Can I switch from a student visa to skilled worker visa without completing a degree course?
In short, you must have completed your degree course in order to switch from a student to a skilled worker visa in the UK.
You can of course apply for a skilled worker visa before your course finishes but the start date of your job must be no earlier than the date your course finishes. It may however be possible to switch after 24 months of studying full time on a PhD course.
At Halliday Reeves, we specialise solely in visas and immigration, meaning we have an exceptionally high level of experience and understanding of this complex area of law.
We represent students and workers in securing & switching visas, enabling them to live, work and study in the UK. If you are considering switching to a skilled worker visa, we can put together a comprehensive application on your behalf. We will also ensure that the right documents accompany your application to give it the best chance of success.
To talk to us about applying for a skilled worker visa or switching from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, please feel free to ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will do all we can to help.
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Eligibility To Switch To A Skilled Worker Visa
If you wish to move from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, you will need to satisfy the eligibility criteria for the skilled worker visa.
You must comply with the following requirements:
- Have completed your degree course or in the case of a full time PhD course, the employment start date must be after 24 months of study
- Have a job offered by an employer that has been approved by the Home Office
- The employer must have a sponsorship licence and have issued you with a certificate of sponsorship in respect of the job you have been offered
- The job must be on the government’s list of eligible occupations
- The employer must have a genuine vacancy for the position
- If you are a new entrant to the labour market or have a PhD, you may qualify with a salary of at least £30,960 per year.
- If you are not a new entrant to the labour market, the job must pay a minimum salary that is the highest of either:
- £38,700 per year; or
- The ‘going rate’
- You have sufficient money to support yourself, which is generally £1,270 (not required if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more)
Contact Our Student Visa Solicitors
At Halliday Reeves, our immigration solicitors offer a full range of personal immigration services. If you are considering switching from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, we can provide advice and representation.
To speak to one of our expert UK immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“All went well and I got all the special services you could expect from such a professional organisation. I will 100% advise anyone who is in need of the immigration services with pride.”
