Studying in the United Kingdom has always been an attractive prospect for international students seeking world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. To pursue their academic dreams in the UK, applicants need to obtain a student visa. However, recent changes in UK immigration regulations have brought about alterations to the student visa system, particularly regarding the ability to switch to a skilled worker visa. In this blog, we will explore the updated rules and the implications they have on international students looking to transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa.
Previously, international students on a UK student visa had the opportunity to switch to a skilled worker. This flexibility allowed graduates to transition seamlessly into the professional workforce in the UK, leveraging the skills and knowledge gained during their academic journey.
However, under the new rules implemented, the process of switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from a student visa has undergone notable changes.
Applicants who intend to switch from a student visa to a Skilled Worker Visa must now fulfil the following criteria:
Condition A: Course Completion: Condition A remains unchanged, requiring applicants to have completed the course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was assigned or a course covered under ST 27.3 of Appendix Student.
Condition B: Full-Time Degree Level Study: To switch to a skilled worker visa, applicants must now meet the following criteria:
- Studying a full-time course at degree level or above with a higher education provider that has a track record of compliance.
- The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued for the skilled worker visa must have a start date no earlier than the course completion date.
Condition C: PhD Course of Study: Condition C is applicable for students pursuing a PhD and requires the following:
- Enrolled in a full-time course of study leading to the award of a PhD with a higher education provider known for compliance.
- The CoS issued for the skilled worker visa must have a start date no earlier than 24 months after the start date of the PhD course.
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https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-worker
