Can I Switch From a Student Visa to a Work Visa When My Course Ends?

When the course is about to end, a lot of students have a question if they can change their student visa to a work visa. Now, students can switch their study visas to work permits under the new immigration rule of the United Kingdom.  

Before the end of your education, regardless of a degree, you are still eligible for a work visa. However, the occupation start date must not be sooner than the day you finish your degree. After 24 months of full-time PhD study, switching from an educational to a work visa might be possible.

You can convert from a student visa (including a Tier 4) to the skilled worker category, which takes the place of Tier 2 while you are still in the country. For dependent spouses and kids of skilled workers, there are additional pathways. We being the leading immigration consultant in Chandigarh will provide you information about changing your visa type from Student to Skilled Worker.

How Do Students Switch To Work Visa from Student Visa

You must meet the criteria for the work visa, submit the online application form, and deliver any necessary documentation to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to change from educational access to a work visa. Additionally, you must pay the £624 annual healthcare surcharge fee and the application price, ranging from £719 to £1,423, depending on how long you plan to work in the UK. Remember that you must apply for a new UK visa while your current one is still in effect (i.e. before it ends).

Requirements to Convert Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

If you want to switch from a student visa to a skilled employment visa, you must: • Have finished the program of study. The employment beginning date should not be more than 24 months in the future if you are a full-time PhD student.

1. Possess a job offer from a recognized UK employer with a current sponsor license.
2. Hold a position on the list of permitted professions.
3. Earn at least £10.75 per hour, or the 'going rate' for your position, or £26,200 per year in income.
4. Meet the requirements for proficiency in English. 
5. You must have at least level B1 on the Standard European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
7. To sustain oneself with at least £1,270, this requirement is waived for those who have resided in the UK for at least a year.

What Are The Documents Required for Skilled Workers?

Along with your completed application and payment, you are additionally required to provide several pieces of supporting documentation, such as:

 1. A valid passport or other form of identification
 2. A current student visa
 3. The certificate of sponsorship reference number that appears on your employer's registration of sponsorship
 4. Documentation of your English language proficiency, such as a certificate of proficiency.
 5. Job title and yearly compensation
 6. Occupational standard code
 7. Your employer's name and sponsor license number
 8. Proof of adequate savings, if necessary.

Graduate Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa

The key distinction between the Skilled Worker visa and a Professional Graduate Visa is that switching from an undergraduate visa to a Graduate Visa is only feasible after finishing an approved course or earning a degree.

Another significant distinction is that, unlike the skilled worker visa, the degree-seeking visa does not offer a direct path to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). It is necessary to change to a visa eligible for ILR and stay in the UK for the required period (often 5 continuous years) before applying for a Graduate visa.

How Much Will It Cost To Switch Student Visa into Worker Visa

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must be financially capable of:

1. Pay the application fee, which, depending on your circumstances, can be anywhere between £625 and £1,423.
2. Pay the annual healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624.
3. You'll pay a lesser application price if your occupation is listed as a shortage occupation.
4. The typical charge for extending, switching, or updating your visa if you are applying from within the United Kingdom depends on how long you plan to stay in the country:
5. £719 per person for the first three years
6. Over 3 years: £1,423 per individual

You must also demonstrate that you have the resources to support yourself if you have resided in the United Kingdom for less than a year; typically, this means having at least £1,270 in a savings account. The funds must have been accessible for at least 28 days straight. Day 28 must occur no later than 31 days after this visa application.

Contact Career Overseas For Study Visa and Work Visa Guidance

Career Overseas is an expert immigration consultant in Chandigarh in all facets of work visas, particularly the transition from student to worker status within the UK. Our immigration attorneys can.    

 1. Evaluate your existing situation and provide the best immigration option.
 2. Set up and submit your Skilled Worker petition on your behalf and behalf of your dependent family member.
 3. Deal with any UKVI inquiries or refusals of your Skilled Worker visa on your behalf.
 4. Educate you about how to get settled in the United Kingdom and become a British citizen while Holding a Skilled Worker visa.