In the United Kingdom, individuals with a valid, non-expiring visa can change to a new type without exiting the country. This process is known as visa switching!
Meanwhile, not all visas can be changed within the United Kingdom. It is crucial to ascertain if switching is an option that you have. You can look up the requirements for the visa you want to switch to; this will give you a list of the visas you can and cannot transfer from.
Thanks to recent changes in the laws governing switching UK visas, holders of valid visas can now exchange their visas for another type in the UK, giving them extra freedom.
In this article, we’ll explain the restrictions involved in switching UK visas and discuss extensively the visas you can and cannot switch to.
What is Switching Visa in the UK?
Switching UK visas refers to changing from one visa to another within the country. Your application for a variation of permission to remain may not be granted if the Immigration Rules do not permit you to change your visa status from one visa category to another.
As such, you must understand the changeover requirements to switch from one visa category to another from within the country.
Restrictions on Switching Visas Within the UK
Knowing any limits that might apply to you before requesting to change your visa while in the UK is essential. These restrictions include:
- Not all visa types allow for switching
- Depending on your immigration status, you might not be able to switch.
- Your dependent family members must submit separate applications.
- When you switch visas, you can be subject to restrictions on your travel.
Switching Restrictions Based on Immigration Status
Suppose you are on immigration bail or have been given permission to stay “outside the immigration rules,” such as when granted on compassionate grounds. In that case, it is doubtful that you can change your visa type while in the UK.
Dependents must Apply Separately to Switch
If you plan to switch to a different visa type, your dependents (partners and children) can also do so before their visa expires, but they must apply separately. This can be done when you use it or at a later date.
Travel Restrictions When Switching Your Visa
You must stay in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the expected travel region, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, until you hear back regarding your visa switch application.
Which Visa Types Cannot be Switched?
You can not switch to another visa within the UK if you currently hold one of the following visa types:
- visit visa
- short-term student visa
- parent of a child’s student visa
- seasonal worker visa
- domestic worker visa
What Visa Types Can You Switch Within the UK?
Under the current immigration rules, there are several options for switching from one visa type to another, depending on your circumstances. Generally, you can switch from a:
- Short-term work visa to a long-term work visa
- Graduate visa to a work visa
- Student visa to a family visa
- Work visa to a business visa (e.g., innovator visa or start-up visa)
- Tier 4 student to skilled worker visa
- Spouse visa to tier 2
- Fiance visa to a spouse visa
- Dependant visa to tier 2
- Tier 2 dependent on tier 4 student
- Tier 5 to a spouse visa
To switch from one visa type to another, in all cases:
- Applying while in the UK is required.
- It can’t be that your present visa has expired.
- It would be ideal if you met the visa requirements you are requesting.
- You must have complied with the requirements and terms of stay for your present visa.
- The immigration rules must permit the change you want to make.
- Not broken any laws while residing in the UK.
- You can’t be on undocumented immigration detention or have unauthorized leave (LOTR).
1. Switching to a Student Visa Within the UK
It is widespread for foreign nationals in the UK to switch to a student visa, for example, from a:
- Skilled Worker visa to a student visa
- Family visa to a student visa
- Dependant family member visa to a student visa
To successfully apply to switch to a student visa, you must have an unqualified offer of a spot in a course from an educational institution with a legitimate sponsor license (such as a school, college, or university).
If you have been in the UK for less than a year, you might also be required to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself.
To do this, you must prove that you can afford to pay £1,023 per month for courses outside of London and £1,334 per month for courses in London for a minimum of nine months.
Additionally, if transferring to a student visa, the applicant must speak English to CEFR level B2 (for those pursuing a degree or higher) or B1 (for those seeking education below that level).
2. Switching to a UK Work Visa Within the UK
During their stay in the UK, many foreign nationals convert to work visas.
People frequently move from visas for students, graduates, businesses, and families to visas for skilled workers and other specialized occupations, including the High Potential Individual (HPI) or Global Talent visas.
Most of the time, to convert to a work visa in the UK, you will need:
- An offer from a UK-licensed sponsoring employer for a position on the list of eligible vocations
- To fulfill the requirements for the minimum salary
- To communicate in English at the necessary level
A job offer is unnecessary for some work visas, such as the HPI and Global Talent visas, but you still need to meet specific requirements.
For the Global Talent visa, you must present proof that you are a leader or a rising leader in digital technology, research, academia, or the arts and culture from an authorized endorsing authority.
In addition, applicants for HPI visas must demonstrate that they graduated with a degree or higher from a reputable foreign university (not in the UK) within the last five years.
3. Switching to a Family Visa of a British Citizen/Settled Person
Suppose a foreign national’s partner is a British citizen or an individual who has settled in the UK. In that case, they commonly move from a work, student, or business visa to a family visa.
Under the family visa program, you must demonstrate the following to convert to a spouse or partner visa:
- You are either married, in a civil partnership with a citizen of the United Kingdom or Ireland, or you are an immigrant who has settled here (for example, having indefinite leave to remain), or you are single and have been dating for at least two years.
- Fulfill the language requirement in English (CEFR level A1).
- You earn at least £29,000 a year together with your spouse.
4. Switching to a Dependent Visa in the UK
If your partner is a foreign citizen with a valid visa to stay in the UK (such as a work, business, or student visa), you can convert to a dependant family member visa.
This kind of visa changeover is exemplified by moving from a:
- Student visa to a dependent visa
- Skilled Worker visa to a dependant visa
Your partner must hold a valid visa that enables them to sponsor your stay in the UK so you can change to a dependent visa. Certain visas do not permit holders to enter the UK with dependents.
Candidates must:
- Have lived together for at least two years or be in a civil partnership or marriage with the primary visa holder.
- Show they have enough money to live comfortably in the UK (£285 for a partner).
How to Switch Visas Within the UK?
The visa you seek will determine whether you can switch visas in the UK. For instance, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship and a job offer to change to a UK work visa.
For a business visa to the UK, you could require an endorsement from an authorized endorsing body. Following the fulfillment of the prerequisites, the following are the primary actions you must take to switch:
- Note that there is often a distinct application form for “in-country” applications for each type of visa. Fill out and submit the applicable application form.
- The application fee and other expenses (such as the immigration healthcare premium) must be paid.
- Make an appointment to deliver your biometrics (picture and fingerprints) at a UKVCAS service location.
- Upload any supporting documentation needed for your application, such as your passport, certification copies, recommendation letter, etc.
- Keep your biometrics appointment.
How Long Does it Take to Switch Visas Within the UK?
The time it takes to process your application and change your visa will depend on the new visa type. Generally speaking, you should hear back from us eight weeks after submitting your application.
However, this could take longer if you don’t submit all the information required to support your application or if the Home Office needs further information before making a judgment.
Final Thought
One advantage of switching UK visas to a new one is that it allows you to remain in the UK while you wait for your application to be accepted. This eliminates the trouble, expense, and uncertainty of planning a return trip after leaving the UK. All the best!