For thousands of international students in the UK, graduation brings a critical choice: return home or find a way to stay. The most common route to permanent settlement is switching from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa.
However, following strict immigration reforms implemented in 2024 and fully active in 2025, the “switching rules” have become much tougher. You can no longer switch “early” to save money, and you must meet higher salary thresholds.
This guide explains the new timeline, the “Course Completion” rule, and the step-by-step process to successfully switch your status from inside the UK.
Official Guidance: The rules for switching are governed by the UK Home Office. Always verify your specific case on the officialSwitch to Skilled Worker visapage.
- Read more:-
- The UK Home Office’s New Asylum Model: immigration reforms
- Asylum seekers to face 20-year wait for UK settlement under new laws
- The UK Visitor Visa: A Comprehensive Guide.
- A Detailed Guide to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
1. The “Course Completion” Rule (The Biggest Change)
Before July 2024, students could switch to a work visa as soon as they got a job offer, even if they hadn’t finished their degree. This is no longer allowed.
Under the 2025 Immigration Rules, you cannot switch to a Skilled Worker visa until:
- You have completed your course: Your university must have officially confirmed your completion to the Home Office.
- PhD Exception: If you are studying for a PhD, you can switch after you have completed at least 24 months of your course.
Why this matters: If you get a job offer in January but your course doesn’t end until June, you cannot start the Skilled Worker job immediately. You can work part-time (20 hours) under your Student Visa rules until your course officially ends.
2. Salary Requirements for “New Entrants”
The good news is that students switching from inside the UK are classified as “New Entrants.” This means you do not need to meet the high £38,700 salary threshold that applies to overseas applicants.
As a New Entrant, you can be paid:
- 70% of the job’s usual going rate.
- A minimum of £30,960 per year (whichever is higher).
Who counts as a New Entrant?
- Anyone under 26 years old.
- Anyone switching directly from a Student or Graduate visa.
- You can hold “New Entrant” status for a maximum of 4 years (including any time spent on a Graduate visa). After 4 years, your salary must rise to the full experienced rate.
3. The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get the Job & CoS You must find a UK employer with a Sponsor Licence. They will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Crucial Check: Ensure your employer ticks the “New Entrant” box on the CoS if your salary is below £38,700. If they forget, your visa will be refused.
Step 2: Check the “Start Date” The “Work Start Date” on your CoS must be after your course completion date (as listed on your CAS). If the start date is before you graduate, the Home Office will reject the application because of the new rules.
Step 3: Apply Online (Priority vs Standard)
- Standard Service: Takes up to 8 weeks.
- Priority Service: Takes 5 working days (Cost: extra £500).
- Super Priority: Takes 24 hours (Cost: extra £1,000).
- Tip: Do not travel outside the UK while your application is pending, or it will be withdrawn automatically.
Step 4: The Fees
- Application Fee: approx. £827 (for up to 3 years).
- Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.
- You do not need to show bank statements (maintenance funds) if you have lived in the UK for 12 months or more with a valid visa.
4. Can I bring my Dependents?
If your partner or children are already in the UK as your Student Dependents, they can switch with you to become Skilled Worker Dependents.
- Warning: If you are a student who was not allowed to bring dependents (e.g., Undergraduate), you generally cannot bring them now until your Skilled Worker visa is officially granted. They would have to apply from outside the UK.
Switching is still the best route to settlement (ILR), but the timing is strict. Do not let an employer pressure you into starting full-time work before your university confirms your course is done. A breach of student work conditions can lead to a ban on future visas.
