Making the Switch from Student to Skilled Worker in the UK – What Indian Students Need to Know
21 July 2025
For the majority of Indian students in the UK, the ultimate goal is not only getting a degree but also obtaining quality work experience or even getting settled with a stable career. The good news is that the UK facilitates seamless conversion from Student Visa (Tier 4) to Skilled Worker Visa (previous Tier 2), if you qualify under current conventions. Conversion has emerged more in vogue as British employers desire to recruit international graduates, particularly in fields such as IT, health, engineering, business management, and finance.
But seriously—visa regulations are a headache. That is why we have made it easier for you to know how you can easily make this change using factual facts, recent demands, and useful tips from years of handling Indian students through BCES Admissions Abroad.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa and Why Should You Care?
UK Skilled Worker Visa offers international students an opportunity to stay in the UK after graduation and work for a licensed employer. You no longer need to leave and reapply from India. The UK Home Office has strengthened some of the provisions since 2024, but the Skilled Worker route continues to be one of the most realistic ways to work for Indian graduates.
This visa is for a maximum of 5 years and has a settled status route (ILR). It’s also family-based, so that your dependents (family members) can join or accompany you.
Eligibility Checklist for Indian Students in 2025
The following are the new criteria that you will need to meet in order to switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK:
- Job offer from a UK-approved sponsor who is on the official register
- Salary threshold: At least £38,700 a year or the “going rate” for the job (whichever is higher). Shortage careers, recent graduates, and some STEM careers are exempted.
- Job needs to be on the approved occupation list
- English language skills (presumably already demonstrated when entering the UK as a student)
- Application needs to be made in the UK before your student visa expires
How to Switch Step by Step
- Start looking for work early – ideally at the end of your previous semester or during your Graduate Route visa.
- Receive an employment offer from a UK employer with a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence.
- Request your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Pay and apply for the Skilled Worker Visa online using your CoS reference number.
- Pay the fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Attend a biometric appointment, if required.
- Wait for a decision—processing usually takes 3–8 weeks.
Tip: If you possess the Graduate Route Visa, it has up to 2 years of time to seek a desirable job that could be sponsored.
Common Problems and Solutions
Finding a Sponsor: Not all employers are qualified. Use the list of approved sponsors and shortage occupation employers.
Wage Threshold: Negotiate satisfactorily or explore employment qualifying under exceptions like healthcare or teaching.
Timing: Don’t wait until your visa is about to expire. Applying early demonstrates employers that you’re proactive and keen.
Is Switching Better Than Applying New from India?
Yes, definitely. Applying from inside the UK:
- Saves you the hassle of going home
- Ensures faster processing
- Give you higher chances of employment because you’re already local
- Leaves you with more time to network and get face-to-face interviews
Whether graduating soon or even furthering studies as a student, BCES Admissions Abroad has got your UK experience covered from student visa consultation to assisting you with post-study work pathways such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
Planning on making the switch? Get in touch with BCES Admissions Abroad today for one-on-one guidance and the latest advice. Call at +91 9319996328.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, you will need to have finished your course or be in your last term with a job that has been offered.
From April 2024, it’s £38,700 a year unless you have a shortage occupation job or you’re eligible for a lower threshold (e.g., you’re a new entrant).
No. You need to apply while your current visa is still in effect. If your visa has already expired, you will have to go back to India and apply from there.
You may transfer from the Graduate Route to the Skilled Worker Visa at any time after you receive a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Generally not, if you’ve previously satisfied the English requirement within your student visa application. Some employers might still ask to see evidence, though.