Eligible students can switch directly into the Skilled Worker route when they obtain a qualifying sponsored job and satisfy the switching conditions. A Graduate visa is not a compulsory intermediate step.

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At a glance

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Who it is for: Students in the UK moving into eligible sponsored employment.

Sponsorship: A licensed employer and valid CoS are required.

English: Normally B2, which an eligible UK degree or other accepted evidence may satisfy.

Salary:

 

The applicable Skilled Worker threshold and going rate, with a qualifying new-entrant option in some cases.
Settlement: Potentially after five years of qualifying residence under current Skilled Worker rules.

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When a Student can switch

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You must meet one of the following conditions:

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You have completed the course for which your CAS was assigned, including a permitted course change; or

You are studying a full-time degree-level course or above with a higher education provider that has a track record of compliance, and the CoS job-start date is no earlier than your course-completion date; or

You are studying a full-time PhD with such a provider, and the CoS job-start date is no earlier than 24 months after the start of that PhD course.

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These conditions govern switching. They do not by themselves remove the work restrictions attached to your existing Student permission.

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Switching into a care-worker or senior-care-worker role in occupation code 6135 or 6136 also requires at least three months' lawful work for the sponsor in one of those occupations, ending on the CoS issue date, and an application before 22 July 2028. That work must comply with your existing Student conditions. The Health and Care Worker page explains the care-specific restrictions.

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Job and Salary Requirements:

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Your employer must hold the appropriate sponsor licence. The job must be genuine, have an eligible occupation code and meet the relevant skill level.

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The usual salary threshold is £41,700 a year and the applicable going rate, whichever is higher. Where the job and applicant qualify for the new-entrant option, the standard reduced threshold is at least £33,400 and 70% of the going rate.

 

Different provisions apply to certain healthcare and education roles.

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Being a recent graduate does not automatically qualify you for a salary reduction. The precise new-entrant definition and occupation restrictions must be checked.

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The new-entrant provisions carry a four-year combined permission limit, counting Skilled Worker, Graduate and Tier 2 permission, whether continuous or not. Graduate time can therefore reduce the period available at the discounted salary. Student permission itself does not use up that four-year allowance.

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English and Maintenance Requirements: 

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New applicants normally need B2 English. A qualifying UK degree may satisfy this, but a Student visa alone should not be treated as proof that every Skilled Worker English condition is met.

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Eligible in-country applicants with at least 12 months' lawful residence generally do not need to show maintenance funds. Otherwise, £1,270 held for the required 28-day period or eligible sponsor certification is normally required.

 

Dependants and future planning:

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Family eligibility must be assessed under the Skilled Worker rules, including restrictions for medium-skilled and care occupations. Family members do not automatically switch when the main applicant changes route.

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Their existing permission normally remains valid until its original expiry date, but eligibility for a further dependant application must be checked separately. Existing Student or Graduate dependant status does not, by itself, overcome the care-worker dependant restrictions. Qualifying transitional protections and child exceptions must be assessed.

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Student and Graduate permission do not count towards the ordinary five-year Skilled Worker settlement period. From 26 March 2027, B2 English is required at settlement, subject to exemptions.

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Evidence commonly required:

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Passport and current status; CAS and course dates; completion evidence or the relevant PhD study record; CoS; occupation, salary and hours details; English evidence; and any necessary maintenance, official scholarship-consent, ATAS or family documents.

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Application process:

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Check the switching date and employment conditions, assess sponsorship and any new-entrant reduction, obtain the CoS, then submit a valid application before Student permission expires. Check when work may lawfully begin and avoid overseas travel that would withdraw a pending in-country application.

 

Common issues:

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An incorrect job-start date, salary below the applicable minimum, an exhausted new-entrant allowance or starting work outside Student conditions can create problems.

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Frequently asked questions

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Must I obtain a Graduate visa first?

No. Direct switching is possible if all relevant requirements are met.

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Can I start unrestricted full-time work as soon as I receive a CoS?

No. A CoS alone does not change your immigration conditions. Any permission to begin work while an application is pending must be checked against the specific Student rules.

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