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Switching from Student to Skilled Worker

The key timing, course-completion and sponsorship questions before an inside-UK switch.

Resource type
Practical scenario
Last reviewed
26 July 2026
Official sources
2
Platform role
Information only
General information, not a personal recommendation

Use these guides to understand published UK immigration requirements and questions to check. Confirm the current rule on GOV.UK and obtain regulated advice for your own circumstances.

Plain-English starting point

What the published framework generally means

Switching may be possible, but the current Student permission, course position, job, sponsor and timing must satisfy the Skilled Worker switching rules.

Build the facts

Check these points now

  • Current Student permission and course dates
  • Whether the employer is licensed
  • Role eligibility and salary rules
  • The exact condition that permits the inside-UK switch

Avoid assumptions

Watch for these risks

  • Assuming any graduate job qualifies
  • Using an incorrect course-completion date
  • Beginning full-time permanent work too early
  • Travelling while an in-country application is pending

Official starting points

Read the current source

Personal circumstances?

Know when a guide is no longer enough

Eligibility assessments, evidence reviews, application preparation and representation should be handled by a suitably regulated professional.

Verify a regulated professional