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Is it possible to switch from a visitor visa to a sponsored work visa inside the UK, and in which situations is this strictly prohibited?

Is it possible to switch from a visitor visa to a sponsored work visa inside the UK, and in which situations is this strictly prohibited?

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Publication date: 06.02.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “Is it possible to switch from a visitor visa to a sponsored work visa inside the UK, and in which situations is this strictly prohibited?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

30.01.2026 13:46:50 In general, you cannot switch from a visitor visa to a sponsored work visa while in the UK. Visitor visas are intended for people who come to the UK for leisure, business meetings, or to visit family, not for work purposes. Therefore, switching from a visitor visa to a work visa is strictly prohibited if you are in the UK on a visitor visa. The only situations where visitors can apply for a work visa from within the UK would be in very limited circumstances, such as for exceptional reasons, but these are rare and typically require a strong justification. It is advisable to leave the UK and apply for the work visa from your home country or a country where you have legal residency instead.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

30.01.2026 13:46:54 From a legal perspective under UK immigration rules, it is generally not possible to switch from a standard visitor visa to a sponsored work visa (such as the Skilled Worker visa) while inside the UK. Visitors are expected to leave the country and apply for the work visa from their home country or country of legal residence. This restriction is in place to prevent visitors from using the visitor route as a means to stay long-term for work purposes. Switching is strictly prohibited in most situations, including: - If you entered the UK on a standard visitor visa (including business visitors or tourists). - For most sponsored work routes, unless you qualify for a specific exception (which are rare and typically apply to other visa categories, not standard visitors). Exceptions are limited and do not usually apply to visitor visa holders switching to work visas. For personalized advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer, as rules can change and depend on individual circumstances.

BASE (basic) 2.18

Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

30.01.2026 13:53:34 In most cases, switching from a UK Visitor visa to a sponsored work visa inside the UK is not permitted. Visitor status is strictly temporary and does not allow a change to work-based routes such as the Skilled Worker visa from within the country. The Home Office expects visitors to leave the UK and apply from abroad, usually from their country of residence, once they have a valid job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship. This switch is strictly prohibited where the visitor entered the UK intending to work, attend job interviews beyond what is allowed, or start employment. Any evidence of working, job-seeking with intent to remain, or overstaying can lead to refusal and future immigration issues. Only very limited exceptions exist, and relying on them without legal advice is risky.

PREMIUM 2.85

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

30.01.2026 13:56:49 As a general rule, the UK immigration system does not allow applicants to switch from a Visitor visa to a sponsored work visa while remaining in the UK. Visitor visas are granted on the basis that the individual will leave the country after a short stay, and changing to a work route would contradict that intention. In practice, this means you must usually return overseas to submit a Skilled Worker or other sponsored work visa application. The prohibition is strict if the visitor has carried out any work activities, breached visa conditions, or applied with pre-existing plans to stay long-term. Even having informal work discussions can be scrutinised. Attempting an in-country switch where it is not allowed can result in refusal and long-term consequences, so professional legal assessment is essential before taking any steps.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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