Switching Visa Inside the UK
If you are already in the UK, you may be able to switch to another visa without leaving. But some routes are blocked, the timing window is strict, and family members do not switch automatically. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance (gov.uk/.../switch-to-this-visa), September 2026.
What switching means
Switching is applying for a different visa from inside the UK instead of leaving and applying from abroad. You must usually apply before your current permission expires.
Routes you cannot switch from
- A visitor visa.
- A short-term student visa.
- A Parent of a Child Student visa.
- A seasonal worker visa.
- A domestic worker in a private household visa.
- Permission granted outside the Immigration Rules.
Switching to a Student visa
- You must be in the UK and have an unconditional CAS.
- You need funds proof if you have been in the UK under 12 months.
- Apply at the latest 3 months before the course starts, and before your current permission expires; the new course must start within 28 days of the expiry.
- Apply within 6 months of the CAS.
- Fee £558; decision about 8 weeks; you can pay for a faster decision.
- You must not travel outside the UK, or the application is withdrawn.
Switching to a Skilled Worker visa
- The job and English language eligibility apply.
- From a Student visa you must meet one of three: you have completed your course; your job start date is after the course end; or you are a PhD student who studied full-time for at least 24 months.
- You cannot switch from the blocked routes above.
- You need funds proof if you have been in the UK under 1 year.
Switching to a family visa
The family route allows switching to a partner, child or parent visa, before your current permission expires.
Family members do not switch automatically
Your partner and children do not switch automatically. They must apply separately to change their permission.
Common restrictions
- Apply before your current permission expires.
- Do not travel outside the UK while the application is pending.
- Fees and processing times change, so confirm them on the official page at the time you apply.
Related: the immigration ID Check app, scanning and uploading documents, document translation and copies, and the UK visa documents checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch to another visa inside the UK?
It depends on the visa you hold. Many routes allow switching, but you cannot switch from a visitor visa, a short-term student visa, a Parent of a Child Student visa, a seasonal worker visa, a domestic worker in a private household visa, or permission granted outside the Immigration Rules.
Can a Student switch to a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, if one of three conditions is met: you have completed your course; your job start date is after your course end date; or you are a PhD student who has studied full-time for at least 24 months.
Can a visitor switch inside the UK?
No. Visitor visas and other permissions of 6 months or less usually require you to apply from outside the UK.
Do my family members switch automatically?
No. Partners and children do not switch automatically and must apply separately.
Can I travel while a switch application is pending?
No. For a Student switch, travelling outside the UK withdraws the application.
How long does a Student switch take?
About 8 weeks. You can pay for a faster decision.
Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: switch to this visa" and "Skilled Worker visa: switch to this visa" (and the UK family visa pages) — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.