Change Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa
You can change employers on a Skilled Worker visa, but you normally need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and approval of your application before starting the new sponsored job. Your current visa does not automatically transfer to another company.
The practical challenge is coordinating your job offer, notice period, application and start date without breaching visa conditions. Your family’s permission and plans for settlement also need attention.
This guide explains how to switch employers, what to check and which documents to prepare. It reflects the rules checked on 10 October 2026. For support with your circumstances, see our Skilled Worker visa service.
When You Need to Apply for a New Visa
You normally need to update your visa when:
- You move to a different employer for your main sponsored job.
- Your new role has a different occupation code, subject to exceptions such as qualifying graduate training programmes.
- You move from a job on the Immigration Salary List to one outside it, unless a relevant transitional exception applies.
Older guidance refers to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). That list was replaced by the Immigration Salary List, so check the current provisions rather than relying on an old article.
A change of job title or salary with the same employer does not automatically require a new application. However, the role must remain eligible, salary requirements must be met and the sponsor must fulfil reporting duties. Staying within the same occupation code is only part of that assessment.
Business transfers under TUPE and certain related company arrangements can involve exceptions. Ask for advice before treating a corporate transfer as an ordinary change of employer.
Step-by-Step Process to Switch Employers
Step 1: Get a New Job Offer and Check the Sponsor
Your new employer must be authorised to sponsor your proposed role under the Skilled Worker route. Check the official Sponsor List, including the organisation’s legal name, route and rating.
A sponsor licence alone does not make every vacancy eligible. Ask the employer to confirm the duties, occupation code, salary, weekly hours and intended start date in writing.
The employer must assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is an electronic record with a reference number, rather than a paper certificate. Your current employer’s CoS cannot simply be transferred.
If the company needs sponsorship support, our sponsor licence service explains the employer’s next steps. Do not agree to start the sponsored role while its licence application is pending.
Before handing in your notice, ask whether the new employer has assigned the CoS and whether your proposed start date can move if processing takes longer. Discuss who will pay application costs, and check any repayment clause in your employment contract. Keep these answers with your new Skilled Worker visa application records.
Step 2: Check Your Job and Salary Meet the Rules
The usual Skilled Worker salary threshold is £41,700 annually, and you must also meet the applicable going rate for your occupation. A salary above the general threshold can still fall short of the occupation’s requirement.
The correct occupation code depends on actual duties, not just the job title. Check whether your new job is eligible under the current rules, including any medium skilled restrictions, list provisions or transitional protection.
Lower salary options require specific eligibility. Under the usual new entrant option, the minimum is £33,400 and 70% of the applicable going rate. These are combined requirements. New entrants cannot automatically renew that discount indefinitely; the relevant four year limit includes Graduate route permission.
Health and Care Workers have different salary arrangements depending on their occupation and circumstances. There is no single minimum salary requirement covering every healthcare or care role.
If your first Skilled Worker sponsorship predates 4 April 2024 and your permission has continued, transitional salary provisions may apply. Check the relevant option rather than assuming your previous salary threshold follows you unchanged.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Start with:
- Your new Certificate of Sponsorship reference and sponsor details.
- Your current passport and accessible UKVI account.
- Your current immigration permission and previous decision details.
- Your job offer, duties, salary and working hours.
- Proof of English or maintenance evidence where required.
- Relevant documents for dependants applying with you.
Other evidence can be necessary, such as an ATAS certificate for certain sensitive roles. Follow the application requirements for your circumstances.
Do not assume an old English test’s expiry means you must retake it. Applicants updating permission previously granted subject to B1 can retain that requirement. New applicants generally need B2, but existing Skilled Workers may rely on English already established in a successful application.
For maintenance, applicants who have held UK permission for at least 12 months normally meet the financial requirement without bank statements. Otherwise, check whether an eligible sponsor certifies maintenance. If funds are required, the usual amount is £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days, with the final day within 31 days before applying.
Step 4: Apply Online and Complete Identity Checks
You must apply online through employer change process. You can normally apply up to three months before the new job’s start date. Submit a valid application before your current permission expires.
Check the CoS assignment date, validity and reference carefully. An expired Certificate of Sponsorship, a withdrawn record or incorrect job details can cause problems.
The application tells you how to prove your identity. You may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph. An appointment is not compulsory for every applicant.
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is no longer issued following approval. Your immigration status is recorded digitally through an eVisa. Keep your UKVI account accessible and its passport details current.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision Before Starting Work
For standard Skilled Worker applications inside the UK, the usual processing time is eight weeks. Verification, interviews or other circumstances can take longer.
Priority and super-priority services may be offered when you apply. Availability varies, and paying for a faster service does not guarantee approval or remove eligibility checks.
Plan a start date that allows for processing. Once approved, check the decision, permission dates and eVisa. Your new employer must complete the appropriate right to work check before employment begins.
Can You Continue Working While You Wait?
You can normally continue working in your current sponsored job, including your notice period, while the employer change application is considered, provided you apply before your existing permission expires.
If your permission expires while a valid application made in time remains undecided, section 3C can extend your leave. Your previous work conditions continue; submitting the application does not itself authorise the new main sponsored role.
Wait for confirmation of the new permission before starting that job. A CoS, application receipt or offer letter is not approval.
Avoid travel while the application is pending. Leaving the Common Travel Area can withdraw an in-country application. Section 3C leave also lapses when you leave the UK, so do not assume a trip to Ireland is safe merely because it is within that area.
Can You Take a Temporary Job?
Permitted supplementary employment may be possible, but it has conditions. Normally, you must remain employed in your sponsored job, work no more than 20 hours weekly outside its working hours, and meet the occupation requirements. Medium skilled supplementary work has additional transitional restrictions.
Check the additional work guidance before accepting shifts or starting a business. These provisions do not provide unrestricted permission to replace your sponsored employment with a temporary job.
What If Your Current Employment Ends?
If you resign, are dismissed or lose your sponsored role before the new permission is granted, get advice promptly. Your sponsor has reporting duties, and the Home Office may shorten or cancel permission.
Do not assume you automatically receive 60 days from your last working day. Check any Home Office notice, your existing expiry date and your application position.
Keep copies of employment correspondence and Home Office communications. Tell your adviser immediately if a cancellation decision arrives or the new employer withdraws its offer.
Costs in 2026
For a standard Skilled Worker application made inside the UK, current application fees are:
- Up to three years: £943 per person.
- More than three years: £1,865 per person.
Immigration Salary List applications have reduced fees of £628 or £1,235 respectively. The Immigration Health Surcharge is normally £1,035 per year for an adult, paid for the relevant permission period.
Eligible Health and Care Worker applications have reduced fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge exemption. Confirm whether the new role qualifies; working for a healthcare business is not enough by itself.
There is no Home Office biometric fee for providing fingerprints and a photograph. Optional appointments, faster processing and professional advice can involve separate costs.
What Happens to Your Family Members?
Your partner and children need separate applications to update their dependant permission. They can apply alongside you or before their own current visas expire. Your employer change application does not automatically extend their permission.
Record each family member’s expiry date and budget for their applications. Include your updated sponsorship and permission details where required.
Care worker and medium skilled occupations have restrictions on dependant eligibility, with transitional provisions and specific exceptions. Changing roles can therefore require closer assessment of the family’s position. Existing dependant status alone does not answer every question about a future application.
Will Switching Employers Affect Your ILR Eligibility?
Changing employers does not normally restart your qualifying residence period simply because the sponsor changes. However, your ILR eligibility still depends on meeting the settlement rules.
The current Skilled Worker route generally requires five years of qualifying residence, alongside the relevant salary, sponsorship, continuous residence and other requirements. Keep records of permission, employment and absences.
If you are approaching settlement, check your ILR timeline before paying for another visa application. A gap in lawful permission or an unsuitable new role can affect your plans.
Common Mistakes When Switching Employers
- Relying on a job offer without checking the employer’s sponsorship status.
- Using an occupation code that does not reflect the duties.
- Assuming a previous salary discount remains available.
- Starting work for the new sponsor before permission is granted.
- Missing CoS validity or family application deadlines.
- Booking travel while the application is pending.
Before submitting, compare the application, CoS and employment documents. Resolve differences in salary, hours, duties or dates with the sponsor.
How AHJ Immigration Can Help
AHJ Immigration can help when you are switching jobs, identifying the requirements and explaining the evidence you need. Under the agreed service, support may include document review and application preparation.
A Case Assessment can examine your current permission, new sponsorship, salary option and family’s position. We agree the scope, fees and responsibilities before paid work begins. The Home Office decides applications; an adviser cannot guarantee approval or a decision date.
You can contact us before your documents are complete. Tell us your visa expiry date, proposed employer, intended start date and any urgent correspondence so we can understand the timing.
Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa FAQs
Can I Change Employers Before My Visa Expires?
Yes. You normally need a new CoS and approved permission even if your existing visa has several years remaining.
What If My New Employer Does Not Have a Sponsor Licence?
It must obtain the appropriate authorisation before sponsoring your new main job. An offer or pending licence application is insufficient.
Do My Dependants Have to Apply on the Same Day?
No. They can apply separately before their current permission expires, subject to eligibility. Plan their applications rather than assuming your approval updates theirs.
Move to Your Next Role with Confidence
Check the proposed job, sponsorship and timing before committing to your move. Book a consultation for advice on your next steps, or request a call back if you would prefer us to contact you.
Call 0121 828 2224 or email hello@ahjimmigration.co.uk.
