If you are in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and have received a job offer from another employer, you may be wondering whether you can change jobs without leaving the UK.
In many cases, changing your employer is possible. However, a Skilled Worker Visa is linked to your sponsored employment, so you generally cannot simply start working for a new employer using your existing visa.
If you are considering a job change, it is important to understand what may need to happen before you move to your new role.
Can You Change Your Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can change your employer, but you will generally need to update your Skilled Worker Visa before starting the new sponsored job.
The new employer must normally be an approved UK sponsor, and your new role must meet the relevant Skilled Worker requirements.
You will also generally need a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the new job.
This means accepting a new job offer does not by itself give you permission to start working for the new employer.
When Do You Need to Update Your Visa?
You generally need to apply to update your Skilled Worker Visa if:
✓ You are changing to a different employer
✓ Your new job is in a different occupation code in circumstances where an update is required
✓ You move from an eligible Immigration Salary List job to a job that is not on the list
✓ Your new employment requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship
The exact requirements can depend on your current visa, your previous sponsorship and the new role.
What If You Are Changing Jobs With the Same Employer?
Changing your job does not always mean you need to make a new application.
For example, if you remain with the same employer and your new role stays within the same occupation code, an update may not be required in certain circumstances.
However, if your new duties result in a different occupation code, immigration requirements may change.
It is therefore important to look beyond the job title and consider the actual role and occupation code.
What Happens With the New Employer?
Your new employer needs to have the appropriate sponsorship arrangements in place.
They will generally need to provide a new Certificate of Sponsorship for your new role.
The new job must also meet the applicable Skilled Worker requirements, including requirements relating to the occupation and salary.
Having a new employer or receiving a CoS does not automatically mean your visa application will be successful. Your individual circumstances and the requirements of the new role also need to be considered.
Can You Start the New Job Immediately?
This is an important point.
You should not assume that you can start your new sponsored job simply because you have received a job offer or CoS.
GOV.UK guidance states that you should not start the new job until you have confirmation of your new immigration permission. You can generally apply to update your visa up to three months before the start date of the new job.
Planning the timing of the job change is therefore important, particularly if your current visa is approaching its expiry date.
What If Your Current Visa Is Expiring?
If your current Skilled Worker Visa is due to expire while you are planning to change employers, the timing becomes particularly important.
You may need to consider:
✓ Your current visa expiry date
✓ The start date of your new job
✓ Whether the new employer has a valid sponsor licence
✓ Whether a new CoS has been issued
✓ Whether your new role meets the relevant requirements
✓ Whether your current immigration permission allows you to continue working while your application is being considered
Do not leave these issues until the last minute.
What About Your Salary?
Salary is another important consideration when changing employers.
The salary requirement can depend on the job, occupation code, your circumstances and when you first received your Skilled Worker sponsorship. Certain transitional provisions may also apply to some existing Skilled Worker visa holders.
Because salary rules can be complex, it is worth checking the new role carefully before accepting an offer based solely on the advertised salary.
What About Your Dependants?
If your partner or children are in the UK as your dependants, changing your employer does not automatically update their immigration permission.
Dependants generally need to make their own applications when required. Their circumstances and visa expiry dates should therefore also be reviewed.
Could Changing Employer Affect Your ILR Plans?
If you are working towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you should also consider your longer-term immigration plans before changing jobs.
A change of employer does not automatically mean that you lose your settlement pathway, but your new employment, immigration history and continued eligibility need to be considered under the rules applicable to your circumstances.
If you are close to becoming eligible for ILR, it may be particularly useful to review your position before making a significant employment change.
What If Your Employer Is Not a Licensed Sponsor?
If your prospective employer is not currently an approved sponsor, they cannot simply issue you a Skilled Worker CoS.
Depending on the circumstances, the employer may need to obtain the appropriate sponsor licence before sponsoring you.
This can add additional time to the process, so it is worth checking the employer’s sponsorship position before making plans to leave your current job.
What Should You Check Before Changing Employer?
Before making a decision, consider:
✓ Is the new employer an approved sponsor?
✓ Will the new employer issue a valid CoS?
✓ Does the new role meet Skilled Worker requirements?
✓ Is the occupation code appropriate?
✓ Does the salary meet the applicable requirements?
✓ When does your current visa expire?
✓ When can you start the new job?
✓ Could the change affect your ILR plans?
✓ Do your dependants need to take any action?
The right approach can vary depending on your employment and immigration history.
Get Professional Guidance Before Changing Jobs
Changing employers while on a Skilled Worker Visa involves more than simply accepting a new job offer.
At Ace Immigration Services, we can provide professional guidance on:
✓ Skilled Worker Visa updates
✓ Change of employer
✓ New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
✓ CoS allocation matters
✓ Salary and occupation-related considerations
✓ Skilled Worker Visa extensions
✓ Dependant visa matters
✓ ILR and settlement considerations
Planning to Change Your Employer?
Before leaving your current sponsored employment, make sure you understand how the change could affect your UK immigration status.
Speak to Ace Immigration Services for professional guidance based on your individual circumstances.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +44 7424 904064
Ace Immigration Services
Regulated and monitored by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)
Authorization Number: F201200490
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. UK immigration rules and sponsorship requirements can change, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
