1. Can You Change Employment on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK can change employers or job roles, but it’s essential to follow Home Office procedures. If you want to switch employers or take on a different position with your current employer, you may need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa or a visa variation if your job title changes significantly. Changing employment without notifying the Home Office or following the correct process could lead to visa revocation.
2. When Do You Need to Apply for a New Skilled Worker Visa?
A new Skilled Worker visa is required if:
- Changing Employers: You are moving to a different company or sponsor.
- Changing Occupation Code: Your new role falls under a different Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code than your current position.
- Taking a Promotion in a Different Job Category: If the promotion significantly changes your job’s SOC code, a new application is required.
- Taking an Additional Role with a Different Employer: Secondary employment with a new employer requires separate approval.
However, if your role and SOC code remain the same and you are simply taking on new duties or a promotion within the same occupation, you typically do not need a new visa.
3. Eligibility Criteria for Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa
Before changing jobs, ensure you meet these criteria:
- New Sponsor with a Skilled Worker License: Your prospective employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor license.
- Job Meets Skilled Worker Criteria: The new job must meet the minimum skill and salary requirements for a Skilled Worker visa.
- New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your new employer must issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which details your job role, salary, and other relevant information.
- Current Valid Skilled Worker Visa: Ensure that your visa is valid when you apply for a change in employment.
Meeting these eligibility requirements ensures a smooth transition without visa status complications.
4. Steps to Change Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa
Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa requires a new application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Receive Job Offer from New Sponsor: Confirm that the employer holds a Skilled Worker license and that your role meets the Skilled Worker criteria.
- Obtain a New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The new employer must issue a CoS for your intended role.
- Apply for a New Skilled Worker Visa: Complete a Skilled Worker visa application online, using the new CoS.
- Pay the Application Fees: You will need to pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) again.
- Biometric Appointment: If required, book an appointment to submit biometric information (photo and fingerprints).
- Await Approval: Continue working for your current employer while awaiting a decision; you cannot start the new role until the application is approved.
Following these steps carefully ensures compliance with the Home Office’s requirements.
5. Documents Required to Change Employment
The documents required for changing employment on a Skilled Worker visa are:
- Valid Passport: A passport valid for the length of your new visa term.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The new CoS from your prospective employer.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Bank statements or financial documentation may be required if you have not been in the UK for at least 12 months.
- Proof of Current Employment: Documents from your current employer, such as pay slips or a letter, may be requested.
- English Language Proficiency: If not previously submitted, proof of English language proficiency may be required.
Submitting complete and accurate documents supports a smoother and faster application process.
6. Costs Associated with Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa
When changing employers, you will need to pay standard Skilled Worker visa fees again:
- Application Fee: Ranges from £625 to £1,423, depending on the duration and occupation type.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year of the visa, paid upfront for the entire visa term.
- Additional Costs: Some applicants may have fees for biometric appointments or priority processing.
Knowing these costs in advance helps applicants budget and prepare for the change of employment process.
7. How Long Does It Take to Process a Skilled Worker Visa Change of Employment?
The processing time for changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa depends on several factors:
- Standard Processing: Usually takes up to 8 weeks.
- Priority Processing: For an extra fee, priority processing can shorten the wait to 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service: In some regions, super priority processing is available for a same-day decision.
Applying well in advance of your intended start date with the new employer ensures that you have the necessary permissions in time.
8. Can You Work for Your New Employer Before Approval?
No, you cannot start working for your new employer until you have received approval from the Home Office. You must remain with your current employer until your new visa is granted. If the change is urgent, consider applying for priority or super-priority processing.
9. What Happens if Your Application is Denied?
If your application to change employers is denied:
- Continue with Current Employer: If your current visa is still valid, you may remain with your current employer.
- Explore Other Visa Options: If there are issues with your new sponsor or role, you may explore alternative visa routes.
- Right to Appeal: In certain cases, you may appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues cited in the refusal.
Understanding alternative options provides security in the event of an application denial.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need a new Skilled Worker visa to change job roles with the same employer?
A: If your new role has the same SOC code, you typically do not need a new visa. If it falls under a different SOC code, a new application may be required.
Q2: Can I work two jobs on a Skilled Worker visa?
A: Yes, you can take a second job of up to 20 hours per week if it’s in the same occupation code or a job on the shortage occupation list, but any full change in employment requires Home Office approval.
Q3: Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa change of employment from within the UK?
A: Yes, Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for a change of employment from within the UK.
Q4: How soon can I start my new job after applying?
A: You must wait for the Home Office’s decision and cannot begin your new job until the application is approved.
Q5: Will I have to meet the salary requirements again when changing jobs?
A: Yes, the new role must meet the minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas, either £26,200 or the going rate for the specific occupation, whichever is higher.
Q6: Is it easier to change jobs with the same employer?
A: Yes, if the new role falls within the same SOC code, it may not require a new visa application.