Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply to change ('switch') to a Skilled Worker visa if you're already in the UK on a Graduate visa and have a valid job offer from a licensed employer.

To successfully switch from a Graduate to Skilled Worker visa, you need a valid job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and to meet the salary criteria.

Don't risk a visa refusal and call our immigration solicitors on 0208 616 5535 for expert advice before switching from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa.

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What is a Graduate visa?

The Graduate visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after completing your course, or 3 years if you hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.

Graduate visas can't be extended, but you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa or another route from within the UK before it expires.

What is a Skilled Worker visa?

A Skilled Worker visa allows foreign skilled workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a UK employer approved and licensed by the Home Office.

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (general) work visa and came into effect on December 1, 2020.

Requirements to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa

You must meet eligibility criteria, such as a genuine job offer, CoS, and salary requirements, to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa.

To switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must apply before your Graduate visa expires
• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer
• The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence
• You must be assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• The job must be on the eligible Skilled Worker occupation list
• The role must be at RQF Level 6 or above
• Meet the minimum salary requirement
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself (usually £1,270 unless exempt)
• Other eligibility criteria, depending on your circumstances

Minimum salary needed to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa

When switching from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa, you may qualify for a reduced salary of £33,400, which is 80% of the standard £41,700 threshold.

To be eligible for a reduced salary, one of the following conditions must apply:

• You're under 26 at the time of application
• You're currently on a Student visa (bachelor's level or higher) or were within the last 2 years
• You're currently on or were on a Graduate visa within the past 2 years
• You're pursuing a recognised qualification in a UK-regulated profession
• You're working towards full registration or chartered status in your sponsored role

To meet the threshold, the salary must be the applicant's gross pay before taxes, excluding any bonuses or allowances, to ensure stability.

Documents required to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa

When switching from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide:

• Your valid passport or travel document
• A genuine job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Job title, occupation code, and salary details
• Employer's name and sponsor licence number
• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree from a UK university
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself
• Proof of adequate accommodation, such as a tenancy agreement
• Additional documents, depending on your circumstances

How to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must apply online to change or switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa before your current visa expires.

Step-by-step process for a UK Skilled Worker visa application:

• Assess your eligibility (consult our immigration solicitors if unsure)
• Complete and submit the online application
• Pay the visa application fee
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Upload supporting documents
• Book and attend your biometric appointment
• Wait for a decision, which usually takes 8 weeks

How much are UK Skilled Worker visa fees?

The Skilled Worker visa application fee depends on the duration of your visa and whether your job is on the Immigration Salary List.

If you're applying from inside the UK to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker visa, the standard fee is £885 per person (up to 3 years). If staying in the UK for more than 3 years, the application fee will be £1,751 per person.

You'll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year for your stay in the UK.

Money to support yourself

To support yourself in the UK, you need at least £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your visa application.

You'll usually need to provide proof of this, unless you've been in the UK for 12 months on a valid visa or your employer can cover your first month's costs, up to £1,270.

How long does a UK Skilled Worker visa take?

The processing time for switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa within the UK is typically around 8 weeks. However, you may be able to use ‘Super Priority Service' for a faster decision within 24 hours.

How do solicitors support your Graduate to Skilled Worker visa application?

Our immigration solicitors can assist with a Skilled Worker visa application in several ways:

• Assess eligibility for switching to a Skilled Worker visa.
• Guide through the required documents.
• Complete the application form accurately.
• Advise on fees and additional costs.
• Ensure compliance with Home Office requirements.
• Submit the application on your behalf.
• Assist with biometric appointment and scheduling.
• Support with appeals or reapplications if needed.
• Coordinate with your employer on sponsorship duties.

For assistance with switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa, contact our immigration solicitors today at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our enquiry form.

Contact Vanguard Solicitors for legal assistance

If you want to switch from a Graduate to a Skilled Worker, call Vanguard Solicitors today on 0208 616 5535 or fill out our online enquiry form for legal advice.