Changing Jobs or Employers on UK Skilled Worker Visa
The United Kingdom offers numerous visa options for talented overseas professionals. One of the most common immigration routes is the Skilled Worker Visa (previously known as the Tier 2 General Work Visa). It is a permission to perform a specific job role for a specific employer who acts as the applicant’s sponsor. Sometimes, it happens that the immigrant needs to change their job or employer or assume a second employment. Let’s discuss whether it is allowed, when and to what extent visa holders can make such switches, and what the current requirements for changing jobs on the Tier 2 Visa are.
Can a Job or an Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa be Changed?
Strictly speaking, visa holders can abandon their previous job and start doing something different provided that they remain employed by the same legal entity that sponsored them. If the new job role falls within the same Standard Occupation Code (SOC) as the previous one, if it is included in the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), and if the applicant still scores at least 70 points under the visa application system, then no additional notification is required. In the following circumstances, however, applicants must update their visa:
- the new job role falls within a different SOC;
- the new job, unlike the former one, is not on the SOL.
The changes shall be introduced as soon as possible, or the applicant will face serious punishment for the breach of the local immigration laws. The procedure can be done online.
If the Tier 2 Visa holder wishes to change employer, then they must reapply for their visa since the conditions of their sponsorship will now be different. The only exception is the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) procedure when an employer switches to a new legal entity due to a merger or an acquisition.
Visa Requirements When Changing Jobs or Employers
The Visa can be updated only if its holder still meets all the requirements that they initially met when applying for their Skilled Worker Visa. These include:
- having a job offer and being currently employed by an eligible entity;
- having an annual salary above the required minimum threshold (£26,200 for those who already had a valid visa issued before April 2024, and £38,700 for those who first applied for the visa after April 4, 2024);
- speaking English at a required level.
Those who plan on switching employers on their Tier 2 Visa, shall check that the new employer holds a valid UK Sponsor Licence (it is required for being able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for an employee).
How Long Does it Take?
It usually takes up to 8 weeks to get the Home Office’s decision. When applying, you will be advised whether the priority processing service is available (extra charge varies from £500 to £1,000, and the priority applicants are usually granted renewal within 2-5 working days).
How Much Does it Cost to Renew a Skilled Worker Visa?
The cost for those who apply for a change of employment on their Tier 2 Visa depends on the duration of their Certificate of Sponsorship and whether their new job is included in the Immigration Salary List (ISL):
| General fee | Fee for those whose job is on the ISL | |
| CoS issued for less than 3 years | £827 | £551 |
| CoS issued for 3 years or more | £1,636 | £1,084 |
Note: all the above-mentioned costs are valid for applying from within Great Britain.
Can I Get Down to a New Job Before my Renewal Application is Processed?
No, applicants are prohibited from performing new job duties until they obtain a formal approval from the Home Office or until the official notice period is over. However, they can still work for their former employer, and the latter cannot terminate their employment until the Home Office’s notice is issued.
What if I Lose my Sponsored Job?
If you did not plan on changing employers on your Skilled Worker Visa but were unfortunate enough to lose the job, your visa will be suspended. In such a case you will have 60 days to return to your home country or apply for another UK visa. This can be either the Skilled Worker Visa (if you manage to find a new suitable job with an eligible entity), Global Talent Visa or any other immigration route, including family visas. Those who had lived in the UK for at least 5 years before they lost their job can apply for an indefinite leave to remain directly.
Will it Affect my Dependants if I Change Job?
The family members who live with you in Great Britain can remain in the country while you await the Home Office’s reply. If your visa renewal is approved, your family will be able to continue living in the UK on the former terms.
If, however, your renewal application is denied, your dependants’ visa will be suspended as well. They will have the right to remain in the country only as long as you successfully apply for a new visa that allows family immigration. Otherwise they will not be able to stay in the country without you as their sponsor and will have to leave it.
How Can We Help?
Sterling Law is an experienced law firm that specializes in immigration issues. In particular, we help our customers get their Skilled Worker Visa for the first time and subsequently change their Tier 2 visa if switching employer or job.
By contacting our immigration solicitors, you get the following advantages:
- in-depth knowledge of all current rules and requirements;
- efficiency and complete transparency;
- lots of spared time and effort for you and your family;
- high approval rates for our clients.
We will provide assistance on all stages of the visa renewal process and will guide you through potential difficulties. Thanks to our services, you will be able to update your visa in the most trouble-free and money-sparing way.
Entrust you Skilled Worker Visa change to Sterling Law experts!
