Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa 2025

Stay in the UK and start your professional journey

You’ve completed your degree, received a job offer, and are ready to start your career in the UK. The good news is that you don’t have to leave the country to make it happen. You can switch directly from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa if you meet the requirements.

This 2025 guide explains how the process works, what documents you’ll need, and how to ensure your application is approved the first time.

Who this guide is for

This guide is ideal for:

• Students completing their course and holding a Student Visa
• Graduates who already have a job offer from a UK employer
• Employers interested in hiring international students

If you want to stay in the UK after graduation, this guide will show you the steps to switch smoothly into a Skilled Worker Visa.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa lets you live and work in the UK for up to five years with a Home Office-approved sponsor. It’s one of the most reliable routes to long-term settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Once granted, you can:

• Work in a full-time sponsored role
• Bring dependants with you
• Change employers (with new sponsorship)
• Apply for settlement after five years

Key requirements for switching in 2025

Eligibility

You can apply if you:

• Hold a valid Student Visa
• Have completed your course of study (or your course end date has passed)
• Have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
• Meet the minimum salary requirement
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Salary threshold

The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year or the going rate for your job — whichever is higher.

Lower thresholds may apply if:

• You qualify as a new entrant (within two years of graduation)
• Your role appears on the shortage occupation list
• You work in education or healthcare

Job eligibility

Your job must appear on the official Home Office list of eligible occupations. The employer will reference the correct occupation code on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Check your employer’s licence

Your employer must be on the Register of Licensed Sponsors to hire you legally. You can check this list on the UK government website.

Step 2: Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once your job offer is confirmed, your employer will issue a CoS containing your role, salary, and occupation code.

Step 3: Prepare your application documents

You’ll need:

• Passport and current visa
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Proof of English language (usually covered by your UK degree)
• Financial evidence (if required)
• Job offer letter

Step 4: Submit your application

Apply online from within the UK before your Student Visa expires. You can include dependants (partner and children) in the same application.

Step 5: Pay the fees

• Application fee: £719–£1,500 depending on your job and visa length
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Most applications are processed within 8 weeks, but faster options are available if you need an urgent decision.

Timeline summary

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying before completing your course

You can only apply once your course is finished or your university has officially confirmed completion.

Working for a non-licensed employer

Your employer must be approved by the Home Office. Without a valid sponsor licence, your application will be refused.

Salary not meeting the threshold

Even if your job is eligible, you must still meet the correct salary level.

Incorrect occupation code

Make sure your employer uses the right job code when issuing your CoS.

How AHJ Immigration helps students and graduates

Switching from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa is a major milestone — and every detail matters. At AHJ Immigration, we guide you from start to finish, ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and stress-free.

We help you:

• Verify your eligibility and sponsor status
• Review your documents
• Liaise with your employer to ensure compliance
• Submit a strong application to the Home Office

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to discuss your case today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Get an overview of your post-study options and the steps for switching to a Skilled Worker Visa. We’ll explain eligibility, timelines, and what documents you’ll need.

Book here:

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free consultation, you can book a paid 1-hour session for personalised advice. We will:

• Analyse your documents and eligibility
• Assess your job offer and salary
• Provide written step-by-step guidance

This £120 fee is deducted from your final application cost if you proceed with us.

FAQs

1. Can I apply before finishing my course?
No. You must have completed your course or received official confirmation before applying.

2. Can I apply from outside the UK?
Yes, but applying from inside the UK is usually faster and simpler if you already hold a valid Student Visa.

3. Does this visa lead to settlement?
Yes. After five years on the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

4. Can I bring my dependants?
Yes. Your partner and children can apply to stay or join you in the UK.

5. What if my employer is not licensed?
They can apply for a licence. AHJ Immigration can guide your employer through the process.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and immigration rules.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed analysis of your documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Final review and submission of your application.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring your case and assisting with any queries.
6. Decision Phase – Explaining your decision, next steps, and compliance guidance.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Secure your future in the UK

Your Student Visa might mark the end of your studies, but it can also be the start of your professional journey. By switching to a Skilled Worker Visa, you can continue living, working, and building your future in the UK.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free call, book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for detailed, written advice — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final application cost if you proceed with us.

Your career starts here. Let’s make it happen.