If you hold a certain type of UK visa where switching is permitted, you may be able to change to a skilled worker visa provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

This includes some individuals who hold visas that are no longer available, such as the Tier 2 intra-company transfer visa.

At Saxon Solicitors, we are specialist UK immigration lawyers. We have a high level of expertise in dealing with visa applications, including switching to skilled worker visas.

We can advise you on the application process and work with you to ensure that you have all of the necessary paperwork to accompany your application. This is not always straightforward and it is important not to miss out any supporting evidence or your application could be rejected.

Our team have a proven track record of success in securing new visas for those already in the UK, including switching to skilled worker visas.

Who can switch to a skilled worker visa?

Those who wish to secure permission to stay in the UK under a skilled worker visa will need to be present in the UK at the time that they make their application. Their current permission to stay cannot be as:

• A visitor to the UK
• A short-term student
• A parent of a child student
• A seasonal worker
• A domestic worker in a private household
• Outside of the immigration rules

Otherwise, provided you are eligible for a skilled worker visa, you are permitted to apply to switch visas.

Eligibility to switch to a skilled worker visa

To apply to switch to a skilled worker visa, you must:

• Be aged 18 or older
• Have an employer who holds a sponsorship licence and is able to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship. You need to make your application within three months of being given a Certificate of Sponsorship
• Have a job offer that meets the eligibility requirements and is at the required skill level, which you can check by asking your employer for the four-digit occupation code and checking it on the government website page that lists eligible occupations
• Have a job offer for a position that is a genuine vacancy
• Have a job that meets the minimum salary requirements, usually at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, or the going rate for your job if it is higher – the going rate can also be checked on the government website eligible occupations page
• Have the required standard of English

You may also need to provide evidence of the following:

• That you have sufficient savings to support yourself
• Tuberculosis test results if you are from an affected country
• A criminal record certificate, if you are working in certain jobs
• Your relationship with your partner or children if they will also be applying for a UK visa with you

Advantages of having a skilled worker visa

If you hold a skilled worker visa, you can stay in the UK for up to five years. You will also be able to apply to extend your visa as many times as you wish, provided you and your job still meet the eligibility criteria.

The time you spend in the UK on a skilled worker visa can be counted if you ultimately apply for indefinite leave to remain, allowing you to settle permanently in the UK.

Contact our expert UK immigration solicitors

If you would like to switch to a skilled worker visa from a different type of UK visa, we can advise you whether you are eligible and deal with the application on your behalf.

To speak to our UK immigration solicitors in Manchester, ring us on 0161 795 9955 or fill in our contact form below and we will call you back.

We represent clients in Manchester, Blackburn and Bradford as well as further afield.