Skilled Worker Visa Change Employer

It is permitted to switch to a new employer when on a Skilled Worker visa (Tier 2 visa), but you will need to update your visa.

If you plan to stay with the same employer but switch job, you will not need to update your visa unless the new job has a different occupation code.

If you have family members on dependant visas, they will need to apply separately to update their own visas.

When applying to switch to a new employer, you must make sure to submit your application before your current visa expires. This is to ensure that you maintain your legal status in the UK.

Page Contents

• Can you change or switch employer on a Skilled Worker visa in UK?
• Update Your Visa if You Change Job or Employer
• Skilled Worker visa requirements for a change in employer
• Required documents for switching employer on Skilled Worker visa
• Adding a second job to your Skilled Worker visa
• Skilled worker visa change employer cost
• When to apply to update your Skilled Worker visa?
• Processing time for Skilled Worker visa change employer
• After you apply
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you are on a Skilled Worker visa and have certain changes to your circumstances, you will need to update your visa. Specifically, you will need to update your visa in the following circumstances:

• If you are switching to a new job with a new employer
• If your current job switches to a new occupation code (note that this only applies if you are not in a graduate training programme)
• If you leave a job on the immigration salary list and switch to a job that is not on the immigration salary list

In the case of any of the above changes, you will need to update your Skilled Worker visa. You will not be authorised to start the new role until you receive confirmation of a successful application from the UK Home Office.

In order to be eligible to switch to a new employer on your Skilled Worker visa, you will need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• The new employer must be a licenced sponsor with the UK Home Office
• The new job must be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa
• The new employer must provide you with a new certificate of sponsorship
• You will generally need to satisfy the minimum salary requirements for your particular job role

In some cases, you may be eligible for lower salary requirements. In order to qualify, you will need to satisfy both of the following eligibility criteria:

• You received the certificate of sponsorship for your original Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024
• You have consistently been on a Skilled Worker visa since that date

When you are applying to update your employer on a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide supporting documents which prove your identity, such as a valid passport and your current visa.

You can verify your identity in one of two ways:

• Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. This app allows you to verify your identity by scanning your ID
• Attending an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

The exact verification method will depend on your specific circumstances and will be confirmed when you apply to update your visa.

It is generally possible to add a second job to your current Skilled Worker visa. You will need to do so if you accept a second job which adds more than 20 additional paid hours to your work week, in addition to your primary role.

The second job will need to meet the same Skilled Worker visa eligibility requirements, including providing you with a new certificate of sponsorship. In addition, you will need to provide a letter where you outline your intention to change your permission to stay. The letter will need to include the following details:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your current certificate of sponsorship reference number
• The expiry date of your current permission to stay

In the event of a successful application to add the second job to your visa, you will receive a new visa which grants you permission to work in both the original and the new role.

Note that, if the new job has an eligible occupation code or is less than 20 paid hours per week, you will not need to update your Skilled Worker visa.

In cases where the certificate of sponsorship which you have been issued is for 3 years or less, the fee for updating your skilled worker visa will be uk-app_in_uk_skilled_worker_certificate_sponsorship_three_years_less_fee. In cases where the certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 3 years, the fee will be k-app_in_uk_skilled_worker_certificate_sponsorship_over_three_years_fee.

There may also be additional costs associated with your application. Note that all documents submitted with your application will need to be translated into either English or Welsh, and you will need to use a certified translation service.

You will need to apply to update your Skilled Worker visa up to 3 months before the start of your new job. In the meantime, you will be authorised to continue working in your current job or to complete your notice period.

However, you must make sure to apply to update your visa before your current visa expires, in order to maintain your legal status in the UK.

You will not be authorised to start your new job until you have received permission from the UK Home Office.

In general, you should receive a decision on your application to change your Skilled Worker visa within 8 weeks of applying. In some cases, however, it may take longer. You will be contacted by the UK Home Office if this is the case, for any of the following reasons:

• The evidence which you have provided needs to be verified
• You are required to attend a visa interview
• You have extenuating personal circumstances, such as a criminal record

In some cases, you may be eligible to pay for a faster decision on your case. If this applies to you, you will be notified when you are completing your application.

You can still make changes to your application once you have submitted it online. To make changes, you will need to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You can also request for your application to be cancelled. If the Home Office has not yet started processing your application, you should still be able to get a refund on your application fee.

Once a decision has been made on your application to change employers, you will receive either an email or a letter informing you of the decision. You will also receive instructions on your next stages.

Note that you must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while waiting for a decision on your application. If you do so, your application will likely be withdrawn.