Study in UK planning • Nepal applicant guide

How to Switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

Switching from Student permission to the Skilled Worker route can move a UK graduate directly into sponsored employment, but the employer, occupation, salary, course timing and application must all satisfy separate rules. An offer letter alone is not enough.

Fact-checked: 24 July 2026
Course-specific guidance
Official-source workflow

Important: Immigration eligibility is personal and rules change. Confirm the occupation code, salary option, sponsor status, course completion position and application date using current GOV.UK guidance or regulated advice.
Eligibility map

The five tests for a Student to Skilled Worker switch

Treat each test as essential rather than assuming one strong factor can compensate for another.

Test What must be true Evidence
In-country switching Your current route allows switching and the Student-specific course timing condition is met. eVisa status, course dates and university completion evidence.
Approved sponsor The employing legal entity holds the correct Worker sponsor licence. Current sponsor register entry and employer licence details.
Eligible job The actual duties fit an occupation code eligible under current rules. Job description and the employer’s four-digit SOC 2020 code.
Salary Guaranteed basic gross pay meets the applicable general threshold and occupation going rate. Certificate of Sponsorship, contract, hours and official going-rate table.
English A new switch from another route normally requires CEFR B2, unless a valid exemption or accepted evidence applies. Eligible UK degree, approved test or other permitted proof.
Course timing

Meet one Student-specific switching condition

The rules connect course status and the sponsored job start date.

Path Current condition Practical check
Course completed You have completed the course for which you were sponsored. Ask the university when it records and reports completion.
Job starts after course You are on qualifying full-time degree-level study and the job start date is after course completion. Make sure the CoS start date is not earlier than the official completion date.
PhD path You are studying a full-time PhD and the sponsored start date is at least 24 months after the PhD start. Use the CAS and university letter to confirm both dates.
Not yet eligible None of the allowed conditions is met. Do not submit on an assumed future position; resolve timing with the sponsor and university.
Job and sponsor

Audit the offer before the employer assigns the CoS

A sponsor licence does not automatically make every vacancy eligible.

Item Question Red flag
Legal employer Does the company name on the contract match a current register entry? Only a brand or agency name is provided.
Occupation code Do duties genuinely match the code rather than a more convenient salary table? The code is chosen only after salary concerns appear.
Skill eligibility Is the code higher skilled or otherwise eligible under a current permitted list or transition? The employer relies on an old shortage list.
CoS Will the sponsor assign a valid CoS no more than three months before application? You are asked to pay for or obtain a CoS from a third party.
Salary rules

Check both the threshold and the going rate

The higher relevant requirement normally controls.

Salary option Headline position in July 2026 What to verify
Standard Usually at least £41,700 and 100% of the occupation going rate. Guaranteed basic gross pay, hours and correct occupation table.
New entrant Qualifying applicants may use at least £33,400 and 70% of the going rate. Age, recent Student status or training condition and the four-year combined limit.
Relevant PhD A qualifying STEM PhD may use 80% with a £33,400 floor; a qualifying non-STEM PhD may use 90% with a £37,500 floor. The occupation accepts PhD points and the doctorate is relevant.
Health or education Specified occupations can use national pay-scale rules. Correct occupation, pay scale and the dedicated official guidance.
Documents

Prepare the application evidence in one file

The online form may ask for more evidence depending on the role and circumstances.

Document Purpose Control
CoS reference Links the application to sponsor, role, salary and dates. Check every field against the written offer before submission.
Passport and eVisa Proves identity, nationality and current status. Keep UKVI account and travel document details current.
English evidence Shows B2 or an applicable exemption or previously accepted basis. A UK degree can usually prove English when it meets the official conditions.
Additional evidence May include savings, relationship documents, ATAS or professional registration. Use the route checklist for the specific occupation and family application.
Application timing

Protect lawful status and the job start

Coordinate university reporting, CoS validity and visa expiry.

Moment Action Risk to avoid
Before application Confirm course condition, sponsor licence, occupation, salary and CoS. Submitting because the Student visa is close to expiry without full eligibility.
Submission Apply online in the UK before current permission expires and pay required charges. Using the wrong route or inconsistent job details.
While pending Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. Travel normally withdraws an in-country application.
Work start Follow current Student conditions and the specific pending-application exception. Starting a permanent full-time vacancy merely because an offer was accepted.
After approval

Understand the sponsored employment relationship

Skilled Worker permission is less flexible than Graduate permission.

Change Likely immigration action Planning habit
New employer A new CoS and visa update are normally required before starting. Check sponsorship before resigning.
Different occupation An update may be required when the occupation code changes. Ask the sponsor’s immigration team before duties change materially.
Salary or hours A reduction can affect threshold and going-rate compliance. Keep contracts, payslips and change letters.
Job ends Permission can be affected and options may be time-sensitive. Get regulated advice promptly and keep contact details current with UKVI.
Decision plan

A direct-switch checklist for graduates

Compare direct sponsorship with the Graduate route rather than assuming one route is always better.

Question Direct Skilled Worker advantage Graduate route advantage
Eligible offer ready? Starts sponsored employment and potential settlement-route time sooner. Allows continued search when the offer does not meet sponsorship rules.
Career certainty? Fits a stable occupation and committed sponsor. Permits most jobs and easier employer changes.
Salary met? Route can be used immediately when the correct option is satisfied. Can cover lawful work below Skilled Worker thresholds while experience grows.
Timing safe? Avoids using Graduate permission first. Provides a buffer when course reporting or recruitment timing is uncertain.
MKS Education AIO support

Turn a broad university list into an evidence-based shortlist

MKS Education helps Nepali students compare the exact course, campus, intake, entry route, tuition terms, deposit and CAS conditions—not just a university name. Our counselling team near Shankerdev Campus can review your academic timeline, documents and budget, identify questions that still need written confirmation, and help you prepare a transparent application.

Admissions and immigration decisions always remain with the university and UK authorities. We do not promise admission, a scholarship, a placement or a visa; we help you build a clear, verifiable plan.

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Official sources

Verify before paying or applying

Policies can change by course and intake. Use these official sources, then confirm any unresolved point with the university in writing.

Final decision checklist

  • Confirm one Student-specific switching condition.
  • Match the legal employer to the current sponsor register.
  • Verify occupation code, skill eligibility, salary and going rate.
  • Check CoS details, English evidence and visa-expiry timing.
  • Do not travel while the in-country application is pending.

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MKS Education is a study abroad consultancy opposite Shankerdev Campus in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. We help Nepali students review profiles, shortlist universities and courses, prepare applications, organise documents, research scholarships, and plan CAS and visa-file stages using current official sources. Universities and immigration authorities make all admission and visa decisions.

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