Changing From UK Student or Dependant Visa to Skilled Worker Visa – The United Kingdom is known for its world-class universities and welcoming culture. As a result, it’s no surprise that many individuals come to the UK on a student or dependant visa. However, once their studies are completed, or their dependent status expires, they may wish to remain in the UK to work. In such cases, switching to a skilled worker visa is necessary.
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This article will discuss the steps involved in switching from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa and provide you with the information you need.
What is a UK Student or Dependent Visa?
The UK student or dependant visa is a temporary visa that allows international students and their dependants to study or live in the UK. On the other hand, the skilled worker visa is a type of UK work visa that allows skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work in the UK.
If you’re an international student or a dependant of an international student who wants to work in the UK, you’ll need to switch from your student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa.
What is a skilled worker visa?
A skilled worker visa is a UK visa that allows individuals to work in the UK for a UK employer. Anyone who wants to be eligible for this type of visa must have a job offer from a UK employer that meets specific requirements. These requirements include the skill level and salary offered by the employer.
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Can a Student Dependant switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
As a student dependant in the UK, you may be wondering if you’re eligible to switch to a skilled worker visa. The answer is yes! To be eligible, you must secure a job offer from a UK employer that meets the skill level and salary requirements set by the UK government and other eligibility requirements such as English language proficiency and criminal record checks.
With a skilled worker visa, you’ll have the ability to work and live in the UK for a longer period, access public services, and potentially settle in the UK. Keep in mind that the skilled worker visa application process can take several weeks. However, it’s important to start the process well in advance of the expiration of your current visa.
Eligibility for a skilled worker visa
Individuals must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a skilled worker visa. These requirements include:
A job offer from a UK employer: You should get a job offer from a UK employer that is willing to sponsor you. The job must also meet the UK government’s skill level and salary requirements.
English language proficiency: Individuals must understand, write, speak, read, and write at a required level.
Education and qualifications: You must have the necessary qualifications to do the job.
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship: The UK employer must provide the individual with a Certificate of Sponsorship. This certificate confirms that the employer has a genuine job offer for the individual.
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Financial requirements: Individuals must have enough money to support themselves and any dependants while in the UK.
Criminal record check: The applicants or involved Individuals must show their criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
How to change from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can begin the process of switching from your student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa. Below are the steps you need to guide you:
Find a job offer
The first step in switching from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa is to find a job offer from an employer that meets the UK government’s skill level and salary requirements. This can be done by searching online job portals, networking with professionals in the industry, or applying for jobs directly with UK employers.
Check if the job is eligible
You must make sure that the job meets the skill level and salary requirements set by the UK government. You can check this on the UK government website. Note that this is a very important step when Changing From UK Student or Dependant Visa to Skilled Worker Visa.
Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship
Once a job offer has been secured, the UK employer will need to provide the individual with a Certificate of Sponsorship. This certificate confirms that the employer has a genuine job offer for the individual. The UK employer will need to apply for the Certificate of Sponsorship on the individual’s behalf.
Apply for a skilled worker visa
After receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship, they can apply for a skilled worker visa. This can be done online or by filling out a paper application form. The application will require the individual to provide personal information, biometric information, and documentation to support their application.
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Attend a biometric appointment
After submitting the skilled worker visa application, the individual will need to attend a biometric appointment. During this appointment, you will be asked to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
Wait for a decision
After attending the biometric appointment, the individual will receive a decision on their skilled worker visa application within a few weeks. If the application is successful, the individual will be granted a skilled worker visa.
Benefits of switching from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa
Switching from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa comes with several benefits. These benefits include:
The ability to work in the UK: A skilled worker visa allows individuals to work in the UK for their employer.
The opportunity to live in the UK for longer: A skilled worker visa is valid for up to 5 years, allowing individuals to live in the UK for a longer period.
The potential to settle in the UK: After living on a skilled worker visa in the UK over a considerable period, individuals can now apply for settlement in the UK.
Access to public services: Individuals with a skilled worker visa are entitled to access public services, such as healthcare and education.
The ability to bring family members to the UK: Individuals with a skilled worker visa can bring their spouse or partner and any dependent children to live with them in the UK.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, switching from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa is necessary for those wanting to work in the UK. To get a skilled worker visa, you must meet certain requirements, such as a job offer from a UK employer that meets the UK government’s skill level and salary requirements.
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Suppose you’re eligible for a skilled worker visa. In that case, switching visas involves finding a job offer, applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship, applying for a skilled worker visa, attending a biometric appointment, and waiting for a decision. Once you have a skilled worker visa, you’ll be able to work in the UK, live in the UK for a longer period, and possibly even obtain permanent residency.
We hope this article has given you first-rate information about switching from a UK student or dependant visa to a skilled worker visa. Good luck with your visa application!