Skilled worker (formerly Tier 2)

Students on a Student visa are able to switch to a Skilled worker visa in the UK if they meet the following requirements:

• Have valid Student visa that has not expired
• Have completed the course you were sponsored to study and the job start date is after your course has finished
• Have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months
• Have a certificate of sponsorship issued by a Home Office approved employer
• Have financial evidence showing that you can support yourself
• have a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher

You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years after switching to a Skilled worker visa.  

If you are unsure whether you can switch from your Student visa to a Skilled worker visa, please contact the International Student Adviser who will be able to provide you with advice.

Further information on applying for a Skilled worker visa is available from GOV.UK pages.