Can I Change My Visitor Visa to a Student or Work Visa in the UK?

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Navigating the UK immigration system can be challenging, especially when considering changing your visa status. If you're in the UK on a Visitor visa and are contemplating switching to a Student or Work visa, this comprehensive guide will help you understand your options and the legal requirements involved.

Changing Visitor Visa to a Worker Visa

The UK immigration law is stringent about the purposes of different visa types. A Visitor visa is specifically for temporary visits, and switching to a Worker visa while in the UK is not permitted. This restriction helps prevent misuse of the visa system and visa fraud.

Permitted Activities on a Visitor Visa:

• Engaging in voluntary service for up to 30 days for a charity.

• Attending business meetings and conferences.

Not Permitted:

• Operating a business.

• Undertaking paid or unpaid work.

Temporary Worker Visa Options:

• Religious Worker Visa: For individuals coming to the UK to do religious work.

• Creative Worker Visa: For individuals coming to the UK to work in the creative industry.

These visas must be applied for from outside the UK. If you later meet the eligibility requirements, you may apply for other visas such as the Family visa or the Skilled Worker visa.

Skilled Worker Visa:

• Generally, this visa must be applied for from outside the UK unless specific immigration permissions authorize switching from within the UK.

For more information on the different types of Worker visas and to find out which might be applicable to your circumstances, contact IAS at 0333 305 9375 or visit their work in the UK page.

Changing Visitor Visa to a Student Visa

Similar to the Worker visa, switching from a Visitor visa to a Student visa while in the UK is not allowed. Applications for a Student visa must be made from outside the UK, typically up to six months before the start of your course.

Short-Term Study Visa:

• Applied for outside the UK for English language courses up to 11 months.

• Does not allow switching to a long-term Student visa.

Permitted Activities on a Visitor Visa:

• Short-term study at an accredited institution.

• Conducting research for up to six months.

Not Permitted:

• Long-term study.

To study long-term in the UK, you need to apply for the Student visa from outside the UK.

What Visas Can I Switch to from a Visitor Visa?

Options for switching visas while on a Standard Visitor visa are limited unless you meet specific requirements.

Potential Visa Options:

• UK Family Visa: You may apply for this visa if granted permission due to family court cases, divorce proceedings, or exceptional circumstances. This visa allows you to stay based on family life for a 10-year route.

Family Visa Costs:

• Costs vary based on who you are joining, the number of dependents, the duration of stay, and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.

Extending a Standard Visitor Visa:

• Medical Reasons: Can be extended up to 11 months for ongoing treatment.

• Academics: Qualified academics may extend their visa to a total of 12 months.

Extension Costs:

• Typically £1000 each time, but cheaper if applied for in advance before arriving in the UK.

Applying for the Standard Visitor Visa

The Standard Visitor visa, the most common type, must be applied for online up to three months before your visit. The application process includes:

1. Paying a £100 fee.

2. Attending a meeting at a visa application center.

3. Allowing up to six months of stay for purposes such as tourism, family visits, travel, or short-term study.

Prepared on the information from iasservices.org.uk