Learn step-by-step how to convert your UK student visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025. Includes eligibility rules, employer sponsorship guidance, COS requirements, salary thresholds, documentation, timelines, and FAQs for Nigerian and international students transitioning to full-time work.

How to Convert UK Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

Your UK Degree Should Open Doors — Not Dead Ends

If you are studying in the UK on a Student Visa, you are closer to permanent residence than you think. The pathway from student status to the UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most empowering routes available — but most Nigerian and international students misunderstand the requirements, delay the process, or fall for misinformation.

This guide delivers a commanding, step-by-step blueprint on how to convert a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa, including all rules updated for 2025, valid sources, sponsorship requirements, salary thresholds, documentation, employer guidance, and mistakes you must avoid at all costs.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to act.

Can You Convert a UK Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa? YES — and It’s Legal and Straightforward

The UK Home Office clearly states that students can switch from a Student Visa (Tier 4) to a Skilled Worker Visa while inside the UK, as long as they meet the job, employer, and salary requirements.
Source:
✔ Government of the UK — Skilled Worker eligibility
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/eligibility

In fact, international students are one of the largest groups transitioning into Skilled Worker Visa status every year.

This route is realistic, lawful, and strongly encouraged by many UK employers who regularly hire graduates.

Core Requirements to Convert UK Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

Here’s what the UK Home Office requires before you can switch:

1. A Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

Your employer must be on the UK’s official list of approved sponsors.
Search the list here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

Your employer must issue a valid CoS reference number that confirms:

Job title
Salary
Job location
Duration of contract
Sponsorship status

3. Eligible Skilled Worker Job (RQF Level 3+)

Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/eligible-occupations

This includes fields like:

IT, Engineering, Cybersecurity
Healthcare, Social Care
Business Management
Finance, HR, Marketing
Logistics, Supply Chain
STEM fields
Hospitality management roles
Teaching & Education
Construction & trades roles
Research & laboratory roles

4. Minimum Salary Requirement (2025 Updated Rules)

As of the new Immigration Rules:

General minimum salary: £38,700 per year
OR the sector-specific salary requirement
OR the occupation-specific going rate

These salary thresholds may differ by job, and some health & care roles have lower thresholds.

Check the most updated salary table here:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/going-rates

5. English Language Requirement

You already meet it through your UK studies — no new IELTS needed.

6. Maintenance Funds

Skilled Worker Visa applicants must show they can support themselves, unless the employer certifies maintenance on the CoS.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Convert UK Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

Here is the exact transition path — as used successfully by thousands of Nigerian students in the UK today:

Step 1: Start Your Job Hunt EARLY (6–9 Months Before Graduation)

Most students begin searching during their final year. Employers like to hire early.

Focus on companies that:

Hire graduates
Offer sponsorship
Are already listed as licensed sponsors
Search for sponsoring employers here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

Use career platforms:

Indeed UK
LinkedIn Jobs
Reed.co.uk
Prospects.ac.uk
Gradcracker
MyCareerHub (your university portal)

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer with Sponsorship

Your offer must meet these conditions:

Full-time
Skilled level (RQF 3+)
Meets salary threshold
Employer willing to sponsor

Ask directly:
“Are you able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship?”

Step 3: Employer Issues Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

This is the official immigration document from your employer.
It includes:

Start date
Salary
Job code
Job duties
CoS reference number

Without COS, you cannot switch visas.

Step 4: Prepare Documents for Your Skilled Worker Visa Application

You will need:

Passport
TB test (if required)
Degree certificate or school confirmation letter
CoS reference number
Financial proof (if needed)
Police clearance (on request)

Step 5: Apply Online to Switch Visas

You must apply before your Student Visa expires.
Apply here:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-uk

Step 6: Biometrics + Application Fees

Fees:

Application fee: £610–£1,408 (depending on length & if shortage occupation)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

You will attend a UKVCAS biometrics appointment.

Step 7: Receive Your Decision (Usually 3–8 Weeks)

Once approved, your BRP or eVisa will reflect your Skilled Worker status.

Congratulations — you are now legally allowed to work full-time in the UK.

Major Benefits of Switching from Student to Skilled Worker Visa

1. Pathway to Permanent Residence (ILR)

After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

2. No Work Limitations

You can work:

Full-time
Over 20 hours
Without university restrictions

3. Bring Dependants

If your family is abroad, you can bring:

Spouse
Children under 18

4. Access to Higher-Paying Jobs

Skilled Worker Visa holders qualify for senior, leadership, professional roles.

5. Stability and Long-Term Settlement

No more visa anxiety or student work limits.

Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make (Avoid These!)

1. Waiting until after graduation to start job search

Employers recruit during final-year hiring cycles.

2. Applying to companies that do NOT sponsor visas

Always check the licensed sponsor list.

3. Using the wrong salary threshold

Make sure your job meets the updated salary rules.

4. Submitting incomplete documentation

Missing documents cause delays or rejections.

5. Missing visa expiry dates

Apply before your Student Visa ends.

Best UK Sectors for International Students to Get Sponsorship

Certain fields are easier for Nigerians and international students to secure sponsorship:

Technology

Software engineering
Cybersecurity
Data analytics
Cloud computing

Health & Social Care

Nursing
Care work
Laboratory technician roles

Engineering

Mechanical
Civil
Electrical
Construction

Business & Finance

Accounting
HR
Project management
Financial analysis

Logistics & Operations

Supply chain
Procurement
Transportation scheduling

These sectors have high sponsorship rates and clear skill shortages.

FAQs

1. Can I switch to Skilled Worker Visa before graduating?

Yes — if you have completed your course requirements.

2. Do I need a new IELTS?

No — your UK degree satisfies the English requirement.

3. What happens if my Student Visa expires?

You must apply before expiry to stay lawful.

4. Does my part-time work during studies count as “experience”?

Only if your employer accepts it — not required by immigration rules.

5. Can I switch to Skilled Worker Visa without a COS?

No. COS is mandatory.

6. Can dependants join me?

Yes — Skilled Worker Visa allows dependants.

7. What if my employer is not a licensed sponsor?

They must apply to become one — or you find a new employer.

Final Takeaway

The process of how to convert a UK student visa to skilled worker visa is simple, legal, and empowering — but only if you act early, stay informed, and target employers who sponsor international workers.

This is your path to:
✔ Long-term career
✔ Full-time work rights
✔ Permanent residence (ILR)
✔ Stability for your family

Your next step is simple:
👉 Start applying to licensed sponsors NOW.