Can I Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends? : If you’re an international student in the United Kingdom dreaming of pursuing a career here, you’re in luck! The UK immigration rules now allow you to switch from a student visa to a work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
This transition opens up exciting opportunities for you to kickstart your professional journey in the UK. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and requirements to make this transition smoothly.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics of Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish a fundamental understanding of the process. Under the new UK immigration rules:
- You must have finished your course of study.
- Your employment start date must not precede your course completion date.
- After a full-time PhD study of 24 months, you may be eligible for this transition.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on transitioning from a student visa to a work visa.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
To initiate the switch, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the desired work visa. These criteria typically include:
- Completed course of study.
- A job offer from an approved UK employer with a valid sponsor license.
- Employment in an eligible occupation.
- A minimum salary requirement (currently £26,200 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job).
- Satisfying English language proficiency (level B1 on the CEFR scale).
- Having at least £1,270 to support yourself (unless you’ve been in the UK for 12 months or more).
Step 2: Required Documents
Collect the required documents to substantiate your application.
- Passport or valid ID.
- Current valid student visa.
- Certificate of sponsorship
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Job title and annual salary details.
- Standard occupation code.
- Employer’s name and sponsor license number.
- Evidence of sufficient savings, if required.
Step 3: Application Process
Complete the online application form provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Be prepared to pay the application fee, which ranges from £719 to £1,423, depending on your intended work duration, and the annual healthcare surcharge of £624.
Step 4: Timing is Crucial
Remember that you must apply for the work visa while your student visa is still valid, meaning before it expires.
Skilled Worker Visa vs. Graduate Visa (PSW)
It’s essential to understand the key differences between the Skilled Worker Visa and the Graduate Visa (PSW):
- The Graduate Visa requires completion of an eligible course or obtaining a degree before applying, while the Skilled Worker Visa does not.
- The Skilled Worker Visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offering a path to permanent settlement in the UK, which the Graduate Visa does not provide directly.
Conclusion
Switching from a student visa to a work visa in the UK is an exciting step towards building your career in this vibrant country. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process diligently, you can make this transition smoothly and begin a new chapter in your professional journey.
FAQs
- Can I switch from a student visa to a work visa before completing my course?
- Yes, you can apply for a work visa before your course ends, as long as your employment start date is after your course completion.
- What distinguishes a Skilled Worker Visa from a Graduate Visa (PSW)?
- The main difference is that the Skilled Worker Visa allows you to switch from a student visa without completing an eligible course, while the Graduate Visa requires course completion or obtaining a degree.
- Processing time for Skilled Worker Visa application?
- The processing time varies, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
- What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), when we get?
- ILR is a permanent resident in the UK. To qualify, you usually need to live in the UK for five continuous years under a qualifying visa category.
- Can I apply for a work visa if I’ve been in the UK for over 12 months on a student visa and don’t have £1,270 in savings?
- If you’ve been in the UK for 12 months or more, you may not need to prove financial savings to support your application. However, it’s best to consult with UKVI or an immigration expert for specific guidance.
