Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from Inside the UK

Updated 27 March 202610 min read

What you need to know

Many visa holders in the UK can switch to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the country. You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a valid certificate of sponsorship, and to meet the salary and skill requirements. This guide covers eligibility by current visa type, the application process, costs, and timing.

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Who Can Switch

You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you hold one of these visa types:

Cannot Switch From

  • Visitor visa
  • Short-term Student visa
  • Transit visa
  • Permission granted outside the Immigration Rules

Check the GOV.UK switching to Skilled Worker page for the full list.

Requirements

To switch to a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet all the standard Skilled Worker visa requirements:

  • A job offer from an employer with a valid sponsor licence
  • A certificate of sponsorship assigned by the employer
  • The job must be at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above)
  • You must meet the salary threshold
  • English language proficiency at B1 level
  • Sufficient maintenance funds (unless exempt)

The Application Process

  1. Secure a job with an employer holding a sponsor licence
  2. Employer assigns a CoS through the sponsorship management system
  3. Apply online for the Skilled Worker visa, selecting "switch" as your application type
  4. Pay fees including the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge
  5. Attend biometrics at a UKVCAS centre
  6. Wait for a decision — you have section 3C leave while waiting

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Special Considerations by Current Visa

From Student Visa

Switching from a Student visa is one of the most common routes. You need to have completed your course (or be switching from the PhD completion stage). See our student to Skilled Worker guide for specific details.

From Graduate Route

The Graduate route to Skilled Worker switch is straightforward. There are no additional conditions beyond the standard Skilled Worker requirements. Time on the Graduate route does not count toward the five-year ILR qualifying period for the Skilled Worker route, though.

From Spouse Visa

Spouse visa holders can switch to Skilled Worker if they want to pursue settlement through the work route instead. Consider whether the spouse route to ILR might be more suitable for your circumstances.

Costs

The costs include:

  • Visa application fee (varies by duration and salary)
  • Immigration health surcharge
  • Certificate of sponsorship fee (paid by employer)
  • Immigration skills charge (paid by employer)
  • Priority processing (optional, additional fee)

For current fee amounts, see our Skilled Worker cost guide or check GOV.UK.

Next Steps

Confirm your current visa allows switching, secure your job offer and CoS, and apply before your current leave expires. If you are unsure whether switching is the right move, consider whether your current visa route to settlement might be more suitable.

Related guides:

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.

Preparing a UK visa application?

Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.

Check your eligibility