How to Switch from a Tier 4 / Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025

If you’ve completed your studies in the UK on a Tier 4 / Student Visa and have a job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence, you may be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa (formerly known as Tier 2 Visa). This guide walks you through the process of switching, the eligibility requirements, salary rules, and the steps involved.

Key Requirements for Switching from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

To switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from a Student Visa, you must meet the following key criteria:

1. Completion of Study
   What does "Completed" mean? According to the Home Office, "The requirement is to have “completed” the course, not to have “successfully” completed it.  So yes, an applicant could switch in circumstances where they have failed modules and been awarded a lower qualification." While the home office does not provide explicit confirmation, the following criteria can help clarify what completion of study means: 
   - Have you paid the full fees for your course?
   - Is your attendance in accordance with the requirements specified in your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)?
   - Has your visa status remained intact and is not curtailed?

2. If you’ve been studying full-time for a PhD, your employment start date cannot be earlier than 24 months from your course completion.

3. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
   You must have a job offer from an employer who holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

4. Salary Requirements
   The minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year, effective from April 4, 2024. However, if you qualify as a "new entrant" or hold a PhD, you may be eligible for a reduced salary. New entrants are typically paid £30,960 per year (or the going rate, whichever is higher). New entrant status applies to those under 26, postdoctoral researchers, or those pursuing certain regulated professional qualifications.

5. Eligible Occupation
   The job you are offered must be on the UK’s eligible occupation list.

6. English Language Requirement
   You must meet the Home Office’s English language proficiency standards.

7. Financial Support
   You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself unless you’ve been in the UK for at least one year on your current Student Visa.

New Rules for 2024

• Salary Requirements for New Entrants
  As of April 2024, if you are classified as a new entrant (under 26 years old or fulfilling specific conditions like holding a postdoctoral position), the salary requirement may be reduced. For new entrants, the salary threshold is set at £30,960, or 70% of the going rate for your occupation (whichever is higher).

• PhD Holders
  If you hold a PhD in a STEM subject, you are eligible for a salary discount of 20%, meaning you can be paid 80% of your job’s going rate, as long as this still meets a minimum of £30,960 annually. If your PhD is in a non-STEM subject, the discount is 10%, and you must earn at least £34,830.

• Updated Occupation List
  The UK has updated its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, and from 2024, the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker Visa will follow SOC 2020 codes. This is important as it might affect your eligibility depending on your job role.

Steps to Switch from Tier 4 / Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

To make the switch from a Tier 4 / Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa, follow these steps:

1. Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
   Your employer must provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, which confirms your job offer and provides essential details for your visa application.

2. Submit Your Application
   Complete the application form to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa on the UK Home Office website. Make sure you submit your application before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.

3. Pay Application Fees
   There are application fees depending on the duration of your visa. If your visa is for up to 3 years, the fee is £719, and for more than 3 years, the fee is £1,420. If your job is listed on the shortage occupation list, the fee is lower (£551 for up to 3 years, £1,084 for over 3 years).

4. Biometric Appointment and Proof of Identity
   You must attend a biometric appointment where your fingerprints and photo will be taken, or you can use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app for identity verification.

5. Additional Documents
   You’ll need to provide documents to support your application, such as proof of your qualifications and job offer.

6. Wait for a Decision
   Once you’ve submitted all necessary documents, your application will be processed. The standard processing time is about 8 weeks, but you can expedite the process by paying for priority or super-priority services.

   • Priority Service: £500 for a response within five working days.
   • Super Priority Service: £1,000 for a decision by the next working day (or two working days if the appointment is on a weekend).

Costs Involved

In addition to the visa application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides you with access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS costs £1,035 for each year of your visa.

Time and ILR Considerations

• How Long It Takes: The process of switching from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa typically takes around 8 weeks, but the priority and super-priority services can speed up this process.

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Unfortunately, time spent in the UK on a Student Visa does not count towards your ILR qualification, except in cases where you’ve spent many years on a Student Visa and apply under the 10-year long residence route. However, once you switch to the Skilled Worker Visa, you can accumulate time toward ILR as part of that visa route.

Conclusion

Switching from a Tier 4 / Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK is an excellent opportunity for international students who have completed their studies and secured a job offer in the UK. With updated rules in 2024, it’s essential to understand the salary thresholds, eligible occupations, and application process to ensure a smooth transition. Following the correct steps and meeting all the requirements will help you stay in the UK and continue your professional journey.