How to Switch Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa – Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Update)

If you are working in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can change employers. But you must follow the Home Office process carefully. Many people lose time or risk refusal because they do not understand how to switch jobs correctly.

This guide explains how to change employers on your Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 and what evidence you need to stay compliant.

At AHJ Immigration, we help professionals move to better roles without losing their status.

When You Need to Apply for a New Visa

You must apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa if:

• You are changing employers.
• You are changing jobs and your new role has a different occupation code.
• You are moving from a job on the shortage occupation list to one that is not.

You do not need a new visa if you are staying with the same employer and only changing job title or salary, as long as the occupation code stays the same.

Step-by-Step Process to Switch Employers

Step 1: Get a New Job Offer

Your new employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence.
Check the official Sponsor List to confirm they are approved.

Once you accept the job, the employer must assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Check Your Job and Salary Meet the Rules

Every role has a specific occupation code and minimum salary requirement.
In 2025, the general Skilled Worker salary threshold is £38,700 per year, unless your job is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).

Some exceptions apply:

• Health and Care Workers: £23,200 minimum
• New Entrants (graduates): £30,960 or 70% of the going rate

If your new job pays less than the required rate, your application could be refused.

Step 3: Apply for a New Skilled Worker Visa

You must apply online at GOV.UK before starting your new role.
The Home Office does not allow you to begin working for the new employer until your visa has been approved.

Prepare the following documents:

• New Certificate of Sponsorship
• Current passport and BRP
• Proof of English (only if your previous proof has expired or is no longer valid)
• Bank statements showing funds if your sponsor is not covering maintenance

Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, book a UKVCAS appointment.
You will provide your fingerprints and photograph for a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

You can normally expect a decision within 8 weeks.
Priority and super-priority options are available for faster results.

Once approved, you will receive a new BRP confirming your updated sponsor and job details.

Can You Continue Working While You Wait?

You can only work for your current employer until the new visa is approved.
If you start working for your new employer early, it may count as a breach of visa conditions.

To stay compliant, wait for official confirmation from the Home Office before changing jobs.

Common Mistakes When Switching Employers

• Accepting a job from a company without a sponsor licence
• Starting work before the new visa is granted
• Submitting an expired Certificate of Sponsorship
• Forgetting to update dependants’ visa details
• Missing the correct occupation code

We help applicants check all details to prevent these costly mistakes.

Costs in 2025

(Verified October 2025 Home Office rates)

What Happens to Your Family Members

If your dependants are in the UK with you, they do not need to reapply unless they are switching to a different visa category.
Their visas remain valid as long as yours is active.

If they are applying later to join you, they must include your new job and CoS details.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Switching jobs should be exciting, not stressful.
We guide you through every step so your application is approved quickly and without errors.

Our service includes:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Review your eligibility and employer details.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Full document and compliance review (deducted from final fee).
• Application preparation: We complete the entire process for you.
• Communication: We handle all Home Office correspondence.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to book your consultation today.

Switching Empowers on Skilled Work Visa FAQs

1. Can I change employers on my Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes. You must apply for a new visa before starting your new job.

2. Can I stay in the UK while my new visa is being processed?
Yes, as long as you applied before your current visa expires.

3. What if my new employer does not have a sponsor licence?
They must apply for one before hiring you. You cannot work for an unlicensed company.

4. Will switching employers affect my ILR eligibility?
No. Your ILR timeline continues as long as you remain on the Skilled Worker route.

5. Can I take a temporary job while waiting for approval?
No. You must stay with your current employer until the new visa is granted.

Move to Your Next Role with Confidence

Changing employers can be a positive career step when handled correctly.
Let AHJ Immigration help you make the switch safely and quickly.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to book your free 30-minute consultation, or schedule a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a detailed document review.