How to Switch From UK Student or Dependant Visa to Skilled Worker Visa – If you are a non-UK resident who has been studying in the UK with a student visa, or you are a dependant of a UK student, you may be considering switching to a skilled worker visa to stay and work in the country after your studies are complete.
In this article, we will discuss how you can convert your student visa to a work permit in the UK and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
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- Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa UK
- How to Convert Student Visa to Work Permit in UK
- Can I Switch from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa Without Completing a Degree Course in UK?
- Can I Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends UK?
- How to Convert Dependent Visa to Work Visa in UK
- Can Dependent Switch to Student Visa UK?
- Switching from Student Visa to Work Visa
- Can I Change Visitor Visa to Student Visa in UK?
- Conclusion
Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa UK
A skilled worker visa is a type of visa that allows you to work in the UK if you have a job offer from a UK employer. To switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, you must first secure a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
You will also need to meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker visa, which include:
- having a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- being able to speak, read, and write in English to the required level
- meeting the minimum salary requirement for the job you have been offered
- having enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
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How to Convert Student Visa to Work Permit in UK
To convert your student visa to a work permit in the UK, you will need to follow these steps:
- Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor: You will need to find a UK employer who is willing to sponsor your visa and offer you a job. You can search for job vacancies on job search websites, company websites, or through recruitment agencies.
- Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once you have secured a job offer, your employer will need to apply for a CoS for you. The CoS is a reference number that confirms that your employer is a licensed sponsor and that you have been offered a job in the UK.
- Apply for the Skilled Worker visa: After you have received your CoS, you can apply for a skilled worker visa. You will need to complete the online application form, pay the application fee, and provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility.
- Attend a biometric appointment: As part of the visa application process, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
- Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application and attended your biometric appointment, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. You can track the progress of your application online.
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Can I Switch from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa Without Completing a Degree Course in UK?
Yes, you can switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa without completing a degree course in the UK. As long as you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker visa, you can apply to switch to this visa category.
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Can I Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends UK?
Yes, you can switch from a student visa to a work visa before your course ends in the UK. However, you will need to have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker visa.
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How to Convert Dependent Visa to Work Visa in UK
If you are currently on a dependent visa, you can switch to a skilled worker visa under certain circumstances. To be eligible for the switch, you must be married to or in a civil partnership with someone who is in the UK on a skilled worker visa or another eligible visa category.
Additionally, your partner must have a valid visa for at least three months before you apply.
To apply for a skilled worker visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria, which includes having a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor license, meeting the English language requirements, and meeting the minimum salary requirement.
To apply for a skilled worker visa, you will need to complete an online application and provide supporting documents such as your passport, proof of relationship with your partner, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of your job offer and salary.
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Can Dependent Switch to Student Visa UK?
If you are on a dependent visa, you may be eligible to switch to a student visa under certain circumstances. To be eligible for the switch, you must have a valid offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, meet the English language requirements, and have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
To apply for a student visa, you will need to complete an online application and provide supporting documents such as your passport, evidence of your offer of a place on a course, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of your financial support.
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Switching from Student Visa to Work Visa
If you are currently on a UK student visa and would like to switch to a skilled worker visa, you can do so under certain circumstances.
To be eligible for the switch, you must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor license, meet the English language requirements, and meet the minimum salary requirement.
To apply for a skilled worker visa, you will need to complete an online application and provide supporting documents such as your passport, proof of your qualifications, evidence of your job offer and salary, and proof of English language proficiency.
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Can I Change Visitor Visa to Student Visa in UK?
If you are on a visitor visa, you cannot switch to a student visa within the UK. You will need to leave the UK and apply for a student visa from your home country or a country where you have legal residence.
To be eligible for a student visa, you must have a valid offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, meet the English language requirements, and have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
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Conclusion
Switching from a UK student or dependent visa to a skilled worker visa can be a complex process. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare all the required supporting documents before submitting your application.
Working with an immigration lawyer or advisor can also be helpful in ensuring that your application is complete and meets all the requirements.
With the right preparation and guidance, you can successfully make the transition to a skilled worker visa and continue your career in the UK.
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