Skilled Worker visa
Switch to this visa
You might be able to apply to change (鈥榮witch鈥�) to a Skilled Worker visa if you鈥檙e already in the UK on a different type of visa.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Your partner and children
Your partner or child鈥檚 visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.
They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
If you鈥檙e switching to this visa as a care worker or senior care worker, your partner or child will not be able to switch as your dependant to this visa.
Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements:
If you鈥檙e currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
- you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
- your job start date is after your course has finished
- you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months
Who cannot apply to switch to this visa
You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you鈥檙e currently in the UK:
- on a visit visa
- on a short-term student visa
- on a Parent of a Child Student visa
- on a seasonal worker visa
- on a domestic worker in a private household visa
- on immigration bail
- because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds
You must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad if you鈥檙e in one of these categories.
Fees
Each person applying will need to pay:
- the visa application fee
- the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay
You鈥檒l also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there鈥檚 no fee for this.
If you鈥檝e been in the UK for less than 1 year, you鈥檒l also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.
Proving your identity and providing supporting documents
As part of your application you鈥檒l need to prove your identity.
How you do this depends on where you鈥檙e from and the type of passport you have.
You鈥檒l either:
- use the 鈥楿K Immigration: ID Check鈥� app to scan your identity document - you鈥檒l also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
- have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point
You鈥檒l be told what you need to do when you apply.
Apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa
You must apply online before your current visa expires.
Once you鈥檝e started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
Continue your application
Find out how to sign in to your account.
How long it takes to get a decision
You鈥檒l usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.
You鈥檒l be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- you need to attend an interview
- of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you鈥檒l be told if you can when you apply.
After you apply
If you need to change something in your application after you鈥檝e sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can ask to cancel your application. You鈥檒l only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
You鈥檒l get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.