Skilled Worker Visa Change of Employment

Can I change employer or job on a Skilled Worker visa?

If you are a Skilled Worker Visa holder or old Tier 2 General visa holder and are looking to change jobs or change employers, you must apply to the Home Office to update Skilled Worker visas accordingly to satisfy UK immigration rules.

Several different scenarios may mean that you have to update your Skilled Worker visa. If any of the following apply to you, you must act correctly to retain your visa status in the UK.

A Skilled Worker visa change must be recorded and updated in the following instances:

• You wish to change your job title
• You want to begin a new job with a new employer
• Your job is changing to a different occupation code
• You are leaving a job that is on the shortage occupation list to start a new job that is not on the same immigration salary list

You do not need to apply to update your visa if your job is taken off the shortage occupation list and you are staying with the same employer for the same job.

Switching job titles with the same employer or switching employment whilst on a Skilled Worker visa can prove an intricate process, so it can be beneficial to seek the assistance of a trained immigration lawyer to make the process as smooth as possible.

Skilled worker visa change of employment requirements

When submitting skilled worker visa if you change your of employment details you must still meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements. The following skilled worker criteria must apply to you before you proceed to update your visa:

• You must have a job offer from an approved employer- this must be an employer listed on the Home Office list of eligible jobs
• You must have a certificate of sponsorship from the employer in question
• You must meet the minimum salary threshold for your new job
• You must prove your knowledge of the English language– this includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking to the required competency level.
• You must fulfil the specific genuineness requirement. Therefore, you must show you will only undertake your proposed role and will not engage in any additional employment while in the UK.

Your new employer must have a sponsor licence to issue a skilled worker a certificate of sponsorship. If they still need to get the relevant licensing in place, they must seek UK government approval for a sponsor licence holder, before they can go ahead and offer you a job.

Required documents for Skilled worker change of employment

To successfully update your visa with a change of employment, you must provide the following documents:

• Certificate of sponsorship reference number- given to you by your new employer
• Proof of knowledge of English
• Valid passport as proof of your identity and nationality
• New job occupation code
• Name of your new employer
• Employers sponsor licence number- this can be found listed on the certificate of sponsorship

The documents are required to prove to the Home Office that your intentions to prove that your intentions to change jobs and update your Skilled Worker visa are genuine.

When does a Skilled Worker visa need to be updated?

Skilled worker visa holders can also apply online to update their current visa up to three months before your new job is due to commence.

You are able to continue working your current job whilst your Skilled Worker visa application is being processed and updated. You must ensure they you apply for new certificate in good time before your present visa is due to expire or your notice period ends with your current employer.

You must not start your new job until you have heard back from the Home Office and have been informed that your application has succeeded. It is essential that you seek permission before making any sort of change of employment to your Skilled Worker visa.

It is vital that you remain inside the UK during the update process your work visa. You must not travel outside of the United Kingdom whilst your application to update your Skilled Worker visa is being reviewed by the Home Office. You if do, your application will be withdrawn fully.

Working a second job with a Skilled Worker visa

Sometimes, you can work a second job on a Skilled Worker visa without updating it. However, you must apply for an update if any of the following apply to your job changes your work situation:

• The second job is more than 20 working hours per week
• The second job is not the same occupation code than your sponsored job

The second job or employer that you take on must meet the eligibility criteria, and you must obtain a sponsor’s licence before you begin working.

In addition to your application to update, you must include a letter written by yourself that details and explains why you wish to change your current permission to stay in the United Kingdom.

The letter must include the following details:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your current certificate of sponsorship reference number
• The date when your current permission to stay is due to run out

Decision time

Once you submit your application form to update your Skilled Worker visa application, you can expect to receive a decision within eight weeks of your application date.

During the application process, the Home Office may need to contact you for one of the following reasons:

• Your supporting documents need to be verified
• You need to attend an interview
• Clarification on your personal circumstances

If you do need to be contacted for any of the above reasons, your application will likely be delayed.

There is the possible option of paying additional fees for a priority service which will accommodate a quicker outcome should need one. If this is possible for you, you will be informed at the start of the application process.

What happens to your dependants if you change jobs on a skilled worker visa?

If you change your job on a skilled worker visa, your dependant partner and children will need to update their visa accordingly. Your dependant’s visa will not change automatically if you update yours. This means it must be done separately to the main applicant who is changing jobs or employer on a skilled worker visa.

If your dependants do not update their visa, it will be valid until the original end date of that visa.

How can IAS help?

IAS have a team of expert lawyers ready to help you with your visa queries, and to tackle UK immigration law. A change of employment under the Skilled Worker visa route can often prove complex, so advice from an immigration lawyer is highly advantageous when updating your visa.

IAS immigration lawyers have an extensive track record of successful visa applications and updates. Whether it be an initial application for a new visa or you are a skilled worker looking to change job with the same or a different employer, we can assist you in a stress-free application process.

For more information on how IAS can help you, call our team of friendly advisors today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 for a chat, or fill out our dedicated contact form for more assistance.