Can I Switch From A Student Visa To Skilled Worker Visa Without Completing A Degree Course?

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Eligibility To Switch To A Skilled Worker Visa

If you're currently in the UK on a Student Visa and wish to transition to a Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. The key criteria to help you understand what’s involved and how to prepare for your next steps are:

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa from a Student Visa, you must:

• Have Completed Your Course
  You must have completed your degree course. If you are studying for a full-time PhD, you can apply if your job start date is after at least 24 months of study.

• Have a Valid Job Offer
  You must have a confirmed job offer from an employer who is approved by the UK Home Office.

• Be Sponsored by Your Employer
  Your employer must hold a valid sponsorship licence and must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship specific to the role you've been offered.

• Be Offered an Eligible Role
  The job must be listed on the UK government’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker route.

• Fill a Genuine Vacancy
  Your prospective employer must be offering a legitimate and genuine role.

Additional Considerations

• New Entrants and PhD Holders
  If you’re considered a new entrant to the job market or you hold a PhD, you may be eligible under slightly different criteria, such as in relation to salary expectations or role requirements.

• Financial Support
  You must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself in the UK, unless you’ve already been living in the UK for at least 12 months at the time of your application.

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