UK Allow Int. Students to Enter Job Market Under Skilled Worker Visa Before Graduation

The UK officials have changed the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa, making it easier for international students to enter the job market. According to the new rule, the applicants no longer need to hold a degree-level qualification to apply for the visa. 

The changes to the eligibility criteria state that after receiving a secure job offer approved by the Home Office, students can immediately apply for a switch from the student route visa to the Skilled Worker visa without needing to complete their degree.

The Skilled Worker visa offers an affordable and faster way to full-time employment in the UK than the graduate route. Earlier, students were required to pay high-cost course fees and maintenance for the duration of their program before entering the job market. 

The Skilled Worker visa, formerly the Tier 2 visa, is designed to make applications smoother, including lowering the salary threshold and removing the resident labor market test. Once approved, candidates can work in the UK for up to five years before applying for permanent residency. 

However, after the enforcement of the new rule, more and more international students will be able to choose this route as it offers an affordable and faster pathway to full-time employment in the UK.

To meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must:

• Get a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from their employer with all the necessary information about the job role
• Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• Their job must be on the list of eligible occupations
• Be paid a minimum salary
• Speak, read, write and understand the English language

International students in the UK will need to pay between £719 to £1,423 per person (depending on the duration) if they wish to switch to the Skilled Worker visa.