Switching Visas [Switching To Another From Inside The UK]

If you are already lawfully in the UK, it may be possible to switch from your current visa category to a different visa category without leaving the country. Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can provide expert legal assistance in helping you switch from one visa type to another from within the UK.

With a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience, our highly qualified team is well-equipped to handle visa switching applications efficiently and effectively. Whether you are looking to change to a Spouse Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or another immigration route, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring your application meets all the necessary legal requirements.

Super Priority Services For Visa Switching

Our specialist team of immigration solicitors offers Priority and Super Priority Services for faster decisions on certain visa-switching applications from within the UK. You can ask a question online for free immigration advice from our expert team, or you can book an appointment online for detailed immigration advice and a consultation with one of our specialists.

Whether you are looking to switch from your current visa category to another, we are here to guide you through the process and ensure your application is handled swiftly and effectively using Priority or Super Priority services.

What Is Visa Switching?

Visa switching is the process where an individual already in the UK under one type of visa or immigration status applies to change their leave to remain to a different visa category from within the UK. It is essential to understand the Immigration Rules regarding switching visas, as not all visa types allow for switching. If the Immigration Rules do not permit you to switch from your current visa category, your application to change your leave to remain may be refused. In such cases, you may be required to leave the UK and apply for a UK visa through Entry Clearance from outside the UK.

Our team of expert immigration solicitors can provide legal advice and assistance with switching visa categories within the UK. For certain applications, we offer a Super Priority Service for faster processing of visa switches.

Visa Categories Eligible for Switching:

Our solicitors offer fast, friendly, reliable, and fixed-fee legal services to assist you in switching visas within the UK.

Switching Into Family Visas From Inside The UK

You can apply for a family visa from within the UK if your current visa allows you to switch under the UK immigration rules. Our team of specialist family visa solicitors offers fast, friendly, and reliable fixed-fee legal services for the following applications:

Switching Into Spouse Visa UK
Switching Into Unmarried Partner Visa
Switching Into Same-Sex Partner Visa
Switching Into Civil Partner Visa UK
Switching Into Parent of a Child Visa UK
Switching Into Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK

Switching Into Work Visas From Inside The UK

If you meet the immigration status requirements, you can switch to a work visa from inside the UK. Most applications for switching into work visas can be submitted to the Home Office UKVI through the Priority or Super Priority Service for a faster decision. Our expert solicitors provide fixed-fee legal services for the following work visa categories:

Switching Into Skilled Worker Visa
Switching Into Health and Care Worker Visa
Switching Into Scale-up Worker Visa UK
Switching Into T2 Minister of Religion Visa
Switching Into Global Talent Visa UK
Switching Into Graduate Visa / PSW Visa UK
Switching Into High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa UK
Switching Into Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Switching Into UK Expansion Worker Visa
Switching Into International Sportsperson Visa UK
Switching Into BNO Visa UK

Switching Into Dependant Visas (For Dependants of Work Visa Holders)

Dependants of work visa holders can apply for switching into a dependant visa from within the UK, provided they meet the immigration status, relationship, and financial requirements. You can also apply for a dependant visa through Priority or Super Priority Service for a faster decision. Our solicitors offer services for the following dependant visas:

Switching Into Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
Switching Into Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa
Switching Into Scale-up Worker Dependant Visa UK
Switching Into UK Ancestry Dependant Visa
Switching Into T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa
Switching Into Global Talent Dependant Visa
Switching Into Tier 1 Entrepreneur Dependant Visa
Switching Into Sole Representative Dependant Visa
Switching Into International Sportsperson Dependant Visa UK
Switching Into Senior or Specialist Worker Dependant Visa
Switching Into High Potential Individual (HPI) Dependant Visa UK
Switching Into UK Expansion Worker Dependant Visa
Switching Into Graduate Dependant Visa UK

Switching Into Other Visa Categories

You can apply to switch to other visa categories from within the UK, depending on your current immigration status. Our solicitors assist with the following:

Switching Into Student Visa UK
Switching Into Student Dependant Visa UK
Initial Application for Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR)
Application for Switching Into Pre-Settled Status Under EUSS

FAQs – Switching Visas Within the UK

1. Can I switch into a work visa from inside the UK?
Yes, you can switch to a work visa from within the UK, but not if you currently hold or were last granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules.

2. Can I switch into a family visa from inside the UK?
Yes, you can switch into a family visa, provided you were not last granted permission under specific categories (Visitor, Short-term Student, etc.). In exceptional cases, you may still apply under Article 8 of the ECHR or Section 55 of the BCIA 2009.

3. Can I switch from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa without completing my course?
Yes, changes in the Immigration Rules from 1 December 2020 allow students to switch to a Skilled Worker visa without completing their course.

4. Can I switch from a T5 Temporary Worker visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, you can switch from a temporary worker visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK.

5. Can I use Priority/Super Priority Service to switch visa categories?
Yes, for most in-country visa switching applications, you can use Priority or Super Priority Service for faster processing.

6. Can I switch from a Spouse Visa to a Skilled Worker visa if my relationship breaks down?
Yes, if your relationship with your spouse or partner irretrievably breaks down, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK.

7. Can I switch to a spouse/partner visa if I am an overstayer in the UK?
Yes, overstayers may apply to switch to a spouse/partner visa under the 10-year route, subject to meeting all eligibility requirements.