How to change your student visa to a skilled work visa in the UK after graduation

As an international student in the UK, you might have come to the country to pursue your studies, but after graduation, you may wonder what’s next. If you want to stay and work in the UK after completing your degree, transitioning from a Student Visa (previously known as Tier 4) to a Skilled Worker Visa could be your next big step. This blog post will guide you through switching from a student visa to a skilled work visa, outlining the key requirements, application process, and tips for a smooth transition.

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa allows international graduates (and other professionals) to live and work in the UK if they have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. It is the main route for those who want to work in a skilled occupation and remain in the UK after their studies. With this visa, you can work for a specific employer, in a specific role, and for a specified salary.

The visa is typically granted for up to 5 years, depending on the job and your salary, and it can be extended if you meet the requirements.

Key Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa

Before making the switch from your Student Visa to the Skilled Worker Visa, you need to meet certain criteria:

1. Job Offer from a UK Employer: You need to have a confirmed job offer from an employer that holds a valid sponsorship license. The employer must be on the Home Office’s approved list of sponsors.

2. Eligible Job Role: The role you're offered must be on the list of eligible occupations, which are considered skilled to RQF Level 3 or higher. Common job roles that qualify include engineering, IT, healthcare, marketing, and accounting positions.

3. Minimum Salary Requirement: For most job roles, your salary must be at least £38,700 per year. Some professions, such as those in the healthcare sector or shortage occupations, may have lower salary thresholds.

4. English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate your ability to communicate in English. If you were already studying in the UK under a Student Visa, you have likely met this requirement.

5. Financial Requirements: In most cases, you must show that you can support yourself financially while living in the UK. This usually means having at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.

6. Criminal Record Check: If required, you may also need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

7. You have completed the course you were sponsored to study
8. Your job start date is after your course has finished
9. You have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot apply to switch to this visa 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, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

Steps to Change Your Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

1. Secure a Job Offer
   The first step in the process is finding a job with an employer that is licensed to sponsor skilled workers. Many universities in the UK offer career services, including job boards and internships that can help you connect with potential employers. You’ll need to make sure that the job you’re offered meets the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa.

2. Check Your Employer’s Sponsorship Status
   Your employer must be a registered sponsor with the Home Office. You can ask your employer if they are on the approved sponsor list. If they are, they will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a digital document you’ll need when applying for the Skilled Worker Visa.

3. Submit Your Visa Application
   Once you have a job offer and a CoS from your employer, you can start the process of applying for the Skilled Worker Visa. The application is made online via the UK government’s official website. You’ll need to fill out the application, provide your CoS number, and pay the application fee, which ranges from £610 to £1,408 depending on your job and salary. There’s also a healthcare surcharge that you will need to pay, which contributes to your access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

4. Provide Supporting Documents
   In addition to your job offer and CoS, you’ll need to submit various supporting documents. These may include:

   • Proof of your identity (passport)
   • Proof of your qualifications (degree certificates)
   • Proof of your English proficiency
   • Financial evidence, if necessary

5. Wait for the Decision
   After submitting your application and attending any required biometric appointments, you’ll typically receive a decision within 8 weeks. If your application is successful, you’ll be granted a Skilled Worker Visa for up to 5 years, depending on the specifics of your job.

6. Start Working
   Once your visa is granted, you can start your job and live in the UK. You’ll be able to switch employers, provided your new job meets the Skilled Worker Visa criteria. You’ll also be able to bring family members (spouse and children) to the UK, as long as they meet the relevant requirements.

15 Registered Sponsors in the UK

If you’re an international student looking for employment in the UK after graduation, here are 15 registered sponsors that may offer you a job under the Skilled Worker Visa:

1. Accenture
2. Deloitte
3. KPMG
4. EY (Ernst & Young)
5. HSBC
6. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
7. Google UK
8. Amazon UK
9. Capgemini
10. IBM UK
11. Vodafone
12. Tesla
13. British Airways
14. University of Oxford
15. Citi Group

These organizations span a range of industries from consulting, finance, technology, to aerospace, healthcare, and education. If you are targeting any of these sectors, it’s worth researching their job openings and verifying that they are willing to sponsor international employees.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Start Early: The visa application process can take several weeks, so make sure to start the process well before your Student Visa expires.
• Stay Informed: Immigration laws and requirements can change, so stay up-to-date by checking official UK government resources.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about the application process, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or advisor for guidance.

Changing from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa is a well-trodden path for many international students in the UK who wish to remain in the country after their studies. By securing a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting the requirements, you can stay in the UK to build your career. With careful planning and the right documentation, the process can be straightforward, allowing you to take full advantage of the opportunities that the UK has to offer.