Switch into Skilled Worker Route

Hi Team,

Below is the situation, i want to understand if i can switch into the skilled worker route in Jan 2021.

From Sep 2014 to Sep 2015 - Worked in UK on short term ICT visa (this route is closed now)
From Sep 2015 to Oct 2020 - Worked in UK on long term ICT visa
From Oct 2020 till date - Switched in the UK into T4 full time general student visa for a masters program (1 year full time)

My question is: My employer is willing to sponsor a skilled worker visa -

a) will i be able to switch in Jan 2021 i.e rite away or do i have to complete my masters education?
b) will the 12 month cool off period apply to me?

Appreciate your help. Cheers.

You can switch from Tier 4 to SW visa after your completion of the master degree, but switching mid way is a different situation.

Do you want to cancel your studies/tier 4 visa & go back to full-time on SW visa?

Yes 'srsw'. This is exactly what i have in mind. Will i be able to cancel my studies and go back to full time work on SW visa?

That is fine as long as you are not 'on a short-term student visa'. Also, although not officially stipulated, being in good standing with your course of education may be needed. It is fine to get a new status and stop studying.

It is not necessarily ok to stop studying, remain on Tier 4, and then make a new SW application.

If you were not adhering to the terms of your Tier 4 visa (ie being a student studying the course for which you had a CAS), then this could complicate future applications. In non-covid circumstances, completing a term, passing end of term exams, and then switching, would be ideal. Covid may make that impractical.

The other option is to continue your studies and work 20 hrs a week for this employer (or the number of hours allowed in your Tier 4 case) and once you complete your exams/course you can switch to SW full-time.

Thank you James and srsw. Yes, iam in good standing for the 1st trimester.

Iam already working 20hrs per week, its get a bit hectic to manage both. Hence want to switch back to full time role on the SW visa. Cheers.