Colleges Skilled Worker Visa in-country applications - switching FAQs

To enable you to switch from your current visa (which is nota Skilled Worker Visa) to a Skilled Worker Visa, the College has assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you, and you can now apply for your visa. Please see the guidance below regarding the visa application process.

You can switch visa categories inside the UK whilst holding any other UK visa type, except the following:

  • a visit visa/visitor status granted at the border
  • a short-term study visa
  • permission to stay outside the immigration rules (for example on compassionate grounds) granted

In most cases, you can switch to the Skilled Worker Visa route at any time, provided you apply before your current visa expires.

If you are switching from a Tier 4/Student visa, please see the relevant section below.

Yes, but only if you made your new visa application before your current visa expires. 

Please contact the HR section of your College to discuss this process further.

  • Undergraduate and Masters (Taught and Research) students: The work start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be no earlier than the course end date on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The College can provide you with a CoS up to 3 months before that the work start date on the CoS.
  • Doctorate (PhD) students: The work start date on your CoS can be no earlier than the two-year anniversary of your course start date as noted on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The College can provide you with a CoS up to 3 months before the work start date on the CoS.

The College will require evidence that you have completed your degree and that you have applied for your Skilled Worker Visa. 

Once your Skilled Worker Visa application has been granted, you must provide a share code to the College so that they can arrange and undertake an online right to work check with you. Please speak to the HR section of your College to initiate this process.