Switch to Skilled Worker Visa
- Details
- Written by: Muhammad Khalid Khokhar
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 UK Skilled Worker visa is usually granted for up to 5 years at a time, depending on your job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship. You can extend it before it expires and may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) after 5 years in the UK.
There is no fixed limit on how many times you can extend a UK Skilled Worker visa. You can apply for multiple extensions as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and remain with a licensed sponsor in an eligible job.
Each extension is usually granted for up to 5 years and can lead to settlement after 5 continuous years in the UK.
Yes, you can switch jobs on a UK Skilled Worker visa, but you must get a new job offer from a licensed sponsor and apply to update your visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before starting the new role. You must also meet the salary and eligibility requirements for the new job.
Yes, you can change employers on a UK Skilled Worker visa, but you must first get a new job offer from a licensed sponsor and apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with an updated visa before starting work.
You must also continue to meet the salary, skill, and eligibility requirements for the new employer and role.
Yes, you can study while on a UK Skilled Worker visa as long as it does not interfere with your sponsored job. There are no restrictions on part-time or full-time study, but you must continue working for your licensed sponsor in your approved role.
Some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate depending on the subject.
Muhammad Khalid Khokhar
Solicitor & Director – Immigration, Commercial Lease & Family Law
Muhammad Khalid Khokhar is the Director of Wembley Solicitors and a qualified UK solicitor with extensive experience in immigration law, commercial lease disputes, and family law matters.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Wembley Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
