From July and October 2025, any international student switching from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa must first finish their course, satisfy the higher salary thresholds, and comply with fresh limits on bringing dependants and on when their Indefinite Leave to Remain qualifying period begins. This in-depth blog will tell you everything about the rules and process to switch to a Skilled Worker visa.
- Course Completion: You must complete your studies before you’re eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa.
- Switching Restrictions: Switching is generally barred until July 2023; the key exception is PhD students who have pursued full-time study for 24 months.
- Minimum Salary: The majority of applicants must earn a minimum of £41,700 per annum. New entrants need at least £30,960 or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is greater.
- Dependants’ Rules: Dependants must lodge their own applications and are subject to extra restrictions that vary by occupation code and the lead applicant’s status.
- ILR Eligibility: Time spent on a Student or Graduate visa does not count toward the five-year period needed for indefinite leave to remain. The ILR clock starts only once you are granted Skilled Worker status.
- Skill Level Requirement: Every sponsored job must be at RQF Level 6 (degree level). A small number of transitional roles are the only exceptions.
This blog outlines the new rules, the usual pitfalls, and the practical moves you need to secure approval under the current law.
Timing Restrictions on Switching to the Skilled Worker visa
A lot of international students want to know if they can switch to Skilled Worker visa before they finish their course. The rules are now very clear on this point.
In the past, the Student visa holders have switched to the Skilled Worker visa if they managed to secure eligible employment with a sponsor. But they could only transition as long as they met all eligibility requirements of the Skilled Worker route. They can make the switch as soon as the sponsored employment is secured. Now, this has changed.
When You Can Switch:
New UK visa rule changes to the Student visa impose restrictions on when students can switch to Skilled Worker visa. They must deal with these restrictions if they find sponsored employment in the UK. The rules require that students must have completed their course of study or have a work start date that is after the completion date of their course before they can switch to the Skilled Worker visa.
A Y & J Solicitors is a Legal 500-recognized company that has helped over 500 students make the smooth transition from a student visa to Skilled Worker visa.
The New Rules for Skilled Worker Route
The Home Office releases the new rules on 17 July 2023 and they came into effect almost immediately, at 3 PM on the same day. This has been unlike any other change, where historically the Home Office has provided advanced notice of the date when new rules will take effect.
As of July 17, 2023, students must finish their course before switching to the Skilled Worker route. However, if their job start date is after the course end date on the CAS, they can switch right away.
Can I Switch From a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends in UK?
Generally, no, because the rules require completion of the sponsored course before applying to switch, with a narrow exception for PhD students who can apply after 24 months of study or where the sponsored role begins after the course end date. New addition: If these conditions are not met, students should wait until the course is completed before submitting a Skilled Worker visa application.
The same restriction applies if the student wishes to switch to become a Skilled Worker dependent partner — this is only permitted after the course is completed or the course end date recorded on the CAS has passed.
Salary & “New Entrant” Rules for Students
If you are switching straight from a Student visa, you can usually claim the “new entrant” discount. This means you only have to be paid the higher of £30,960 a year (rising to £33,400 from 22 July 2025) or 70 % of the occupation’s going-rate—whichever figure is larger—provided you are under 26 when you apply or you are moving directly from Student (or Graduate) leave and the job is your first Skilled Worker grant.
The same discount is available if you are sponsored in a post-doctoral role on a STEM PhD, giving most student-switchers a significant buffer against the headline £41,700 threshold that applies to standard applicants.
Why Has the Government Made These Changes?
The changes were brought forward by the Home Secretary at the time, Suella Braverman. The intention was to tighten migrant rules and reduce net migration figures.
It came after recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The numbers showed that net migration reached a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023. As a result, the Government published its “Restoring Control” White Paper on 12 May 2025. The main aim is to halve legal migration while sustaining economic growth and fairness.
Major Effect on International Students
The White Paper has plans to cut net migration and tie visas to skills and growth. For international students, this means stricter rules about when they can work and how much they can make. However, you can switch jobs if you finish your course or your job starts after your course ends, and you meet the Skilled Worker requirements.
The Government announced a move to restrict international students from switching from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa before the completion of their course. This is intended to prevent misuse of the visa system. The idea behind this is that the student visa route is for study. Similarly, any migrants applying for a student visa should fulfil the purpose for which they have stated in their application. All these changes are to ensure that the applicants are genuinely applying for the right visa.
What are the Requirements for Students Switching to the Skilled Worker visa?
To be eligible to switch to the Skilled Worker visa, a student must meet either one of the following conditions:
1. Course of Study:
They have completed the course of study for which they were being sponsored.
2. Full-time Degree
Applicants are studying a full-time degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution with a track record of compliance. Moreover, their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) shows a start date no earlier than their course completion date
3. Full-Time PhD
They must be studying a full-time PhD with a Higher Education Institution which has a track record of compliance. Also, their CoS has a start date no earlier than 24 months after the start of the PhD course.
To be able to transition into the Skilled Worker route, candidates must ensure they meet all other eligibility requirements of the route. This includes having a job on the eligible occupations list and meeting the minimum salary requirements for the occupation code. Along with that, you must satisfy English language requirements and have sufficient funds to support yourself. But if the maintenance is certified by the sponsor, you don’t need to show funds.
Can I Switch from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa Without Completing a Degree Course in UK?
No, you usually can’t switch before you finish your course. The only time this doesn’t apply is if you’re a PhD student who has been studying for at least 24 months and your Certificate of Sponsorship start date is in line with the rules.
When Can I Apply to Switch?
You can apply after you finish your course, or earlier if the start date of your sponsored job is after the end date of your course, as shown on your CAS. You can also apply up to three months before the job start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Salary Thresholds for Students
The average salary for most Skilled Worker jobs is now £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job if it’s higher, but this depends on any specific code rules. New entrant salary starts at £33,400 a year, or the applicable percentage of the going rate if that is higher. This is usually available to recent graduates and people who are switching from the Student route within the rules for eligibility.
Key Facts
| Condition | Requirement | Evidence needed |
| Course completion | Complete the course for which the CAS was assigned, or have a job start date after the course end date | CAS with course dates and CoS showing compliant start date |
| PhD timing | At least 24 months of full time PhD study before job start date on CoS | CAS or university letter confirming PhD start date, CoS with valid start date |
| Eligible job and sponsor | Job must be in an eligible SOC code and at RQF level 6 or above with a licensed sponsor | Appendix Skilled Occupations code on CoS, sponsor licence details |
| Salary threshold | Meet the general threshold and the going rate where higher | CoS salary details matching code specific rates |
| English requirement | At least B1 level or an approved alternative such as a UK degree | English test certificate or UK degree evidence |
| Financial maintenance | Show required funds unless sponsor certifies maintenance | Bank statements or sponsor maintenance certification on CoS |
If you follow the rules for finishing your course, starting your job, being eligible for a code, and getting paid, you can still switch from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa, even though the rules are stricter now.
Additional Requirements
The newly imposed conditions require that students must have completed their course before they can switch to the work route. This does not necessarily mean that you need to have received your final results or completed your graduation. If the student switching to Skilled Worker has secured a job with a sponsor, they can start working for the company once the course completion date on the CAS has passed. This is the case as long as they have applied for the Skilled Worker visa. Students can apply for the Skilled Worker visa up to 3 months in advance of the work start date.
Therefore, when students have secured a job, they can apply to switch to the Skilled Worker. They can apply for this work visa within the 3 months prior to their course end date, provided their sponsored job starts after the course end date on the CAS.
The CoS Rule
Employers must make sure that the Certificate of Sponsorship start date is after the course end date on the CAS. If it is before the course end date, the rules for switching do not apply.
If applying under ‘option B’, employers must ensure that when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a candidate, the work start date must be after the course end date on their CAS. It would also be good practice to clarify the situation in a sponsor note on the CoS. This method can help you avoid any questioning or delays by the Home Office. Adding a short note from the sponsor that confirms the CAS course end date and the CoS start date can help caseworkers check timing compliance more quickly.
Can I Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa Before My Course Ends in UK?
No. However, if your CoS shows a start date after your CAS course ends, you can apply to switch within 3 months of your CoS start date. There is a narrow PhD exception after 24 months of study.
What are the Requirements for Students Switching to the Skilled Worker Dependant Route?
The new changes also affect those wanting to switch to the Skilled Worker Dependant route. Students must meet one of the following conditions to switch to the dependent visa:
- Have completed the course of study for which they were being sponsored;
OR
- Studying a full-time PhD with a Higher Education Institution which has a track record of compliance. Again, their CoS shows a start date no earlier than 24 months after the start of the PhD course.
However, a dependent partner on a Student visa is free to switch to the Skilled Worker visa at any time. Meanwhile, the main Student is not permitted to switch to become a dependent themselves until they meet one of the conditions above.
Comparison at a Glance
| Person | Who can switch | When | Conditions |
| Main Student | Can switch to Skilled Worker Dependant only if a course is completed or PhD timing rule is met | After the course end date on CAS, or after two years of PhD study | Proof of finishing the course or the PhD timeline, as well as the timing of the partner’s Certificate of Sponsorship in accordance with the rules |
| Dependent Partner on Student route | Can switch to Skilled Worker in own right if Skilled Worker requirements are met | Any time, as long as you meet the Skilled Worker eligibility and application rules | New Skilled Worker application with a job that meets the requirements, a salary, English skills, and money or certified maintenance |
Can I Change My Sponsor in the UK?
You usually need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new Skilled Worker application to change your sponsor. You can’t start working for the new sponsor until you get permission.
Note on Dependants Policy: Starting in July 2025, some dependents’ eligibility will depend on the main applicant’s job at RQF level 6 or higher. If the first Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before July 22, 2025, there will be transitional protection.
Following the right timing rule and giving clear proof of course dates and Certificate of Sponsorship start dates will help avoid refusals and delays. Also, dependent partners who qualify on their own can move into the Skilled Worker route without having to wait for the main Student to finish their studies.
Can I Switch Before Completing My Course?
You can apply to switch from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa before you graduate only if the start date shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship is after the date your university has told UKVI you will complete your course (for PhD students the rule is slightly looser: you may switch after 24 months of full-time study, provided the job start date is after that 24-month point).
Step-by-Step Process to Switch to Skilled Worker visa
Switching from a student visa to Skilled Worker visa is a straight-line process if you tackle it in the right order: line up the job, finalise in the sponsorship paperwork, then file your application while your student leave is still ticking. The six steps below walk you through exactly what to do:
Step 1 – Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor
Accept a role that is on the official list of eligible occupations and at the required skill-level (RQF 3 or above). Confirm the employer holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence and is willing to assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Step 2 – Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your sponsor assigns the CoS through the SMS portal. Check the start date is after your course completion date (or after 24 months if you’re a PhD student) and that the salary meets the “new entrant” threshold. Download the unique CoS reference number—you’ll need it for the visa application.
Step 3 – Apply online within 3 months of course completion
Submit the Skilled Worker application from inside the UK while your Student visa is still valid. The three-month window is counted from the date your university reports to UKVI that you have finished all elements of the course.
Step 4 – Prove English language ability
If you are switching from a Student visa you are automatically deemed to meet the English requirement, but you must still enter your previous CAS number in the form. No extra test is required.
Step 5 – Show you have enough money to support yourself
Provide bank statements covering 28 days (ending within 31 days of application) showing at least £1,270, unless your A-rated sponsor has ticked “maintenance certified” on the CoS, in which case no evidence is needed.
Step 6 – Pay the fees and submit biometrics
Pay the application fee (£719 for up-to-3-year visa or £1,423 for longer), the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year) and book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre to enrol fingerprints and photograph.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Visa Refusals
Every refusal letter looks different, but the facts behind it are almost always the same three errors. Check each point before you press “submit,” and you will avoid the refusal pile.
1. Applying Before Course Finish
UKVI looks at the “course end” date your university has reported, not your last exam or graduation. If that date is still in the future when you apply, the caseworker must refuse—no exceptions. Wait until your Student record shows “completed”.
2. Wrong CoS Start Date
The start date on the Certificate of Sponsorship has to be after your official course-end date (or after 24 months for PhD students). Sponsors sometimes pop in the day you plan to start work; if it’s even one day early the whole application is rejected. Ask HR to amend the CoS before you pay the fee.
3. Counting Student Time Towards ILR
Only years spent on a Skilled-Worker visa count for the five-year settlement clock; Student months are ignored. Many people miscalculate and get an ILR refusal later. Check the calendar carefully from the day your first Skilled-Worker visa starts.
Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain
It is worth noting that any time spent on the student route does not normally count towards the qualifying time for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It does not matter whether they are the main applicant or a dependent. You cannot combine time spent as a Student and Skilled Worker to qualify for the 5-year ILR. But this is different if you are applying for the 10-year settlement route. Once a candidate switches to a Skilled Worker, they must complete 5 years of continuous residence to qualify for ILR.
Switching from Graduate Visa (PSW) to Skilled Worker visa
Moving from the Graduate route is simpler than switching straight from a Student visa because course-completion checks disappear; your right to stay has already been confirmed. The deal-breakers now are salary, skill level and sponsorship.
No Degree Proof Needed – UKVI already knows you finished your degree, so you can apply the day you receive a valid CoS.
Skilled and Sponsored Job – The role has to be on the eligible occupation list (RQF 3+), your employer needs a Home Office licence, and they must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship within three months of the application.
Salary Threshold – Most Graduate-visa switchers qualify as “new entrants” and need the higher of £30,960 or 70 % of the occupation’s going rate; if you are 26+ and have used the discount for four years already, you jump to the standard £41,700 / 100 % threshold.
English Language & Finances – A UK degree meets the B1 English requirement automatically; you only show £1,270 savings if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months on the Graduate visa (or let your sponsor tick “maintenance certified”).
Apply before your Graduate visa expires; you can keep working while the decision is pending as long as you remain in the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
Get Expert Assistance
If you need assistance with the Skilled Worker visa application, talk to our visa experts at A Y & J Solicitors. At A Y & J Solicitors, we have handled over 1000s of successful Skilled Worker visa applications. With a 95% success rate, we have achieved an overall track record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa cases through our result-driven approach to every application. We take on each client with the genuine intention to provide our undivided care and attention to their case. We guide you through every step of your switch to Skilled Worker visa process. You can gladly trust the experts to manage your application and work toward your success.
Why A Y & J Solicitors?
With over thousands of successful immigration cases to our name, A Y & J Solicitors has built its reputation on trust, care, and real results. Over the 15+ years of working in UK immigration law, we’ve helped individuals and businesses confidently navigate sponsor licences, UK visas, and ILR applications. Our experienced team will help you through every step of the process if you’re interested in the student to Skilled Worker visa path. We’re proud to be recognised by The Legal 500, but it’s our clients’ peace of mind that matters most. When you work with us, you get clear advice, honest support, and a team that’s truly on your side.
How A Y & J Solicitors Can Help?
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of applications, including switching from the Student route to the Skilled Worker route. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. We know everything there is to know about the process of Student visa switch to Skilled Worker, so you can be sure that you are following all the rules and have the best chance of getting approved.
Our dedicated team is here to help you, whether you are switching from Student to Skilled Worker visa or need help with complicated timing rules. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help! For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
