Students to complete course before switching to the Skilled Worker route

Those on Student visas must now comply with additional requirements regarding the completion of their course when switching to the Skilled Worker route.

As of 17 July 2023, the Home Office announced changes to the Immigration Rules in relation to those on UK Student visas switching to the Skilled Worker route. In order to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, Student visa holders must now comply with one of the following requirements:

• Condition A: The applicant must have completed their course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies was assigned; or

• Condition B: The applicant must be studying a full-time course of study at degree level or above, and the work start date must be no earlier than the course completion date; or

• Condition C: The applicant must be studying a full-time PhD course, and the work start date must be no earlier than 24 months after the start date of that course.

This represents a shift back to previous Home Office policy, which was aimed at ensuring that those on Student visas were not switching to work routes whilst completing their course.

This change is now in effect. As such, it is crucial that applicants are aware of these changes, so they can ensure they meet the requirements in order to submit a successful application.  

How Gherson can assist

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