Applying for an In-Country Skilled Worker Visa as a Carer: Extension vs Switching

If you are already living in the UK as a care worker or health care professional, you may be thinking about your next move. The correct path forward depends on your individual circumstances including aspects such as what route you are currently in the UK on, your qualifications and your plans for the future. It is important that your next steps are carefully planned, particularly in light of the changes made by the UK government which came into force on 22 July 2025.

Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa

If you are currently on a Skilled Worker visa and sponsored in occupation code 6135 or 6136, extending your stay is still possible, as long as you meet the requirements.

Key Points for an Extension:

• You must have a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your current employer. This needs to confirm your role, salary and location. It must also be issued within three months of your application date.

• Your role must remain on the list of eligible occupations for your visa category.

• If your CoS does not confirm that your employer is covering your living costs, you will need to show personal savings of at least £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days before you apply, unless you have already been in the UK for one year.

Time Limits Under the New Rules:

While the occupation codes 6135 and 6136 are closing to new overseas applicants after 22 July 2025, carers already in the UK can still extend, change employers, or apply for settlement - but all such applications must be made before 22 July 2028.

Switching into the Skilled Worker Route

Switching is for people who are already inside the UK but are on a different visa type and would like to switch onto the UK Skilled Worker Visa. This is often the case for those on a Student visa, Graduate Visa or another work category.

Who can switch:

• You must be in an immigration category that allows in-country switching - certain categories cannot switch in-country, such as visitors, short-term students, domestic workers in private households and those on immigration bail

• Student visa holders can only switch if they have completed their course (or are within 24 months of completing a PhD)

Key Documents:

• A valid CoS from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence

• Proof of English language ability (unless exempt)

• Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (unless you have been in the UK for at least 12 months)

Switching into Occupation Codes 6135 or 6136

If you are switching into the Skilled Worker route to work as a carer or a senior care worker, you will likely be subject to the three-month employment rule. This is where, if you are switching from a different immigration route to work under the occupation code 6135 or 6136, your sponsor must confirm you have been employed by them in the UK for at least three months before the date your CoS is assigned.

Why this Matters:

• If you have not yet completed three months' work with your sponsor, you will need to wait before applying - otherwise your application may be refused

For carers already in the UK, the extension and switching routes remain open — but the rules have extra layers, especially if your role falls under codes 6135 or 6136. The three-month employment requirement can be a make-or-break factor for switching applications. To make your switching or extension application stress-free, contact us at info@ctcadministration.com