International students currently residing in the UK on a student visa have the opportunity to transition to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the country, provided they meet the specific application and eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules. This transition application is submitted to the Home Office UKVI and must adhere to the stipulations detailed in Appendix Skilled Worker, Appendix Skilled Occupations, and Appendix Immigration Salary List.

For those switching from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, the salary requirement is applicable as a new entrant, given that the UKVI-approved licensed sponsor or employer’s sponsorship does not extend beyond four years. Typically, students seeking to switch to a Skilled Worker visa are sponsored by UK employers for a three-year period.

Additionally, licensed sponsors are exempt from paying the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) when issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for individuals making this switch from within the UK.

Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers complimentary online immigration consultations for those seeking to transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa within the UK. Engage with our specialized solicitors for free online advice on your visa application or schedule an appointment for in-depth guidance regarding your transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa. Our team is dedicated to providing precise and actionable insights tailored to your immigration needs.

Course Completion Requirements for Students Transitioning to Skilled Worker Visa

In line with the amendments to the Immigration Rules effective from 17 July 2023, students wishing to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK must meet one of the following conditions on the application date:

Condition A:

• The applicant must have completed the course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was issued, or a course that falls under ST 27.3 of Appendix Student; or

Condition B:

• The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time degree-level course or higher with a higher education provider known for its compliance record; and
• The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must have a start date no earlier than the course completion date; or

Condition C:

• The applicant must be engaged in a full-time PhD program with a higher education provider renowned for its compliance record; and
• The Certificate of Sponsorship must commence no earlier than 24 months following the start date of the PhD course.

Typically, most applicants will fulfill the requirements under Condition B. Applications for switching from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa can be submitted within three months of the course completion date indicated on the CAS.

The Home Office UKVI generally verifies course completion by reviewing the end date on the CAS. If the CAS end date suggests that the applicant has not yet finished their studies, but the applicant believes they have, the Home Office UKVI caseworker will evaluate additional information provided with the application, such as a results transcript or notifications from the Student Sponsor. For PhD-level courses, the Home Office UKVI will assess whether the applicant has completed at least 24 months based on the course start date provided.

“Under Condition B, students can transition to a Skilled Worker Visa even if they have not completed their degree course, provided that their application is lodged within three months prior to the course’s conclusion. Additionally, the job commencement date specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must occur after the end date outlined in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). For expert assistance with your visa application, consult Aden & Co Solicitors.”

Eligibility Criteria for Transitioning from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

For individuals seeking to transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa within the UK, adherence to the following criteria outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules is essential:

Valid Application Submission: The applicant must file a valid application to switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa within the UK.

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The applicant must possess a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by their sponsor within three months preceding the application date.

Points-Based Criteria: The applicant must accumulate 50 points from non-tradeable criteria and a minimum of 20 points from tradeable criteria.

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application to qualify for the visa switch.

Current Immigration Status: The applicant must be holding a student visa on the application date to qualify for switching to a skilled worker visa.

Course Completion: The applicant must meet one of the conditions outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules.

Suitability Condition: The applicant must not be subject to refusal under Part 9: grounds for refusal.

Government Scholarship Consent: If the applicant received a government or international scholarship covering tuition and living costs within 12 months prior to the application, written consent from the awarding body is required.

Financial Requirement:If the applicant has been legally residing in the UK for 12 months or longer at the time of application, they are deemed to meet the financial requirement and do not need to provide additional funds.

                      For Applicants in the UK for Less than 12 Months:

1. • • The applicant must demonstrate possession of at least £1,270 for a continuous 28-day period as specified in Appendix Finance; or
     • Alternatively, the applicant’s A-rated sponsor must confirm their commitment to support and accommodate the applicant up to the end of the first month of employment, ensuring at least £1,270 is maintained.

Salary Requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

For a successful application for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK, applicants must achieve a total of 70 points. This includes 50 points from essential non-tradeable criteria and a minimum of 20 points from tradeable criteria. It’s important to meet these requirements to ensure your application is considered favorably. For tailored legal advice and assistance, consult Aden & Co Solicitors to guide you through the visa application process efficiently.

Salary Requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

To achieve success in the Skilled Worker visa application process, it is essential for the applicant to accumulate a total of 70 points. This includes securing 50 points from mandatory non-tradeable criteria and a minimum of 20 points from tradeable factors.

Ensure that your application aligns with these requirements to enhance your chances of obtaining a visa. For expert assistance, consult with Aden & Co Solicitors, who provide specialized support for visa applications.

Tradeable Points for Skilled Worker Visa UK

In the application process for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, both applicants and sponsors must furnish all pertinent information to secure tradeable points. To achieve a successful visa outcome, applicants must accumulate 20 tradeable points. These points can be obtained through various criteria, but an applicant can claim 20 points from only one specific category.

The points are distributed according to the following rules:

(a) Points can be claimed from options A to E only, unless the applicant meets the criteria specified in (b) or (c).

(b) Points from options F to J are available only if:

(i) The applicant is sponsored for a position classified under Health and Care ASHE salary; or (ii) The application is made before 4 April 2030, the applicant was granted Skilled Worker status under the regulations in force before 4 April 2024, and they have maintained continuous Skilled Worker status since then (except where paragraph 39E applies, which disregards periods of overstaying).

(c) Points from option K can be claimed only if the applicant is sponsored for a role within a specified eligible SOC 2020 occupation code listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

If your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued on or after 4 April 2024, you must be paid at least the ‘standard’ salary rate of £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your specific job, whichever is higher. Each occupation code has its own annual going rate.

Salary Criteria for Scoring Tradeable Points Under Options A to E

To qualify for 20 tradeable points towards the salary requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

Eligibility for Salary Requirements Under Option A

Under Option A, applicants can secure 20 tradeable points if they meet the criteria outlined in paragraph SW8.1 of the Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules. Specifically, the applicant’s salary must meet or exceed:

• An annual amount of £38,700, and
• The standard rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, as specified in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations in the Immigration Rules.

Option B (PhD in a Relevant Discipline)
Under Option B, an applicant can accrue 20 tradeable points if they possess a PhD in a field pertinent to the job, in accordance with paragraphs SW9.1 to SW9.4 of Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules. To qualify, the applicant’s salary must meet or exceed both:

• £34,830 per annum, and
• 90% of the prevailing rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, as outlined in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option C (PhD in a STEM Discipline)
Applicants can earn 20 tradeable points under Option C if they hold a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the role, as per paragraphs SW10.1 to SW10.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules. The salary must equal or exceed both:

• £30,960 per annum, and
• 80% of the prevailing rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, according to Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option D (Job on the Immigration Salary List)
Under Option D, an applicant can score 20 tradeable points if they are sponsored for a role listed on the Immigration Salary List, in line with SW11.1 to SW11.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker. To qualify, the salary must meet or surpass both:

• £30,960 per annum, and
• The prevailing rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, as detailed in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option E (New Entrant)
Applicants can achieve 20 tradeable points under Option E if they are new entrants at the outset of their career, following the criteria set out in SW12.1 to SW12.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker. The salary must be at least:

• £30,960 per annum, and
• 70% of the prevailing rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, as specified in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa: Options F to J

To qualify for 20 points under Options F to J for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Health and Care ASHE Salary Job: The applicant is sponsored for a position classified under the Health and Care ASHE salary category.
2. Historical Application Conditions: If applying before April 4, 2030, and previously granted permission under Skilled Worker rules prior to April 4, 2024, continuous permission must be maintained, except where paragraph 39E applies, in which case overstaying is disregarded.

Applicants can earn 20 tradeable points under Options F to J by meeting the specified salary requirements outlined below:

Option F: Meeting the Salary Threshold

Under Option F, as detailed in SW8.1 of Appendix Skilled Worker, applicants can score 20 tradeable points if their salary meets or exceeds:

• £29,000 annually, and
• The going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as specified in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option G: PhD in a Relevant Subject

For Option G, in line with SW9.1 to 9.4 of Appendix Skilled Worker, applicants with a PhD in a relevant subject can secure 20 tradeable points if their salary is:

• £26,100 per year, and
• 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as detailed in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option H: PhD in a STEM Subject

Under Option H, according to SW9.1 to 9.4 of Appendix Skilled Worker, those with a PhD in a STEM subject can earn 20 points if their salary meets:

• £23,200 annually, and
• 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as outlined in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option I: Job on the Immigration Salary List

For Option I, per SW11.1 to SW11.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker, applicants can receive 20 tradeable points if they are sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List with a salary of:

• £23,200 per year, and
• The going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as set forth in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option J: New Entrant

Under Option J, as specified in SW12.1 to 12.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker, new entrants at the beginning of their careers can achieve 20 tradeable points if their salary meets:

• £23,200 annually, and
• 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as described in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option K (Employment in a Designated Health or Education Role)

In accordance with Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, specific codes for health and education roles are enumerated. Compensation rates for these roles are derived from national pay scales and no reductions are permitted. For applicants sponsored under a designated occupation code in Table 3, eligibility for tradeable points is limited to Option K.

Applicants seeking a Skilled Worker visa for the UK may earn 20 tradeable points under Option K, as outlined in SW13.1 to 13.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules. To qualify, the applicant must be sponsored for a position in a listed health or education occupation with a salary that meets or exceeds:

• £23,200 per annum; and
• The standard rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as specified in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules.

Can I Utilize Priority/Super Priority Services to Transition from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expertise in skilled worker visa applications is unparalleled. As registered specialists in London with Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and UKVCAS Sopra Steria, we offer both Priority and Super Priority Services for transitioning from a student visa to a skilled worker visa. With the Super Priority Service, your application can receive a decision within 24 hours, while the Priority Service ensures a decision within 5 working days.

Our team at Aden & Co Solicitors is adept at expediting your switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa. By leveraging Priority or Super Priority Services, we ensure a swifter decision on your application, eliminating the extended wait times that can sometimes stretch into months or even years. Trust us to streamline your visa transition efficiently and effectively.

How Can We Assist with Transitioning from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Navigating the transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa can be complex. Our dedicated team of immigration experts at Aden & Co Solicitors is here to provide comprehensive legal support and advice, all on a fixed fee basis. Our specialists will manage every aspect of your application to ensure a seamless switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa, including representation until the Home Office UKVI reaches a decision. Our services encompass:

Requirement Guidance: Our expert solicitors will provide detailed advice on the essential criteria you must meet for a successful transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa.

Document Preparation: We will prepare and send you a thorough list of necessary supporting documents for your application, ensuring you are well-equipped for submission.

Document Evaluation: Our team will meticulously review your documents to ensure they comply with immigration regulations and support your application effectively.

Application Form Completion: We will complete the necessary application forms for your transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa with precision.

Priority Service Submission: If necessary, we will expedite your application through the Priority or Super Priority Service to secure a faster decision on your skilled worker visa.

Appointment Scheduling: Following the online submission, we will arrange an appointment at the application centre for your biometric enrolment.

Detailed Cover Letter: Our solicitors will draft a comprehensive cover letter to support your application, outlining the legal justifications required for approval by the Home Office UKVI.

Online Document Upload: Prior to your biometric appointment, we will upload all supporting documents online to ensure they are considered in your application.

Ongoing Support: We will continue to monitor and manage your application until the Home Office UKVI delivers a decision on your skilled worker visa request.

Other Related Services:

What Are the Costs for Transitioning from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

Transitioning from a student visa to a skilled worker visa within the UK involves several expenses. Below, we outline the detailed costs associated with this visa change.

Fixed Fees for Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

Our fixed fees for transitioning from a student visa to a skilled worker visa are priced between £800 + VAT and £1,200 + VAT. This all-inclusive fee covers a comprehensive range of services for your visa switch from within the UK. Our services include expert guidance on documentation, thorough review and verification of your documents, completion and online submission of the application form, scheduling and attending a biometrics appointment, drafting a supportive cover letter, and managing the upload of all necessary supporting documents. We will also handle all follow-up actions until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI.

The final fee will be determined based on the complexity and workload of your case. An initial payment of 50% is required when we commence work on your application, with the remaining balance due upon the final preparation of your application, ready for submission. For expert advice and efficient processing, choose Aden & Co Solicitors.

“Looking for affordable immigration assistance? Book an appointment online for our comprehensive one-time immigration consultation and advice service at a fixed rate of £100 (including VAT). Alternatively, opt for our thorough immigration document verification service for a fixed fee of £300 (including VAT). Trust Aden & Co Solicitors for expert guidance tailored to your needs.”

UKVI Home Office Fees for Visa Switch

When transitioning from a student visa to a skilled worker visa within the UK, the Home Office UKVI application fees are determined by the length of your stay:

• For a stay of up to 3 years, the application fee is £827 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £1,035 annually.
• For a stay exceeding 3 years, the application fee is £1,636 per person, with the IHS also at £1,035 per year.

Applicants in professions listed on the shortage occupation list benefit from reduced fees:

• For a stay of up to 3 years, the fee is £551 per person, with the IHS at £1,035 annually.
• For a stay beyond 3 years, the fee is £1,084 per person, plus the IHS at £1,035 per year.

FAQs – Transitioning from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK

Here are the essential frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the process of transitioning from a student visa to a Skilled Worker Visa within the UK: