Switching from the Student visa to the Skilled Worker visa: a comprehensive guide

Students who are about to finish their studies face important decisions about their future career prospects. If you would like to explore opportunities in the UK, it is cruicial to understand when to apply for a new visa. Ensuring that you comply with key deadlines before your Student visa expires minimises the risk of having your next visa application refused and inadvertently becoming an overstayer, which can lead to problems with your immigration applications further down the line.

The following blog will provide guidance on how to prepare for switching to the Skilled Worker visa route, which is one of the most popular transitions for those finishing their studies.

Transitioning from the Student visa to the Skilled Worker visa

Applicant requirements

• You must secure a job offer from a licenced sponsor who is able to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You must meet the English language requirement (if you have obtained a UK university degree, it can be used to meet the requirement).
• If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must meet the financial requirement (meaning that you must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 to support yourself).
• You must be of a good character (which primarily mean no history of criminality or immigration breaches).

The English language requirement is due to increase from level B1 to B2 CEFR in speaking, listening, reading and writing components, which is roughly equivalent to the A-level standard. The change will come into force from 8 January 2026.

Job requirements

It is also crucial to ensure that the job offer you have secured meets the eligibility requirements:

• The job must be on the UK’s list of eligible roles and be assigned an occupation code. As of 22 July 2025, the minimum skills threshold for the majority of roles was raised to RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree), with the exception of jobs listed on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
• Salary requirements: usually a minimum of £41,700 per year (based on a 37.5-hour work week) or the ‘going rate’ for the role (pro-rated), whichever is higher (there are exceptions to this rule, for example, your salary may be lower if you qualify as a ‘new entrant’).

Key deadlines

• You can apply as early as three months before the work start date as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You must apply for your Skilled Worker visa before your Student visa expires.
• You can remain in the UK lawfully while waiting for a decision on the Skilled Worker visa application.
• Switching from a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
• You have completed the course of studies for which you most recently received teh Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS);
• If you are on a full-time course which is degree-level or above, your work start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship must be no earlier than the completion date of your course; or
• If you are studying full-time for a PhD, the duration of your course must be at least 24 months.

Importantly, if you do not meet one of the above three requirements, your Skilled Worker visa application will be rejected, and you risk becoming an overstayer if your Student visa has since expired.

Final thoughts

Transitioning into a Skilled Worker visa from the Student route presents an exciting opportunity to dive into the professional world and settle in the UK long-term.

However, it is essential to ensure that you comply with key deadlines and stay up-to-date with immigration requirements regarding the relevant salary and other critera to avoid any issues.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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