Switching Visas in the UK: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

Switching visas in the UK is a vital pathway for individuals who wish to remain in the country under a different immigration category. Whether you’re a student seeking to stay for work, a dependent transitioning into an independent visa route, or a temporary visitor considering longer-term opportunities, it’s crucial to understand which visa switches are permitted, the restrictions that apply, and the steps involved in a successful application. This guide covers in-depth rules, exceptions, and procedures involved in visa switching, along with helpful links and internal resources.

What is Switching Visas in the UK?

Visa switching refers to changing from one visa type to another while remaining in the UK. It allows applicants to extend their stay in the country without having to leave and reapply from abroad. However, not all visa categories allow switching, and each type has distinct eligibility criteria and documentation requirements set by the UK Home Office.

General Rules on Switching Visas

The UK immigration system permits switching between certain visa categories if the applicant:

Holds a visa that permits in-country switching.
Submits the application before their current visa expires.
Meets the eligibility criteria of the new visa.
Has not breached immigration laws or conditions.

The full list of immigration routes and switching rules is governed by the UK Immigration Rules.

Visas That Can Be Switched Within the UK

Student Visa (Formerly Tier 4)

Individuals on a student visa can often switch to the following categories:

Skilled Worker Visa
Graduate Visa
Start-up Visa
Family Visa

To switch, applicants must have completed (or nearly completed) their degree at a licensed UK education provider.

Skilled Worker Visa

This work visa allows for flexibility in switching to:

Another work-related visa route
Global Talent Visa
Innovator Founder Visa

Applicants must meet the requirements of the new route, including sponsorship, salary threshold, and qualifications.

Graduate Visa

Holders of a Graduate Visa may switch to:

Skilled Worker Visa
Innovator Founder Visa
Family Visa

This visa is designed to help international students transition into the UK workforce after completing a degree.

Family Visas (Partner, Spouse, Parent)

Individuals on a family visa may be eligible to switch into work or study visa categories. However, care must be taken as switching could interrupt their path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Youth Mobility Scheme

Visa holders under the Youth Mobility Scheme may switch to:

Skilled Worker Visa
Family Visa

They must still meet the specific eligibility rules of the new category.

Visas That Cannot Be Switched Inside the UK

Several visa types are designated as “non-switchable.” Applicants on these visas must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from their country of residence.

Prohibited Categories:

Visit Visa
Short-Term Student Visa
Seasonal Worker Visa
Domestic Worker in a Private Household
Parent of a Child Student Visa
Temporary Work Visas (most categories)
Permission outside the Immigration Rules

For these categories, the UK Home Office explicitly requires that applications for other visa routes be made from abroad. Details are available on the official UK Visas and Immigration portal.

Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most popular options for visa switchers due to its long-term pathway to settlement.

Key Requirements:

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer.
Job offer in an eligible occupation.
Minimum salary threshold (currently £26,200 per year or £10.75/hour).
English language proficiency.

Who Can Switch:

Students completing a UK degree.
Holders of the Graduate Visa.
Start-up visa holders.
Youth Mobility Scheme participants.

More details can be found on the Skilled Worker visa page.

Switching from a Student Visa

Many international students wish to stay in the UK after completing their studies. Common routes include:

Graduate Visa:

Allows students who’ve completed a degree to stay for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).
No sponsorship required.

Skilled Worker Visa:

Requires a job offer and sponsorship.
Applicants can apply before graduation, but the job must start after course completion.

Switching from a Family Visa

Holders of family visas (spouses, partners, or parents of British citizens or settled persons) can switch into work or study visa categories.

However, switching may interrupt their progress toward ILR if not carefully planned. It is advisable to seek legal advice before making the switch.

Switching from a Visit Visa

Visit visa holders are generally not allowed to switch to another visa while inside the UK.

Rare Exceptions:

Humanitarian or compelling reasons.
Marriage to a British citizen, followed by application under the family route (with special legal consideration).

For most, switching must be done from their country of origin.

How to Apply for a Visa Switch

Applications to switch visas must be submitted online via the UK Government visa application service.

Steps:

Determine your eligibility under the new visa category.
Gather all required documents (passport, biometric information, financial records, sponsor details).
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre.
Await a decision (within standard or expedited timeframes).

Processing Times and Costs

Standard Processing:

Up to 8 weeks for most in-country applications.

Priority Options:

Priority Service: Decision within 5 working days.
Super Priority: Decision by the end of the next working day.

Cost Breakdown:

Visa Fees: £719–£1,500 depending on visa type.
IHS Fee: £1,035 per year (as of 2025).

Check updated fees at the UK Visa Fees page.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Despite meeting eligibility criteria, visa switching applications may be refused due to:

Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Failure to meet salary or English language requirements.
Previous immigration violations.
Missing biometric appointment or application deadlines.

Ensure careful review before submission, or seek legal guidance from OISC-registered advisors.

Legal Assistance and Immigration Advice

Due to the complexity of visa switching rules, it is often advisable to consult an immigration solicitor or registered legal advisor. You can verify advisors through:

Non-profits like UKCEN also offer support, particularly for family and EU visa routes.

Internal Links – Explore More on UK Immigration

To assist you further with your immigration journey, explore our essential resources:

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change, and eligibility may vary depending on individual circumstances. We strongly recommend seeking professional legal counsel or checking the latest information on the official UK Government website before making immigration-related decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a visitor visa to a work visa in the UK?
No, you must return to your home country and apply from there.

Can I switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa before graduating?
Yes, but the job start date must be after the completion of your course.

Is switching from a graduate visa to a family visa allowed?
Yes, if you meet the family visa eligibility requirements.

Do I need to leave the UK to switch visas?
Only if your current visa prohibits in-country switching (e.g. Visit visa, Seasonal Worker visa).

How long does the switch process take?
Standard processing takes up to 8 weeks, with faster services available at an additional fee.

For more immigration tools, visa guides, and legal updates, visit UKBloom.co.uk.