Switching Visas Inside the UK – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you’re already in the UK and want to change your visa type, you may be able to switch to a different immigration route without leaving the country. This process is known as “switching visas inside the UK.”

However, many applicants make simple mistakes that lead to refusals — from choosing the wrong visa type to missing deadlines or submitting incomplete evidence.

At AHJ Immigration, our immigration solicitors in Birmingham help clients successfully switch from one visa category to another, ensuring every document meets Home Office standards.

What Does “Switching” Mean?

Switching means changing your current immigration category while you are still in the UK.
For example:

• From a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
• From a Skilled Worker Visa to a Spouse Visa
• From a Graduate Visa to a Work or Family route
• From a Visitor Visa (in limited circumstances) to a partner visa on human-rights grounds

Switching allows you to stay legally in the UK while your new application is being considered.

Who Can Switch Visas Inside the UK?

You can switch if you already hold valid immigration permission and are not subject to immigration bail or visa restrictions.

Common categories eligible for switching include:

• Student Visa holders starting a new job or relationship in the UK
• Graduate Visa holders moving to the Skilled Worker route
• Family or Partner Visa holders changing to different family routes
• Work Visa holders switching to other employer-sponsored roles

Each route has unique requirements — always check eligibility before applying.

Who Cannot Switch in the UK

Certain visas do not allow in-country switching. You usually cannot switch if you’re on:

• A Visitor Visa (except in rare human rights or family life cases)
• A Short-Term Student Visa
• A Seasonal Worker Visa
• A Parent of a Child Student Visa
• A Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa

If you hold one of these, you must return to your home country and apply for a new visa from abroad.

Why People Switch Visas

There are many legitimate reasons people switch visas inside the UK:

• Finishing studies and starting work with a UK employer
• Entering a genuine relationship or marriage with a UK resident
• Starting a business after working or studying
• Changing employer or job under the Skilled Worker route
• Securing long-term settlement opportunities for family life

Switching visas can also reset your immigration timeline toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) depending on the new route.

Common Mistake 1 – Wrong Visa Category

One of the biggest mistakes is choosing the wrong route. For example:

• Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa without a sponsor licence job offer
• Trying to switch to a route that does not allow in-country applications
• Confusing a Partner Visa (Appendix FM) with a Dependants Visa (Appendix Relationship)

➡️ Always confirm that the new category permits switching and that you meet the eligibility before applying.

Common Mistake 2 – Applying Too Late

Your new visa application must be submitted before your current visa expires.
Even one day late can make you an overstayer, affecting future applications or settlement rights.

If your visa is about to expire, you can book an urgent consultation with AHJ Immigration to review your options and protect your legal status.

Common Mistake 3 – Insufficient Evidence

Each visa type requires specific evidence — for example:

• Proof of employment and sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa
• Relationship and cohabitation documents for a Partner Visa
• Financial maintenance proof for a Family Visa

Submitting incomplete or poorly organised evidence can lead to refusal or Home Office verification delays.
We help prepare every file in the correct legal order and format.

Common Mistake 4 – Ignoring Financial Requirements

Some routes (especially Partner, Parent, or Skilled Worker) have strict minimum income thresholds.

For example:

• £29,000 per year (Partner/Family route, updated 2024)
• £26,200 per year (Skilled Worker base threshold)
  Failing to meet or evidence these correctly is a frequent cause of refusal.

Common Mistake 5 – Forgetting to Update the BRP or eVisa

When switching visas, your digital immigration record must be updated.
If you’ve transitioned to the UK eVisa system, your new visa will appear in your UKVI account rather than on a physical card.
Always ensure your passport and eVisa details match — incorrect details can cause problems with employers or landlords.

How to Apply for a Visa Switch

Step 1 – Check eligibility: Confirm that your current visa allows switching.
Step 2 – Prepare documentation: Gather required financial and identity evidence.
Step 3 – Apply online: Submit the correct UKVI form for your new visa type.
Step 4 – Pay the fees and IHS: Most routes require an application fee (£490–£1,846) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).
Step 5 – Biometrics and decision: Attend your biometric appointment or verify identity via the UK Immigration ID Check app.

Processing Time and Decision

Standard decisions usually take 8 weeks, but you can choose Priority (5 working days) or Super Priority (next working day) services for an additional fee.

Processing may take longer if:

• Further evidence is requested
• You have pending Home Office investigations
• You’ve switched between complex routes (e.g. family → work visa)

What Happens After Approval

Once approved, you’ll receive a decision letter and new BRP or eVisa record showing your updated conditions.
You can then start work or continue your studies under your new visa rules immediately.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Our specialists provide a step-by-step service to ensure your switch is smooth and compliant:

• Eligibility check under the correct route
• Document review and missing evidence guidance
• Application drafting and submission
• Employer and sponsorship verification
• Follow-up communication with the Home Office

We’ve successfully guided clients switching from Graduate → Skilled Worker, Student → Spouse, and many other routes.

Why Choose AHJ Immigration

• OISC-regulated and experienced in complex in-country applications
• Fast-tracked service for urgent switches
• Free 30-minute consultation to explore your options
• Local presence in Birmingham and service coverage across the UK

How We Help – Your Consultation Options

Free 30-Minute Consultation – Discuss eligibility and timing before your visa expires.
1-Hour Paid Consultation – In-depth review of your case and document checklist (fee deductible if you continue).

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your consultation online.

Disclaimer

Immigration routes, fees, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Information is accurate as of October 2025. Always verify via official GOV.UK guidance before applying.

FAQs

1. Can I switch my visa inside the UK?
Yes, if your current visa allows it and you meet eligibility rules. Certain short-term visas (like Visitor or Seasonal Worker) cannot switch in-country.

2. How long does switching take?
Usually around 8 weeks, but you can pay for Priority (5 days) or Super Priority (1 day) decisions for faster results.

3. What happens if I apply after my visa expires?
You’ll become an overstayer, which can damage future immigration options. Always apply before expiry or take legal advice urgently.

4. Can I work while waiting for a decision?
Yes, if you’ve applied before your current visa expired and your conditions allow work, your Section 3C leave continues automatically.

5. Do I get a new BRP or eVisa after switching?
Yes. Once approved, your new conditions will be recorded digitally in your UKVI account or on a new BRP.