Switch to Skilled Worker Visa UK

You can switch to a UK Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK via the GOV.UK portal if you meet the job, salary, sponsorship and English language requirements. You must apply online before your current visa expires, and you cannot switch from some visas, such as a visitor visa.

If you want to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, call us on 020 3417 3700 for legal advice and help with your UK Skilled Worker visa application.

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Can I Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you have a qualifying job with a Home Office-approved employer and meet the visa requirements.

However, not everyone can switch from their current visa. Some visa holders must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from overseas.

You must also apply before your current visa expires and should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your application is being decided. If you travel outside these areas, your application can be withdrawn.

If you are already in the UK and have received a job offer from an employer willing to sponsor you, switching to the Skilled Worker route may allow you to continue living and working in the UK without making an overseas application.

What Is Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Switching means changing from your current UK visa to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK, where the Immigration Rules allow you to do so.

For example, eligible applicants may be able to switch from routes such as:

• Student
• Graduate
• Global Talent
• Scale-up
• other eligible work or immigration routes

The exact rules depend on your current immigration status and circumstances.

The Skilled Worker route requires a qualifying job with a Home Office-approved sponsor, an eligible occupation, the required salary and the required level of English.

Who Can Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

You can generally apply to switch if:

1. You are currently in the UK.
2. You have a qualifying job offer.
3. The Home Office approves your employer to sponsor Skilled Workers.
4. Your job meets the Skilled Worker occupation requirements.
5. Your salary meets the applicable salary requirements.
6. You meet the English language requirement.
7. You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
8. You are not prevented from switching because of your current immigration route.

The rules can vary depending on your job, salary, current visa, and when you apply.

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

Yes, you can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK if you meet the Skilled Worker requirements. You must have a qualifying sponsored job, meet the job and English language requirements, and normally have completed your course, have a job starting after your course finishes, or have studied for a PhD full-time for at least 24 months.

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

Yes, you can switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you have a qualifying sponsored job and meet the Skilled Worker requirements. Your job must meet the relevant occupation and salary requirements, and your employer must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Can I Switch from a Health and Care Worker Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes, you may be able to switch from a Health and Care Worker visa to a Skilled Worker visa if your new job meets the Skilled Worker requirements. You will normally need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and must meet the requirements for the new occupation and salary. If you are changing employer or occupation code, you generally need to update your immigration permission before starting the new role.

Can I Switch from a UK Spouse Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. If you are currently in the UK on a Spouse/Partner visa, you can generally switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK, provided you meet the Skilled Worker requirements. The GOV.UK switching restrictions do not list a spouse/family visa among the categories that cannot switch.

Who Cannot Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

You cannot switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you are currently here on:

• a visit visa
• a short-term student visa
• a Parent of a Child Student visa
• a seasonal worker visa
• a domestic worker in a private household visa
• immigration bail
• permission to stay outside the Immigration Rules, for example on compassionate grounds

If you are in one of these categories, you generally need to leave the UK and apply for Skilled Worker entry clearance from overseas.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements When Switching

To switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK, you must generally:

• Hold a visa that allows switching: You cannot switch from a visitor, short-term student, seasonal worker, private household domestic worker or certain other excluded routes.
• Have valid immigration status: You must not be on immigration bail or have permission outside the Immigration Rules.
• Apply before your visa expires: Submit your Skilled Worker application online before your current permission ends.
• Stay in the UK while waiting: Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or Isle of Man before a decision.
• Have an approved sponsor: Your job offer must come from a Home Office-approved Skilled Worker sponsor.
• Have a valid CoS: You need a Certificate of Sponsorship and must apply within 3 months of receiving it.
• Have an eligible job: The role must meet the Skilled Worker occupation requirements, generally including the required skill level.
• Meet the occupation restrictions: Medium-skilled jobs qualify only in specified circumstances, such as being on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or certain prison officer roles.
• Meet the salary requirement: You normally need to earn at least £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate, whichever is higher, unless a permitted salary reduction applies.

1. You Need a Skilled Worker Job Offer

You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer that is approved to sponsor Skilled Workers.

Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) containing information about your role, salary, working hours and employment.

A job offer by itself is not enough. The job must also meet the Skilled Worker requirements.

2. Your Job Must Be Eligible

Your occupation must fall within an eligible SOC 2020 occupation code.

The rules surrounding eligible occupations have changed significantly in recent years, particularly for jobs classified as medium skilled.

For some medium-skilled occupations, additional conditions apply, including whether the occupation is on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List and whether transitional rules apply.

This is why checking the correct occupation code is important before submitting your application.

3. How Much Salary Do You Need to Switch to Skilled Worker?

The standard Skilled Worker salary threshold is currently £41,700 per year, or the applicable going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.

However, lower salary provisions can apply in certain circumstances.

For example, different salary options may apply if you:

• have a relevant PhD
• have a relevant STEM PhD
• are a new entrant
• are sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List
• work in certain health or education occupations
• qualify under transitional arrangements

The current Immigration Rules contain several salary options, so you should not assume that £41,700 is the minimum in every case.

Example:

If the standard salary threshold is £41,700 but the going rate for your occupation is £45,000, you would normally need to be paid at least £45,000.

The higher applicable requirement must be met.

4. English Language Requirement

You must normally prove that you can speak, read, write and understand English to the required level.

Under the current Skilled Worker Rules, the standard English requirement is B2.

There are specific circumstances where a previous assessment of English may satisfy the requirement, so your immigration history should be checked before taking another test.

5. Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer must issue you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.

A CoS is an electronic record containing information about your sponsored employment. It is not a paper certificate.

The information on your CoS should match your actual job, including matters such as:

• occupation code
• salary
• job title
• start date
• working hours
• employer details

Errors or inconsistencies can cause problems with a Skilled Worker application.

Do I Need a Sponsor to Switch to Skilled Worker?

Yes. You need a Home Office-approved sponsor for a Skilled Worker application.

The sponsor must be licensed to sponsor workers and must assign you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for an eligible job.

You cannot simply apply for Skilled Worker because you have found employment in the UK.

The employer and the job must satisfy the sponsorship rules.

Do I Need £1,270 to Switch to Skilled Worker?

You may need to show £1,270 in savings if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months.

You normally need to have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period within 31 days of your application.

You may not need to show these funds if, for example, you have been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months or your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Documents Needed to Switch to Skilled Worker

When applying to switch to a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must provide key documents, including a valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of English language ability, job details, and financial evidence (if required). The exact documents depend on your job, salary, and personal circumstances.

You will typically need these documents:

• Valid passport or travel document
• BRP card or eVisa details
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Job offer from a licensed UK employer
• Job title, salary, and SOC code
• Employer name and sponsor licence number
• Proof of English language ability
• Proof of maintenance funds (if required)
• Previous employer references (if requested)
• Proof of relationship for dependants (if applicable)
• Certified translations for documents that are not in English or Welsh
• Any additional supporting documents based on your case

How Do I Apply to Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

You must apply online to switch to a Skilled Worker visa through GOV.UK visa portal, if you meet the eligibility requirements. You will need a job offer from an approved sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and the required supporting documents. Apply before your current visa expires and remain in the UK until you receive a decision.

The process usually involves these steps:

Step-by-Step Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

• Step 1: Get a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor
• Step 2: Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Step 3: Complete the online Skilled Worker visa application
• Step 4: Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Step 5: Upload your supporting documents
• Step 6: Attend your biometric appointment
• Step 7: Wait for a decision from UKVI
• Step 8: Receive your visa outcome and start job if granted

How Much Does It Cost to Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

For a standard Skilled Worker visa application from inside the UK, the application fee is £943 for up to 3 years or £1,865 for more than 3 years, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), usually £1,035 per year.

You may also have costs for:

• English language testing
• document translation
• professional immigration advice
• priority or super priority processing, if available

 The cost depends on the visa length and your circumstances.

How Long Does It Take to Switch to Skilled Worker?

You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks of applying from inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision, and you will be told if this is offered when you apply.

Your application can take longer if your documents need to be verified, you are called to an interview, or you have a criminal conviction.

Can I Work While My Skilled Worker Application Is Pending?

You should check the conditions attached to your existing immigration permission and the effect of your application before starting a new role.

If your current visa already allows you to work, your existing conditions may continue while a valid in-time application is being considered.

However, you should not assume that your new sponsored employment can begin immediately simply because you have submitted a Skilled Worker application.

Your employer and immigration adviser should check the applicable work conditions before you start the new role.

Can I Travel While My Skilled Worker Application Is Pending?

You should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your application is pending.

If you leave the Common Travel Area before a decision is made, your application can be treated as withdrawn.

If you need to travel urgently, obtain immigration advice before leaving the UK.

Common Problems When Switching to Skilled Worker

Applications can become complicated when there are problems with:

• Incorrect occupation code: Your job duties must genuinely match the occupation code used for sponsorship.
• Salary below the required level: The salary must satisfy the applicable Skilled Worker salary rules and going rate.
• Student visa timing: Students need to meet the additional switching requirements before applying.
• Wrong visa route: Some visa holders cannot switch inside the UK and must apply from overseas.
• Incorrect Certificate of Sponsorship: Errors in the CoS can create problems with the application.
• English language evidence: You must satisfy the applicable English requirement unless an exemption applies.
• Expiring visa: You should not leave your application until after your current permission has expired.
• Travel after applying: Leaving the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man while the application is pending can result in withdrawal of the application.

Can My Family Stay with Me After I Switch?

Your partner and children do not automatically change to Skilled Worker dependant status when you switch your own visa.

They need to make their own applications if they need to switch or extend their immigration permission.

There are also specific restrictions on dependants for certain Skilled Worker jobs, including some care worker and medium-skilled roles.

The rules can depend on the sponsored occupation and the family's circumstances, so this should be checked before making the applications.

Do I Need a Solicitor to Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

You do not legally need a solicitor to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, but it is highly recommended. Salary, occupation code and timing rules are strict, and a mistake can lead to refusal, lost fees and, if your visa has expired, no way to switch from inside the UK.

• Home Office fees are not refunded if your application is refused.
• You must apply before your current visa expires, so there is little room to fix errors.
• Only an SRA-regulated solicitor or an OISC-registered adviser can give paid immigration advice.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors?

Wembley Solicitors is an SRA-regulated law firm in Wembley, London, with more than 17 years of experience in immigration law.

Our immigration team can help with:

• Skilled Worker visa applications
• switching immigration routes
• Student to Skilled Worker applications
• Graduate to Skilled Worker applications
• dependant applications
• visa extensions
• ILR and settlement applications
• immigration refusals and related advice

We provide consultations by telephone, video and in person.

Need Help Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa?

If you are already in the UK and have a job offer from a sponsoring employer, the first step is to check whether your current visa allows you to switch and whether your job meets the Skilled Worker requirements.

Thinking about switching to a Skilled Worker visa? Call 020 3417 3700 for expert legal advice and help with your UK Skilled Worker visa application.