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Many international students finish their studies in the UK and want to stay to work. The good news is that most students can switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa without leaving the UK — as long as they meet the requirements.

This step-by-step guide explains how switching works, what documents are needed, and how employers can sponsor graduates.

✅ Can You Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes — most students can switch inside the UK if:

• They have a confirmed job offer
• The employer holds a Sponsor Licence
• The job meets the Skilled Worker salary and skill level
• They receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Students do not need to leave the UK to apply, which makes the process faster and easier.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Switch

✅ Step 1: Get a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

The employer must be approved by the Home Office.
They must offer a genuine skilled job that meets the salary and occupation code rules.

Many graduates receive jobs through:

• Graduate schemes
• Internships that convert to full-time roles
• Direct job applications

✅ Step 2: Employer Issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once the offer is confirmed, the employer assigns a digital Certificate of Sponsorship.

The CoS includes:

• Job title and occupation code
• Salary
• Start date
• Sponsor details

The visa application cannot be started without the CoS number.

✅ Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Students normally need:

• Passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Proof of English level (degree is usually enough)
• TB test (if applicable)
• Police clearance (for certain roles)
• Financial evidence, unless employer certifies maintenance

If you completed a degree in the UK, your English requirement is automatically met — you do not need another test.

✅ Step 4: Apply Online for the Skilled Worker Visa

The application is done on the UK Government website.
You will provide:

• Personal details
• Travel history
• Passport details
• CoS information
• Payment for visa and IHS (Health and Care visa has no IHS)

After submitting, you will be asked to verify identity and provide biometrics.

✅ Step 5: Biometrics and Identity Check

You will either:

• Use the ID Check App on your phone, or
• Visit a visa application centre and submit fingerprints and a photo

✅ Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Most applications take around 8 weeks inside the UK.
Priority services can be used for faster results if available.

Once approved, you can start working full-time for your sponsor.

✅ Can You Work Full-Time While Switching?

You can work full-time after your Skilled Worker Visa is granted.

Before approval, you must follow Student Visa work rules, unless:

• You finished your degree
• Your course officially ended
• Your CAS end date has passed
• OR you moved to the Graduate Visa

If unsure, professional advice is recommended to avoid breaches.

✅ How Long Does the Visa Last?

Up to 5 years at a time.
After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if eligible.

✅ Can Family Members Stay With You?

Yes.
Dependants can switch with you if they already live in the UK, or apply from abroad if new dependants are joining.

✅ Why Applicants Get Refused

Common reasons include:

• Wrong occupation code
• Salary below minimum
• Employer is not a licensed sponsor
• Missing documents
• Incorrect application information

Working with a regulated immigration adviser reduces the risk.

✅ How Stonebridge Legal Solutions Helps

Stonebridge assists with:

• Skilled Worker applications
• Switching from Student Visa
• Employer sponsorship and CoS
• HR and compliance
• ILR planning for the future

If you are graduating and want to stay in the UK, professional guidance protects your immigration status and helps you start your career smoothly.

📞 Contact Stonebridge Legal Solutions today for help switching to a Skilled Worker Visa.

The UK offers more than one route for foreign workers to come to the country. Two of the most popular are the Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Visa. Both allow individuals to work and live in the UK, but they are not the same. Each has different advantages, requirements, and processing rules.

This guide explains the key differences in simple terms so applicants and employers can choose the right option.

✅ What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa is a general work visa for a wide range of professional roles across many industries.
It applies to jobs at the required skill level, including:

• IT and technology
• Engineering
• Finance
• Management
• Construction
• Hospitality
• Healthcare (non-sponsored care workers can also use this route)

If the job meets the salary and occupation code requirements, the applicant can qualify.

✅ What is the Health and Care Visa?

The Health and Care Visa is a special version of the Skilled Worker route.
It is designed specifically for:

• Qualified doctors
• Nurses
• Health professionals
• Adult care workers
• Senior care workers
• Certain medical and care sector roles

This route is faster, cheaper, and prioritised by the Home Office because of the UK’s staffing needs in the health and care sector.

✅ Key Differences Between the Visas

✅ 1. Eligible Jobs

• Skilled Worker Visa: Wide range of professions in different industries
• Health and Care Visa: Only healthcare and adult social care roles

So an IT developer must use the Skilled Worker Visa, but a nurse would normally use the Health and Care Visa.

✅ 2. Visa Fees and Costs

The Health and Care Visa is cheaper because the government wants to attract healthcare workers.

• Lower visa fees
• No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Workers in other industries under the Skilled Worker route must normally pay both visa fees and IHS.

✅ 3. Processing Time

Health and Care visas are usually faster, as the Home Office prioritises them.

• Many cases receive decisions quicker than standard Skilled Worker applications

Skilled Worker applications also move efficiently, but do not receive automatic priority unless paid for.

✅ 4. Employer Requirements

Both visas require:

• A licensed sponsor
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• Jobs meeting salary and occupation code rules

However, care providers must show genuine business need and compliance, as social care roles are closely monitored.

✅ 5. Family Members

Both visas allow dependants to join:

• Husband or wife
• Unmarried partner (if eligible)
• Children under 18

Family members will have similar visa lengths and work rights.

✅ 6. Path to Permanent Residency

Both routes can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the applicant meets:

• Five years’ residence
• Salary requirement
• Continuous lawful employment
• English language and Life in the UK test for ILR

So both visas offer a pathway to settlement in the UK.

✅ Which Visa is Better?

It depends on the job.

✅ If the applicant works in healthcare or adult social care, the Health and Care Visa is usually the best option because it is faster and cheaper.
✅ If the applicant works in another professional field, the Skilled Worker Visa is the correct route.

Some healthcare applicants also choose Skilled Worker if they do not qualify under Health and Care rules.

✅ How Stonebridge Legal Solutions Helps

Stonebridge supports:

• Skilled Worker Visa applications
• Health and Care Visa applications
• Sponsor Licence for employers
• Certificate of Sponsorship issuance
• Switching from Student to Skilled Worker
• ILR for Skilled Workers and Health & Care workers

Whether you are an employer or applicant, professional guidance ensures a smooth and compliant process.

📞 Contact Stonebridge Legal Solutions today for expert advice on the right visa option for your situation.

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most popular immigration routes for working in the UK. But to qualify, applicants must meet specific immigration requirements based on job type, salary, employer status, and English language rules.

This guide explains the full Skilled Worker Visa requirements for 2025 in simple, clear steps.

✅ 1. You Must Have a Sponsored Job Offer

To apply, the worker must first have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is licensed by the Home Office.

A valid job offer must:

• Be genuine and needed for the organisation
• Be at the correct skill level
• Meet the minimum salary rules
• Include a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number

If the employer is not a licensed sponsor, they must apply for a Sponsor Licence before hiring anyone on this visa.

✅ 2. The Job Must Be on an Approved Occupation Code

Each Skilled Worker job is linked to a specific occupation code that sets the required pay and skill level.

Examples of approved roles include:

• IT professionals
• Engineers
• Accountants
• Chefs
• Managers
• Care workers (for Health and Care Visa route)
• Health professionals

The employer must choose the correct code and prove the role is genuine.

✅ 3. Minimum Salary Requirement

To qualify, the salary must meet the required threshold for that specific occupation code.

In most cases:

• The job must pay at least the “going rate” for that role,
• And it must meet the minimum national salary level set for Skilled Workers.

Salary requirements can vary based on the occupation code, hours, and experience.
Paying a lower salary than the law allows can lead to visa refusal.

✅ 4. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Home Office system.
The CoS confirms:

• Job details
• Salary
• Work location
• Contract dates
• Sponsor information

The worker cannot apply without this certificate.

✅ 5. English Language Requirement

The applicant must prove English ability at Level B1 (intermediate) in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

This can be met through:

• An approved English test
• A qualifying UK degree
• A degree taught in English
• Being a citizen of an English-speaking country (where accepted)

✅ 6. Financial Requirement (Maintenance Funds)

Applicants must show they can support themselves unless the employer certifies maintenance.

If required, they must show personal savings — normally 28 days of bank statements showing the minimum amount set by Home Office.

Many employers choose to certify maintenance so the worker does not need personal funds.

✅ 7. Police Clearance & TB Test (If Required)

Depending on nationality and job sector, applicants may need:

• Tuberculosis test (from approved clinics if applying from a listed country)
• Police clearance or criminal record certificate for certain roles such as healthcare and education

✅ 8. Application and Biometrics

After submitting the online visa form and paying the fees, the worker must:

• Provide identity verification
• Give fingerprints and a photograph
• Upload documents

Decisions are usually given within:

• About 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
• Around 8 weeks if switching visas from inside the UK

Priority processing may be available.

✅ 9. How Long Does the Visa Last?

Most Skilled Worker Visas last up to 5 years.
The worker can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the long-term residence and salary rules after 5 years.

✅ 10. Can Family Members Join?

Yes.
Skilled Workers can bring:

• Husband or wife
• Unmarried partner (if eligible)
• Children under 18

Each dependent must submit their own visa application.

✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many visas are refused because of:

• Incorrect occupation code
• Salary below required level
• Missing documents
• Employer is not compliant
• Wrong or incomplete application forms
• Using an unlicensed sponsor

Professional guidance avoids these costly problems.

✅ How Stonebridge Legal Solutions Can Help

Stonebridge assists:

• Skilled Worker Visa applications
• Employer sponsorship
• CoS issuance
• Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker
• Compliance and HR setup for UK employers
• ILR applications for Skilled Workers

With expert support, the process becomes faster, safer and stress-free.

📞 Contact Stonebridge Legal Solutions today for Skilled Worker Visa help or a business consultation.

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified workers to move to the UK and work for a Home Office-approved employer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) Visa and is now the main route for hiring overseas employees.

This guide explains the process step-by-step, the documents required, and what applicants and employers must prepare.

✅ Who Can Apply?

1. A person can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa if:
2. They have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer
3. The employer holds a valid Sponsor Licence
4. The job is on an eligible occupation code
5. The salary meets the required threshold
6. They meet English language and financial requirements

If these boxes are ticked, the applicant can continue to the full process below.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

✅ Step 1: Get a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

The employer must be approved by the Home Office and listed on the UK Register of Sponsors.
If a company is not licensed, they must apply for a Sponsor Licence first.

The job offer must be:

• Genuine
• Skilled to the correct level
• Paid at or above the legal salary requirement

✅ Step 2: Employer Issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once the job is confirmed, the employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Sponsorship Management System.

The CoS contains:

1. Employer details
2. Job title and occupation code
3. Working hours
4. Salary
5. Start and end dates of employment
6. Unique reference number for the visa application

The worker cannot apply for a visa without this number.

✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants will normally need:

• Valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship number
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Proof of qualifications (if required for the job)
• TB test certificate (for certain countries)
• Police clearance (if requested)

If the employer certifies maintenance, the applicant does not need their own bank statements.

✅ Step 4: Apply Online for the Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is applied through the UK Government website.
The application requires:

• Personal information
• Travel history
• Passport details
• Employment and CoS details
• Payment of fees and Immigration Health Surcharge

Most applicants apply from outside the UK, but people already in the UK on eligible visas (such as Student Visa) can switch.

✅ Step 5: Biometrics and Identity Verification

After submitting the online form, the applicant must:

• Attend a visa application centre, or
• Use the UK Immigration ID Check app (for eligible nationals)

Biometrics will be recorded: fingerprints and photograph.

✅ Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Processing times depend on where the applicant applies:

• Outside the UK: usually around 3 weeks
• Inside the UK (switching or extension): normally 8 weeks

Priority services may be available for a faster decision.

✅ Step 7: Travel and Start Work

When the visa is granted, the applicant receives a digital status or visa vignette.
Upon arrival in the UK, they can start working for the sponsor exactly as described in the CoS.

✅ How Long Can Someone Stay on a Skilled Worker Visa?

Most visas are granted for up to 5 years at a time.
Workers can later apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the residence and salary requirements.

✅ Can Family Members Join?

Yes. Skilled Workers can bring:

• Husband or wife
• Unmarried partner (if eligible)
• Children under 18

Each family member must submit their own visa application.

✅ Common Reasons Applications Are Refused

• Wrong or false occupation code
• Salary below the required level
• Missing documents
• Employer is not compliant
• Errors on application form
• Previous immigration history problems

Professional guidance helps avoid costly mistakes.

✅ How Stonebridge Legal Solutions Can Help

Stonebridge supports both employers and overseas workers with:

• Skilled Worker Visa applications
• Sponsor Licence for businesses
• Certificate of Sponsorship assignment
• Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa
• ILR applications for Skilled Workers

📞 Contact Stonebridge Legal Solutions today for expert guidance through the Skilled Worker process.