UKDesk
All visa routes
Already in the UK

Visa switching guide

Switch from one UK visa to another without leaving the country. Choose your current visa below to see exactly which routes you can move to, what the conditions are, and how the in-country application works.

Step 2 · Where you can switch to

From Student visa →

Available switches from a Student visa. Common routes are routine; conditional routes have extra requirements you must meet.

Work route

Graduate visa

Once you complete your degree, switch to a 2-year (3-year PhD) unsponsored work visa. No employer needed.

Common switchSee full guide
Work route

Skilled Worker visa

Available once you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor at RQF Level 6+ and meet salary thresholds.

Common switchSee full guide
Work route

Health & Care Worker

For eligible NHS roles. IHS waived. Care worker recruitment closed to overseas since Jul 2025 — domestic only.

Common switchSee full guide
Family route

Family / Partner visa

You can switch if you have a qualifying partner in the UK. Must meet £29,000 income threshold.

ConditionalSee full guide
Study route

New Student visa

Change course or institution — need a new CAS from the new sponsor.

Common switchSee full guide

Cannot switch from Student visa into

  • Visitor visa (not a switch — visit is short-term only)
Step 3 · How an in-UK switch works

General switching process

  1. Apply before your current visa expires

    You must submit your switch application while you still have valid leave. Submitting late breaks your continuous lawful residence and may affect future settlement.

  2. Use the same online GOV.UK application

    Visit the GOV.UK page for your target visa and select "I'm applying inside the UK". You stay in the UK throughout — no overseas Visa Application Centre.

  3. Pay the in-UK fee and IHS upfront

    In-UK fees are usually higher than the outside-UK equivalent. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid for the full duration in advance.

  4. Verify your identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app

    Most applicants scan their passport using the official app and take a photo. If your case requires it, you may instead be asked to attend a UKVCAS centre in the UK.

  5. Continue working / studying under section 3C leave

    If you applied before your old visa expired, your conditions automatically continue while you wait for a decision. This is called section 3C leave.

  6. Receive decision as a digital eVisa

    From 2026 all permissions are issued digitally. You access your eVisa via your UKVI account — no physical BRP card.

gov.uk: Check if you can switch