Switching to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK

You might be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you are already in the UK on a different type of visa (GOV.UK). Your job must meet the eligibility requirements and you must meet the English requirement. Visitors and some other visa holders cannot switch. You apply online and usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

What do I need to switch to a Skilled Worker visa?

You must meet both of these:

• your job meets the eligibility requirements
• you can speak, read, write and understand English (see English language)

If you are in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of these:

• you have finished the course you were sponsored to study
• your job start date is after your course has finished
• you are studying for a PhD full time, and have been for at least 24 months

The rules set out the Student conditions in their own words (SW 1.5A). They refer to finishing the course, or studying a full-time degree-level course or PhD. In that case your certificate of sponsorship start date must be no earlier than the point the rule states.

Who cannot switch to a Skilled Worker visa?

You cannot switch if you are 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

The rules list the same groups (SW 1.5ZA). If you are in one of these groups, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad.

Can I switch to become a prison officer?

Yes. You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa to become a prison officer (SOC 3314). These are the conditions:

Condition	What GOV.UK says
Certificate of sponsorship	You must get it on or before 31 December 2026
Length of sponsorship	Your employer can sponsor you for up to 3 years
Minimum salary	The higher of £31,300 and the “lower going rate” for prison officers

See going rates for the rate by code.

What happens to my partner and children?

Your partner’s or child’s visa will not switch automatically if you switch yours. If they do not switch, it is valid until its original end date. They can apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa runs out.

Your partner or children may be inside the UK. You may be switching as a care worker, a senior care worker or someone with a job listed as “medium skilled”. Then they can apply to switch as your dependant if any of these is true:

• they are your child and they were born in the UK
• they are your child, you are their only living parent and you are responsible for them
• they are your child and their other parent is also sponsored for a job listed as “medium skilled”
• they are your child or partner and you are switching as a prison officer (3314)

If your child was born in the UK but is outside the UK, they can also apply to join you as your dependant. Partner and children has the full dependant rules.

How much does it cost to switch?

Each person applying pays the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay. The appointment to give your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) has no fee.

If you have been in the UK for less than 1 year, you must also prove you have enough money to support yourself. If you have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or longer on the day you apply, you meet the money rule and do not need to show funds (SW 15.1). See fees for the amounts.

How do I apply to switch, and how long does it take?

You must apply online before your current visa runs out. You can save the form and finish it later. If you are inside the UK, the form is called “Skilled Worker” (SW 1.1(b)).

To prove your identity, you either:

• use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app
• give your fingerprints and photo at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You are told which when you apply.

You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. GOV.UK will contact you if it takes longer. Some reasons are:

• your documents need to be checked
• you need an interview
• your personal circumstances

You may be able to pay for a faster decision.

You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. If you do, your application will be withdrawn.

If you need to change something after you send your application, GOV.UK says to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You can ask to cancel the application. You only get your fee back if UKVI has not started processing it.