Do you know you can switch to a skilled worker visa on arrival as a student?  

As per the new rules, international students who can secure a job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office can change their student visa status to a skilled worker visa.

The United Kingdom's skilled worker visa system no longer requires applicants to hold a degree-level qualification to apply. With this route, it becomes faster and cheaper to gain full-time employment in the UK compared to the graduate route.

With this route, students do not need to complete their degrees before working in the United Kingdom. As a result, the country sees many students transfer to Tier 2  or Skilled Worker Visa. 

How to Qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa

You must:

·         Work for a United Kingdom employer approved by the Home Office

·         Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you have been offered in the UK

·         Be paid a minimum salary. You must be paid at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, whichever is higher. 

·         Do a job on the list of eligible occupations

·         You must also be able to speak, read, write and understand English. 

You cannot apply to switch if you are currently in the United Kingdom:

·         On a Parent of a Child Student visa

·         On a visit visa

·         On immigration bail

·         On a short-term student visa

·         On a seasonal worker visa

·         On a domestic worker on a private household visa

What is the cost of a Skilled Worker Visa?

You’ll need to:

Pay the application fee – the standard fee ranges from £625 to £1,423, depending on your circumstances

Pay the healthcare surcharge (£624 per year)

On the other hand, applicants will pay a lower application fee if their jobs are on the shortage occupation list.

People in the United Kingdom can extend, switch or update their visa to Skilled Worker Visa. However, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:

·         Up to 3 years (£719 per person)

·         More than three years (£1,423 per person)

Applicants living in the United Kingdom for less than one year must:

·         Prove they have enough money to support themselves(at least £1,270 in their bank accounts)

·         Have money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

The Home Office currently advises an 11-week average wait time to get a decision on skilled worker visas due to high demand.If approved, candidates can work in the UK for up to five years before applying to extend their visa or apply for permanent residency.

How Can You Apply?

Across the Horizon is helping thousands of international students study in the United Kingdom. With the support of our global experts, you can achieve your study and relocation goals within 3 to 12 months.