Can I change employers while holding a Skilled Worker visa, and what steps must be taken to avoid breaching my visa conditions?

20.01.2026 13:57:15 Yes, you can change employers while holding a Skilled Worker visa, but specific steps must be followed to avoid breaching your visa conditions. Firstly, the new employer must hold a valid sponsorship licence. You must secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the new employer. Once you have the CoS, you need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa before starting your new job. It's important to ensure that there is no gap in your employment and that you maintain compliance with visa conditions throughout this process. Additionally, you should notify the Home Office of your change in employment, as it is a requirement under the terms of your visa.

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20.01.2026 13:57:31 As a Skilled Worker Visa lawyer based in Bristol, I can provide general legal guidance on your query regarding the UK Skilled Worker visa. Yes, you can change employers while holding a Skilled Worker visa, but this must be done correctly to comply with UK immigration rules and avoid breaching your visa conditions. Key points from a legal perspective: 1. **Eligibility to Switch Employers**: The Skilled Worker visa is tied to your sponsoring employer. To change jobs, you need a new employer who holds a valid sponsor licence from the UK Home Office. The new role must meet the visa requirements, including skill level (at least RQF Level 3), salary thresholds, and be on the list of eligible occupations. 2. **Steps to Take**: - **Secure a New Sponsor and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)**: Find a licensed sponsor willing to hire you and issue a new defined or undefined CoS for the Skilled Worker route. - **Apply for a New Visa**: Submit a new Skilled Worker visa application before starting work with the new employer. You can apply from within the UK if your current visa is valid, using Form FLR (Further Leave to Remain) or the online application process. Provide the new CoS, proof of meeting the points-based system requirements (e.g., 70 points for job offer, skill level, salary, and English language), and other supporting documents like your passport and biometrics. - **Timing**: You must not start working for the new employer until your new visa application is approved. Continuing to work for your current sponsor until the switch is approved helps maintain compliance. - **Notify Your Current Sponsor**: Inform your current employer of your intention to leave, as they are required to report changes to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (SMS). 3. **Avoiding Breaches**: Working without proper authorization (e.g., starting the new job before approval) could lead to visa curtailment, refusal of future applications, or removal from the UK. If your current sponsorship ends (e.g., due to redundancy), you have 60 days or until your visa expires (whichever is shorter) to find a new sponsor and apply, or you must leave the UK. This is general advice based on current UK immigration law under the points-based system. Immigration rules can change, and your specific circumstances (e.g., visa expiry date, family members) may affect the process. I strongly recommend consulting a qualified immigration lawyer for personalized advice to ensure compliance. If you'd like to discuss your case further, feel free to contact my office in Bristol.

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20.01.2026 14:06:35 Yes, you can change employers while holding a Skilled Worker visa, but only if the correct procedure is followed before you start the new role. Your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship for the specific job. You must then submit a new Skilled Worker visa application to the Home Office, even if your current visa has not expired. Importantly, you cannot begin working for the new employer until the new application has been submitted, and in some cases until it is approved. You must also ensure the role meets salary and skill level requirements. Changing employers without completing these steps would be a breach of your visa conditions and could lead to cancellation of your permission to stay.

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20.01.2026 14:22:45 A Skilled Worker visa is tied to both your role and your sponsoring employer, so changing jobs is not automatic. To remain compliant, the change must be authorised through a fresh visa application. The process involves securing an offer from a licensed sponsor, receiving a new Certificate of Sponsorship, and applying to update your visa details. While your application is pending, you must continue working under the terms of your current visa and should not start the new employment early. Timing is critical, as resigning before submitting the application or working for the new employer too soon can jeopardise your immigration status. Proper planning and clear communication with both employers are essential to avoid any breach.

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