Switch to Skilled Worker Visa
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
Depending on the type of your current UK visa, you might be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if meet the eligibility requirements. Your dependants (a partner or children) will need to make separate applications to switch their visas.
If you want to apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, call us at 020 3417 3700 to get legal advice and help with your UK Skilled Worker visa application.
Whether you want to apply, switch, or extend your skilled worker visa, our immigration solicitors in London can provide legal assistance with any type of UK work visa application.
Table of Contents
- What is the Skilled Worker visa?
- How to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
- Skilled Worker dependant visa (family members)
- Who cannot apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
- What are the requirements for switching to a Skilled Worker visa?
- How long does it take to get a skilled worker visa?
- How our solicitor can help to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
- Skilled Worker visa FAQs
- Need legal advice & assistance?
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa, formerly known as "Tier 2 (General) Work visa" gives permission to overseas workers to work in the UK with an approved employer.
UK Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work visa and route to the settlement which means you can apply for ILR as a skilled worker after a qualifying period of five years.
How to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
You can apply online to switch to a UK Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you meet all the eligibility requirements of Appendix Skilled Worker.
If you need expert legal advice or guidance then you can contact our highly experienced immigration solicitors based in London.
The steps for a UK Skilled Worker visa application are as follows:
- Assess your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa application (if not sure, our immigration solicitors can help);
- Complete and submit the Skilled Worker visa application form online;
- Pay the relevant Skilled Worker visa application fee;
- Pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS);
- Upload documents in support of a Skilled Worker visa application;
- Book and attend a biometric appointment.
Skilled Worker dependant visa (family members)
Your family members (a partner or children) will need to make separate applications to switch their visas as a dependant of a Skilled Worker visa holder. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
Who cannot apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
You cannot apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you're currently in the UK:
- on a visit visa
- on a short-term student visa
- on a Parent of a Child Student visa
- on a seasonal worker visa
- on a domestic worker in a private household visa
- on immigration bail
- because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules
What are the requirements for switching to a Skilled Worker visa?
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor (Employer). UK Skilled Worker visa is a points-based immigration category and to qualify for the work visa applicant should score a minimum of 70 points.
The sponsor should identify the relevant SOC code for the job role to determine if the job is eligible for the Skilled Worker route. If you do not know your job’s occupation code, you can search for your job in the ONS occupation coding tool.
The main eligibility criteria are as follows:
- You must have an offer of a job by a Home Office approved sponsor
- You must do a job at an appropriate skill level
- You must be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do
- You must meet the financial maintenance requirements
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm your job role and salary
- At least CEFR level B1 is required to meet the English language requirement
You must meet all other eligibility requirements depending on your personal circumstances.
How long does it take to get a skilled worker visa?
Home Office usually takes 11 weeks on average to process a UK Skilled Worker visa application.
Visa application using super priority service
You may be eligible to apply for a visa using the "Super Priority Service" to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay the "Super Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.
Visa application using priority service
You can choose the "Priority Service" when you apply for a visa to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay the "Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.
How our solicitor can help to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers will be able to assist you with any type of UK visa or immigration application.
Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:
- Provide detailed immigration advice.
- Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK visa application.
- Explain the entire UK visa application process.
- Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
- Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
- Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
- Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
- Upload all the supporting documents.
- Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
- Keep you updated with every stage of your visa or immigration application.
Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.
Skilled Worker visa FAQs
A skilled worker visa can last up to 5 years before you renew it. After 5 years, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
You'll need to apply to extend or update your visa when a Skilled Worker visa expires or if you change jobs or employers.
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension as many times as you like if you still meet the eligibility requirements as set out in Appendix Skilled Worker.
Yes, you can switch to different a job role with your current employer. You do not need to make a change of employment application if your new job has the same SOC code as your current job.
You can change your job or employer whilst on a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to submit a change of employment application. You can continue working in your current job while your new application is pending with the Home Office.
Yes, you are allowed to study in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. There are no limitations to the number of hours spent studying as long as this does not interfere with your ability to do your job.
Need Legal Advice & Assistance?
We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.
You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.
