With a Graduate Visa, many international students begin their studies-abroad experience with the expectation of working in the country after they have graduated. This is an excellent step to acquire work experience, to get to know about job prospects, and to construct professional networks. Nevertheless, a Graduate Visa is not permanent and most students who intend to have a longer stay must change to a Skilled Worker Visa.

Changing to this may appear to be a complex procedure, but it is a straightforward process if you know the procedure. As per experienced UK education consultants the Skilled Worker Visa is more stable, enables you to collaborate with an approved employer, and this is a gateway to the permanent residency. This implies that you do not have to fear that your visa might expire soon and move on with your career development.

The current guide is going to take you through the process of transferring a Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa step by step. You will get to know about the eligibility requirements, supporting documents, application process and some of the tips that will make the process easier. Are you still in school or already working? Regardless of these factors, having the knowledge of this transition well in advance can help you adjust.

At the end of this blog, you will understand how to proceed. The procedure can be associated with paperwork, job propositions, and the ability to meet some salary or skills criterion, but it is possible with the correct preparation. We will go step by step.

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Step 1: Knowledge on the Basic Eligibility

The Skilled Worker Visa requirements include ensuring that the individual has no criminal record and that their salary is above the given threshold.

Key Criteria

Approved Employer: You should have a job offer with a job employer approved by the government.

Job Role: The job position must be within a Skilled Worker Visa. The low-salaried positions in the health, education, and technology field have lower salary limits.

Salary Requirements: The minimum salary required by most occupations varies depending on the job category, experience, and shortage occupations list.

English Proficiency: As you are a graduate of an English-speaking country, this aspect is usually taken care of.

Step 2: Being Offered a Job

Your Graduate Visa enables you to work in any occupation, but to transfer to the Skilled Worker Visa, you need to have a job with the right eligibility under the visa requirements.

How To Get the Best Deal

Make applications to the approved sponsor list of the companies.

Apply to positions that meet the area of your expertise and aptitudes.

Having done that, be ready with your resume and cover letter showing your degree and work experience that you have gathered in these years of your Graduate visa.

Step 3: Obtaining the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you get an offer of employment by a sponsored employer, they will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

What Comes in a CoS?

Job information (title, salary and start dates)

Information on sponsorship by the employer

A Unique reference number to be used in your application of visa.

Step 4: Skilled Worker Visa Application

Once you have been offered CoS, then you can apply online to get the Skilled Worker Visa.

The Documents that You Will Need

Sponsor certificate reference number.

•          Passport

Some evidence which you know English (you can use your degree to confirm this)

The income to prove the funding (bank statements, unless the bank statement is not required, because your employer is the sponsor)

Application Process

1.         Fill the online application on the government portal.

2.         Pay the visa application fee along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

3.         Book and attend a biometric appointment in case it is necessary.

Step 5: Awaiting Decision

Majority of the applications are managed within 8 weeks. Other applicants can have more priority in decision-making due to priority services (when applicable).

Wait Until your Graduate Visa is expired keep on working.

Work out the supporting documents just in case a request is made.

Step 6: Converting the Skilled worker Popular Visa to the Skilled Worker Visa Status

Your Graduate Visa will be replaced by your Skilled Worker Visa when your application has been approved. Now you are allowed to work in your sponsored position and longer stay rights, which is 5 years.

Tips on a Smooth Transition

Start searching your employers early when you are still on Graduate Visa.

Before sending your application, check the requirements of the job and salary you are applying.

Make sure your documents are always in place to avoid delays at the last minutes.