Already Approved for Student Visa but...

[marimar22]

... I now have a job offer and certificate of sponsorship for skilled worker visa. I would prefer to do this than be a student. I have not travelled to the UK on the student visa yet. Does anyone know how this can work? It looks like if I just apply the Skilled Worker Visa they will then withdraw the Student Visa and refund me the fees and IHS? Is this correct?

[secret.simon]

It looks like if I just apply the Skilled Worker Visa they will then withdraw the Student Visa and refund me the fees and IHS?

Not sure about the IHS, but the fees will definitely not be refunded.

The fees are for consideration of the application and that was done. You would not have got a refund even if the application was refused.

Wait for others to advise on the IHS.

[marimar22]

The fees are for consideration of the application and that was done. You would not have got a refund even if the application was refused.

Ah yes, that makes sense. Thanks.

[lolo2]

In terms of IHS, the guidance mentions:

You will not get a refund if:

• your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

In principle, you will not be eligible for a refund, but it's not clear what applies when you don't come to the UK on a previously approved visa but on another one.

See: IHS refunds