visa requires B1 English. If you entered the UK on a Student visa, you have already demonstrated English ability (usually at B2 for degree-level study). You can use the same evidence for your Skilled Worker application if it is still valid (usually within 2 years for test results).
Alternatively, if your degree was taught in English at a UK university, this satisfies the English requirement without a separate test. You will need your degree certificate or a letter from your university.
Common Mistakes
- Applying after your Student visa expires. You must apply before your visa expires to benefit from Section 3C leave. If your visa has expired, you may not be able to switch from within the UK.
- Assuming any employer can sponsor you. Only employers with a valid sponsor licence can issue a CoS. Check the Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK before accepting a job offer.
- Not checking the going rate. Even if your salary meets the general threshold, it must also meet the going rate for your specific occupation code. Check both.
- Forgetting about the IHS. The Immigration Health Surcharge is a significant upfront cost. Budget for it in addition to the application fee.
After Switching
Once your Skilled Worker visa is granted, you can:
- Work for your sponsor in the role specified on your CoS
- Do supplementary work (up to 20 hours per week) in most cases
- Study (without it affecting your work)
- Bring dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18)
- Apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence
If you want to change employer, you will need a new CoS from the new employer and must submit a new visa application before starting the new role. For more on the Skilled Worker route, see our complete Skilled Worker visa guide.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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