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’re currently in the UK on a Student Visa and wish to transition to a Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. The key criteria to help you understand what’s involved and how to prepare for your next steps are:
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa from a Student Visa, you must:
- Have Completed Your Course
You must have completed your degree course. If you are studying for a full-time PhD, you can apply if your job start date is after at least 24 months of study. - Have a Valid Job Offer
You must have a confirmed job offer from an employer who is approved by the UK Home Office. - Be Sponsored by Your Employer
Your employer must hold a valid sponsorship licence and must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship specific to the role you’ve been offered. - Be Offered an Eligible Role
The job must be listed on the UK government’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker route. - Fill a Genuine Vacancy
Your prospective employer must be offering a legitimate and genuine role.
Additional Considerations
- New Entrants and PhD Holders
If you’re considered a new entrant to the job market or you hold a PhD, you may be eligible under slightly different criteria, such as in relation to salary expectations or role requirements. - Financial Support
You must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself in the UK, unless you’ve already been living in the UK for at least 12 months at the time of your application.
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.
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