How To Go from Tier 4 Visa To Tier 2 Visa In The UK?

• The minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visas in 2026 is £41,700, with limited discounts for new entrants and shortage roles.

• Only jobs at RQF level 6 or above, or on the Temporary Shortage List, are now eligible for sponsorship.

• Applications must be made before your current visa expires and from within the UK.

• Dependents must apply separately to switch their visa status.

• Over 100 occupations have been removed from the eligibility list, making early job search and planning essential.

Introduction:

The journey from student to professional in the UK is evolving rapidly, especially with the 2026 immigration reforms. For international graduates, switching from a Tier 4 student visa to a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa is a crucial step toward building a career and life in the UK. However, the process is now more competitive, with higher salary thresholds, stricter job eligibility, and a reduced list of sponsorable roles. Understanding the latest rules and timelines is essential for a smooth transition and long-term success.

Navigating the transition from a Tier 4 student visa to a Tier 2 (now called Skilled Worker) visa in the UK has become more structured and selective in 2026. Only those who have completed their degree, or are close to finishing, can apply to switch from within the UK. If you’re on a short-term student visa, visitor visa, or certain other categories, you’ll need to leave the country and apply from abroad. For eligible students, acting quickly is crucial. Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires, and you must not travel outside the UK while your application is pending. Dependents, such as partners or children, must apply separately if they wish to switch their visa status alongside you.

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The requirements for the Skilled Worker visa have tightened significantly. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, and the job must meet the new skill threshold, which has been raised to RQF level 6 or above for most roles. The minimum salary threshold is now £41,700 per year for most applicants, a substantial increase from previous years. However, certain discounts apply for new entrants, PhD holders, or jobs on the Temporary Shortage List, allowing for slightly lower thresholds. You’ll also need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, proof of English proficiency (usually met if you’ve studied in the UK), and evidence of sufficient funds unless your employer certifies your maintenance.

The visa transition process starts with securing a qualifying job offer. Your employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship, which you’ll use to apply for the Skilled Worker visa online. You’ll need to gather supporting documents, including your degree certificate, proof of identity, job details, and financial evidence. The application must be made from within the UK, and you should avoid international travel until a decision is reached. Processing typically takes up to eight weeks, though expedited options are available for an additional fee. If your application is successful, you can begin working as soon as your new visa is granted, even if your previous visa is still valid.

Salary requirements are now a major hurdle for many graduates. The standard threshold is £41,700, but new entrants defined as recent graduates under 26 or those switching from a student visa may qualify with a salary as low as £30,960, provided the job is on the Temporary Shortage List or meets other criteria. The number of eligible occupations has been reduced, with over 100 roles removed from sponsorship eligibility in 2025. Only jobs at RQF level 6 or above, or those on the official shortage lists, are now considered. Health and care roles have their own lower thresholds, but these are also subject to change as the government reviews immigration policy.

Table 1: Skilled Worker Visa Salary Thresholds (2026)

Category	Minimum Salary (per annum)	Notes
Standard Applicants	£41,700	Most occupations, RQF level 6+
New Entrants/PhD/STEM	£30,960–£34,830	Must meet additional criteria
Health & Care Roles	£29,000	Only for eligible NHS/care occupations
Shortage List Roles	£30,960	Must be on Temporary Shortage List

Timing is critical in the visa transition process. You must apply before your Tier 4 or Graduate visa expires, ideally within 28 days of completing your course. Standard processing takes up to eight weeks, but you can pay for priority service for a faster decision. If your visa is refused, you may request an administrative review while remaining in the UK. Remember, your dependents’ visas do not automatically switch; they must apply separately, and their eligibility depends on your new visa status and occupation.

Table 2: Visa Transition Roadmap (2026)

Step	Action Required	Timing/Deadline
Complete Degree	Finish your UK course	Before visa expiry
Secure Job Offer	From Home Office-approved sponsor	Before applying
Obtain CoS	Certificate of Sponsorship from employer	Before application
Apply for Skilled Worker Visa	Submit application online	Before Tier 4/Graduate visa expires
Wait for Decision	Remain in UK, do not travel	Up to 8 weeks (standard)
Start Work	On visa approval	Immediately after approval

The 2026 immigration reforms have made the switch from student to skilled worker more competitive and selective. Higher salary thresholds, stricter skill requirements, and the removal of many eligible roles mean that careful planning is essential. The government’s focus is on reducing net migration and prioritizing high-skilled, high-earning roles. For students, this means networking early, targeting in-demand sectors, and being prepared for a more rigorous application process. Despite these challenges, the UK remains an attractive destination for those who can meet the new standards, offering a clear pathway from study to skilled employment and, eventually, permanent residency.

Author’s Takeaway:

• Early planning and job search are crucial due to stricter eligibility and salary requirements. 
• The Skilled Worker visa now favors high-skilled, high-earning roles, limiting options for many graduates. 
• Meeting the new salary threshold is the biggest challenge for most applicants. 
• Dependents do not automatically switch; their applications must be managed separately. 
• The UK still offers a pathway from study to work, but only for those who meet the new, higher standards.

Conclusion:

Transitioning from a Tier 4 student visa to a Tier 2 work visa in the UK in 2026 is more challenging but still achievable for well-prepared graduates. With higher salary requirements and a focus on high-skilled roles, early planning and targeted job search are more important than ever. By understanding the new rules, securing a qualifying job offer, and managing your application and dependents’ status carefully, you can successfully navigate the path from student to skilled worker and unlock long-term opportunities in the UK.