Skilled Worker visa
Switch to this visa
You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Skilled Worker visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements:
If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
- you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
- your job start date is after your course has finished
- you’re studying for a PhD full time, and have been for at least 24 months
Eligibility if you’re switching to this visa to become a prison officer
You can switch to this visa to become a prison officer (code 3314).
You must get a certificate of sponsorship on or before 31 December 2026. Your employer can sponsor you for up to 3 years.
Your salary must be at least the higher of:
- £31,300 (the current minimum salary per year)
- the ‘lower going rate’ for prison officers
Who cannot apply to switch to this visa
You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:
- on a visit visa
- on a short-term student visa
- on a Parent of a Child Student visa
- on a seasonal worker visa
- on a domestic worker in a private household visa
- on immigration bail
- because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds
You must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.
Your partner and children
Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.
They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
If your partner or children are inside the UK and you’re switching to this visa as a care worker, senior care worker or someone with a job listed as ‘medium skilled’, they can apply to switch to this visa as your dependant if any of the following are true:
- they are your child and they were born in the UK
- they are your child, you’re their only living parent and you are responsible for them
- they are your child and their other parent is also sponsored for a job listed as ‘medium skilled’
- they are your child or partner and you’re switching to this visa as a prison officer (3314)
If your child was born in the UK but is currently outside the UK, they can also apply to join as your dependant.
Fees
Each person applying will need to pay:
- the visa application fee
- the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay
You’ll also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there’s no fee for this.
If you’ve been in the UK for less than 1 year, you’ll also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.
Proving your identity and providing supporting documents
As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.
How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.
You’ll either:
- use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
- have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
Apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa
You must apply online before your current visa expires.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
Continue your application
Find out how to sign in to your account.
How long it takes to get a decision
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.
You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- you need to attend an interview
- of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.
After you apply
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.