Switching from a Student Visa to a UK Work Visa

If you've completed your studies in the UK on a Student visa, you may be eligible to switch to a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa or Graduate visa.

To successfully switch from a Student visa to a UK work visa, you must complete your course, meet the criteria, and apply before your visa expires.

At Vanguard Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors in London provide clear advice and ensure your application is error-free to avoid delays or refusals.

If you want to switch from a student visa to a UK work visa, contact our immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or fill in the enquiry form for legal assistance.

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Why Should You Switch from a Student Visa to a UK Work Visa?

Switching to a work visa is the next logical step for international students who wish to continue their career path in the UK.

Here are a few key reasons why it’s worth considering:

• Stay and Work in the UK: A work visa lets you stay longer and pursue a career beyond your studies.
• Career Opportunities: Access full-time employment and gain valuable experience with a work visa.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Certain work visas can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and UK citizenship.
• Financial Independence: A work visa allows you to earn a salary, providing financial stability.
• Build Professional Connections: A work visa helps you grow a network of contacts to enhance career prospects.

Which Work Visa Options Can You Switch to After a Student Visa?

Once you've completed your UK studies on a Student visa, several work visa options are available depending on your qualifications, job offer, and career goals.

Here are the three popular UK work visa options for students aiming to start their careers in the UK:

1. Graduate Visa
2. Skilled Worker Visa
3. Health and Care Worker Visa

Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay and work for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without a job offer.

• Eligibility: There is no job offer requirement, and you can work at any skill level.
• Duration: Up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).
• Extension: Graduate visas can't be extended.
• Path to Settlement: The Graduate visa does not directly lead to settlement, but it allows you to switch to a Skilled Worker visa or other work visa types.

Skilled Worker Visa

A Skilled Worker visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the UK for a licensed employer in an eligible job.

• Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence.
• Duration: Up to 5 years, with the possibility of extending.
• Extension: You can apply to extend as many times as you like.
• Path to Settlement: After 5 years, you can apply for ILR.

Health and Care Worker Visa

A Health and Care Worker visa permits medical professionals to work in the NHS, its suppliers, or within adult social care on a long-term basis.

• Eligibility: For qualified healthcare professionals with a job offer from an approved UK employer in the healthcare sector.
• Duration: Can be up to 5 years, depending on the job offer.
• Extension: You can apply to extend as many times as you like.
• Path to Settlement: After 5 years, you can apply for ILR.

Switching from a Student Visa to a Graduate Visa

If you've completed an eligible course in the UK on a Student visa, you can apply to switch from a Student visa to a Graduate visa without leaving the UK.

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.

The UK Graduate visa (also known as the Post-Study Work visa) allows international students to stay and work in the UK without needing a job offer.

Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, you don’t need a job offer from a licensed UK employer. It gives you time to explore career opportunities, gain work experience, or even switch to a long-term work visa like the Skilled Worker visa.

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.

Switching from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply to switch from a Student to a Skilled Worker visa if you have completed your course and have a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer.

A Skilled Worker visa allows international students to 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.

Switching to a Skilled Worker visa after your Student visa offers a path to long-term stay and settlement in the UK.

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to:

• Work in a skilled job with a licensed UK employer
• Stay for up to 5 years, with the option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Bring dependants and access certain benefits
• Build a stable career and life in the UK

Switching from a Student Visa to a Health and Care Worker Visa

If you’ve completed a relevant qualification in the UK and have a job offer in health or social care, you can switch to the Health and Care Worker visa.

A Health and Care Worker visa is a long-term work visa that allows medical professionals to do a job with the NHS, its suppliers, or in adult social care.

A Health and Care Worker visa is a popular choice for students looking to begin a healthcare career in the UK right after graduation.

This route offers:

• Fast-track visa processing
• Lower application fees
• No Immigration Health Surcharge
• A path to long-term stay and settlement (ILR)

How to Switch from a Student Visa to a UK Work Visa?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must apply online to change or switch from a Student visa to a UK work visa before your current visa expires.

Steps to switch from a Student visa to a UK Work visa:

• Identify which work visa category is best for you
• Assess your eligibility
• Collect required documents
• Complete and submit your work visa application online
• Pay an appropriate visa application fee
• Pay the Health Surcharge (if required)
• Upload your documents
• Book and attend your biometric appointment
• Wait for a decision, which usually takes 8 weeks

What Are the Fees for a UK Work Visa?

UK work visa application fees vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay, but generally range from £304 to £1,751 per person.

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

How Long Does a UK Work Visa Take?

The processing time for switching from a Student visa to a work visa within the UK is typically around 3 to 8 weeks. However, you may be able to use ‘Super Priority Service' for a faster decision within 24 hours.

How Do Solicitors Support Your Student Visa to a UK Work Visa Application?

Our immigration solicitors can assist with all types of UK work visa applications in several ways:

• Evaluate your qualifications and help you choose the most suitable UK work visa.
• Assess eligibility for switching to a work 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 (if required).

Switching from a Student visa to a UK work visa? Contact Vanguard Solicitors today at 0208 616 5535 or fill out our online enquiry form for expert advice.

Contact Vanguard Solicitors for legal assistance

For legal assistance with switching from a Student visa to a UK work visa, call our immigration solicitors in London at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our online form.