Can I switch from a Student visa to a work visa in the UK?

Yes. You can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. You can also switch to the Graduate route after completing your degree.

Can I switch from a Student visa to a spouse visa?

Yes. If you marry or are in a relationship with a British citizen or settled person, you can apply to switch to a spouse or partner visa from inside the UK. You must meet the financial and relationship requirements.

When should I apply to switch from my Student visa?

Apply before your Student visa expires. You remain on Section 3C leave (maintaining your existing conditions) while the new application is processed. Do not let your Student visa expire before submitting the new application.

Which visas can I NOT switch to from a Student visa?

You generally cannot switch to a visit visa, a Short-Term Study visa, or certain other categories from inside the UK. You also cannot switch if your original visa prohibits switching, which is rare for Student visas.

Switching From a Student Visa 2026

Student visa holders can switch to several other visa categories from inside the UK. The most common routes are the Graduate visa, Skilled Worker visa, and family visas. This guide explains your options, when to apply, and what each switch involves.

Switching to the Graduate Route

The Graduate route is the most straightforward option after completing your degree. You get 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) to work in the UK without needing a sponsor. You must apply while your Student visa is still valid and your university must confirm you completed your course.

Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa

If you find a job with a licensed sponsor who is willing to sponsor you, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK. This is a longer-term route that can lead to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.

You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, and the job must meet the required skill level and salary threshold. Student visa holders who switch to Skilled Worker benefit from lower salary thresholds (the "new entrant" rate) if they apply before their Student or Graduate visa expires.

Switching to a Family Visa

If your personal circumstances change during your studies — for example, you marry a British citizen or settle down with a partner who has settled status — you can switch to a spouse or partner visa from inside the UK. You need to meet the financial requirement (minimum income or savings) and other eligibility criteria.

Other Switching Options

Global Talent visa. If your research or work qualifies, you can switch to a Global Talent visa from inside the UK.
Innovator Founder visa. If you have a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body.
Another Student visa. You can extend to progress to a higher-level course. See our extension guide.

Section 3C Leave

If you apply to switch before your Student visa expires, your existing visa conditions continue under Section 3C leave until a decision is made on your new application. This means:

You can stay in the UK legally while your application is processed
You keep your existing work rights (the Student visa work conditions)
If the new application is approved, you get the conditions of the new visa

This only applies if you apply before your current visa expires. If your visa has already expired, you are overstaying.

Timing Your Switch

Start planning your switch well before your Student visa expires:

3-6 months before expiry: Research your options and start gathering documents.
2-3 months before expiry: Secure your job offer, CoS, or other requirements.
Before expiry: Submit your application. This is the absolute deadline.

Next Steps

Decide which route suits your circumstances, check the requirements, and start preparing your application in good time. If you are unsure which route is best, an immigration solicitor can advise.

Related guides:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Student visa page and the GOV.UK visas and immigration hub.