Can I Switch from a Skilled Worker Visa to a Student Visa?

Yes, you can switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa without leaving the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Student visa. To switch to a Student visa, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

This is a common route for individuals who wish to pursue further studies or change their career path. However, it's important to follow the correct process and apply before your current visa expires.

At Wembley Solicitors, our UK immigration solicitors can assist you with the entire process, from reviewing your eligibility to preparing a strong UK Student visa application.

For expert legal advice on switching to a Student visa, contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 or submit an enquiry online.

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What is a UK Student visa?

A UK Student visa allows international students to live and study in the UK on an approved course with a licensed education provider. It's designed for those aged 16 or over who have an unconditional offer and meet the English language and financial requirements.

What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK if you have a job offer from a licensed UK employer in an eligible skilled role.

It's for overseas skilled workers with a job offer in an eligible skilled role, meeting the salary and English language requirements. This visa can lead to permanent residency.

Who can switch to a Student visa while in the UK?

To switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa, you must:

• Be in the UK legally on a Skilled Worker visa at the time of application.
• Have an unconditional offer of a place on an eligible course.
• Be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) by a licensed student sponsor.
• Meet the financial requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• Apply before your current Skilled Worker visa expires.

The course you're applying for must be full-time and at an appropriate level, such as a degree, postgraduate degree, or foundation course and must be offered by an approved student sponsor (e.g. a UK university or college).

What are the requirements for switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a UK Student visa?

You're eligible to apply switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa if you:

• Hold a valid UK Skilled Worker visa.
• Hold a valid CAS from a licensed student sponsor.
• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course.
• Meet the financial requirements (if applicable).
• Meet the English language requirement (if applicable).

If you've been in the UK for less than 12 months, you'll also need to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.

Do I need to meet financial requirements to switch to a Student visa?

Yes, you will need to meet the financial requirements for a UK Student visa, unless you've lived in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa. This can be a major advantage for Skilled Worker visa holders who have already spent a year or more in the UK.

If you're planning to switch to a UK Student visa, one of the key things you'll need to show is that you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. This is known as the financial requirement.

How much money do I need to study in the UK?

The amount of money you need to show depends on where you'll be studying. If your course is in London (including the City of London and the 32 boroughs), you'll need £1,483 per month for up to 9 months, that's a maximum of £13,347. For courses outside London, the requirement is slightly lower at £1,136 per month for up to 9 months, totalling £10,224. This money helps cover your living costs while studying in the UK.

This money must be in your bank account or your parent's (with proof of relationship and consent), and it must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before your application.

Boarding at a residential school?

If you've been accepted into a residential independent school, your boarding fees will replace the standard living costs. These fees will be clearly stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and that's the amount you'll need to show.

What does it mean to meet the ‘genuine student' requirement?

As part of your Student visa application, you'll need to show that you're a genuine student. This includes explaining why you chose your course and institution, how the course aligns with your career goals, and that you fully intend to pursue your studies. Wembley Solicitors can help you prepare your personal statement or supporting documents to meet this requirement confidently.

What documents are needed to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a UK Student visa?

When you apply to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa, you must provide:

• Your valid passport
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if you have one
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Proof of financial stability (if you've lived in the UK for less than 12 months)
• ATAS certificate (if required)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
• Additional documents, depending on your circumstances

Wembley Solicitors can help you compile and check all required documentation before submission to reduce the risk of delays or refusals.

When should I apply for the switch to a Student visa?

You should apply no earlier than three months before your new course starts and before your current Skilled Worker visa expires. Additionally, your new course must commence within 28 days of your visa's expiry. If you need assistance managing these crucial deadlines, our Student visa solicitors in London are here to ensure your application is correctly timed and properly submitted.

Step-by-step guide to switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa

Step 1: Get Accepted by a Licensed Institution

Your first step is to apply for a course at a UK education provider that holds a student sponsor licence. You must be accepted before applying for the Student visa.

Step 2: Receive Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

Once accepted, your institution will provide a CAS reference number, which you must include in your visa application. This is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents and Meet the Financial Requirement

To support your Student visa application, you'll need to prepare and submit several important documents such as your passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), unconditional offer letter, and proof of financial stability.

Gather financial documents to prove you have enough money to cover your tuition fees for the first year and living costs (usually £1,483 per month in London or £1,136 per month elsewhere)

If you've lived in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, you may be exempt from this financial requirement.

Step 4: Submit Your Student Visa Application

You must apply online via the UKVI website before your Skilled Worker visa expires. Be sure to provide:

• Your CAS number
• Proof of finances (if required)
• Proof of identity
• A valid passport or travel document

Step 5: Book and Attend Your Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, you may be asked to book an appointment at a nearby UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. Here, you'll provide your biometric details, which means fingerprints and a photograph, required for your visa application.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

Once you've completed the steps above, your application is sent to the Home Office for assessment. Processing times can differ, but you will generally receive a response within eight weeks. You will be notified of the decision either by email or through your online UKVI account. While awaiting the outcome, as long as your application was submitted before your current visa expired, you can remain legally in the UK.

Step 7: Stay Compliant with Your Current Visa

Until your Student visa is granted, you must continue complying with your Skilled Worker visa conditions, including working only in your sponsored job role.

Can I stay in the UK while waiting for a decision?

Yes, you are allowed to remain in the UK while your Student visa application is being processed. You must, however, submit your application before your Skilled Worker visa expires. During this period, it's essential to comply with the terms of your current visa. Our Skilled Worker visa solicitors can provide ongoing advice while you await a decision.

How long can I stay in the UK after switching to a Student visa?

Once granted, your UK Student visa allows you to stay for the duration of your course, plus an additional period afterwards, typically 2 to 4 months, depending on your course length.

After completing your studies, you may also be eligible to apply for the Graduate visa, which gives you the right to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years, or 3 years if you've completed a PhD.

What happens if my Student visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may be eligible for an administrative review. You can usually remain in the UK while the review is pending. Wembley Solicitors provides full support with administrative reviews and appeals to help you respond promptly and confidently to any refusals.

Can I work while on a Student visa in the UK?

Yes, most international students on a Student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays. However, work should not be your main source of funding. Our team can explain the working rights associated with the Student visa and how they differ from those under the Skilled Worker route.

Do I need to leave my job before applying for the Student visa?

Not immediately. You must continue to meet the conditions of your Skilled Worker visa until your Student visa is approved. That means continuing in your sponsored job role and not breaching your visa terms.

Once your new visa is granted, your working rights will change based on the conditions of the Student visa route, usually up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays.

Need help switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa?

If you're considering switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Student visa, contact Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700 for expert legal guidance.

Our UK immigration lawyers offer expert, one-on-one legal support throughout the visa switch process, from eligibility assessment to submission and beyond.