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Table of Contents
What is the Graduate Visa UK?
The Graduate route was introduced as a new, distinct route in 2021, nine years after the Tier-1 (Post-Study Work Visa) was closed (in 2012). This visa allows international students who have completed their degree in the UK to stay and work here up to:
- 2 years for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders
- 3 years for PhD or doctoral degree holders
Key Benefits:
- No need for employer sponsorship
- You can work in all roles
- Ideal to build your work experience in the UK
Limitations:
- The visa is non-renewable (cannot be extended)
- It does not allow for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- There is no employer compliance, so you are at risk of losing the visa without a switch
For ambitious graduates who wish to stay in the UK and progress beyond this stage, they will need to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Why Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa UK?
There are multiple benefits to switching from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK:
- You can stay in the UK for up to 5 more years.
- It gives you eligibility for an Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
- Creates a stable environment for the employer to sponsor as per compliance.
- You can build your career by working on international work, promotions, and client work.
- You are allowed to work on roles that involve sensitive data or intellectual property.
Who is Eligible to Switch from Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa?
To be eligible for applying for the Skilled Worker Visa, you should be:
- Living in the UK at the time of application submission.
- Holding a valid Graduate Visa.
- Having a job offer letter from a UKVI-approved skilled worker visa sponsor list.
- Confident that the job is listed in the skilled worker occupation list.
- Meeting the minimum salary requirements:
- From April 2024, £38,700 for most roles or the going rate, whichever is higher
- Can be higher for some roles
- Fluent in English and meeting the financial requirements to stay in the UK.
The salary threshold may be different for certain professions like teaching, healthcare, or other roles, so you need to check with the official government website.
What Documents Do I Need for the Visa Switch?
Moving on to the next step, you will now need to ensure all documents are available at the time of submission. Here’s a checklist for both parties:
From the Employee:
- Valid passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if applicable)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- A UK degree certificate or transcript
- Criminal record certificate (for sensitive roles)
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
From the Employer:
- A valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence
- Assignment of an undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- The job title and responsibilities
- Correct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code
- Confirmation of salary meeting the threshold
- A signed employment contract
- Company details as per UKVI
How to Switch from Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa
Step 1: Check for CoS Allocation
Employers will first need to log into their Sponsor Management System (SMS) and see how many undefined CoS are left to use. If needed, apply for a larger allocation and wait approximately 18 weeks to receive it.
Step 2: Assign an Undefined CoS
After getting the CoS, the sponsor will need to assign one who has:
- A job title and SOC code
- Complete job responsibilities are mentioned
- Full details about the salary
- A valid work address and the start of the first day of the job
- A defined work pattern, whether full-time or part-time
Step 3: Skilled Worker Visa Application Submission
Once you have the CoS reference, the next step is to apply for the Skilled Worker visa via the UKVI portal, ensuring that every detail matches the CoS.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
- CoS Assignment Fee: £525
- Immigration Skills Charge (may increase to 32% within 2025):
- Small sponsors: £364/year
- Medium/Large sponsors: £1,000/year
- Immigration Health Surcharge (paid by applicant): £1,035/year
- Priority Service (optional): ~£800
Skilled worker visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are subject to change. Applicants should always verify the current amounts on the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website before applying.
Step 5: Processing Time
The decision time can take up to weeks:
- Standard: Up to 8 weeks
- Priority: 5 working days
- Super Priority: 1 working day (subject to availability)
Once the decision is made, you will receive an official email along with details to submit your biometric details through the given instructions.
Step 6: Start Working and Updating Records
Once the application is approved, you can:
- Update the HR system and add new visa expiry dates
- Make sure that the right-to-work documentation is valid
- Ensure that you remain compliant with UKVI rules
- Keep a record of CoS issuance and other details
Skilled Worker Visa Extension and ILR
Once granted, the Skilled Worker Visa can be:
- Extended before expiry
- Used to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years
To qualify for ILR, ensure:
- Your role and salary meet current criteria
- You have had no extended absences from the UK
- You pass the Life in the UK test and meet English requirements
Employer Sponsorship Responsibilities
Employers must:
- Hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence
- Assign the correct SOC code and salary level
- Submit accurate CoS documentation
- Track visa expiry dates and job changes
- Report changes via SMS to UKVI
- Maintain copies of contracts, job descriptions, and CoS letters
Common Employer Mistakes:
- Using a defined CoS instead of an undefined (for in-country applications)
- Assigning an incorrect SOC code
- Failing to report job location or role changes
- Delaying CoS assignment until late in the visa lifecycle
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to fines, audits, or licence suspension by UKVI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you must be physically present in the UK at the time of applying for the Skilled Worker Visa.
Under section 3C leave, you are allowed to keep working once you have applied for the visa switch status.
You are not allowed to move during the processing time and will need to stay in the UK until the UKVI finalises your visa decision.
Once your visa category is changed, you will require a new employment contract that is aligned with the CoS and requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa.
In that case, the employer will need to apply for a new one through UKVI before they can sponsor you. It can take a couple of weeks for the process to complete.
Ready to Switch to Your New Visa?
Switching from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa is a big step for every international graduate with big dreams in the UK. Talk to our immigration specialist at Legend Consults today. We will help you make every minute count whilst you are staying in the UK.
Switching from Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa UK is so common among many international graduates. Basically, they leverage their ability to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa and get permanent settlement in the UK. This blog guides you on how to switch step by step.
