Can a Skilled worker visa holder change employers?
Yes. You can change employers while on a Skilled Worker visa, but you will normally need to submit a new Skilled Worker application with details of your new sponsor before starting the new role.
Your new employer must be listed on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors and must assign you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You cannot begin working for the new employer until your new visa application has been approved.
Recent updates to the Immigration Rules introduced new suitability provisions, replacing the old Part 9 rules. In some limited situations, a full new application may not be required when changing roles, but these cases are specific and should be assessed carefully. Submitting the wrong type of application could lead to cancellation of your visa.
What if my new employer does not have a sponsor licence?
If your new employer does not yet hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, they must apply for one before you can switch employers.
Sponsor licence applications usually take around 8 weeks to process. A priority service may be available, where a decision is made in around 10 working days, for an additional fee of £750. The employer must meet strict Home Office requirements, including proving that the role is genuine and that they have appropriate HR and compliance systems in place.
You will not be able to submit your Skilled Worker application until the sponsor licence is approved and a CoS has been assigned.
Can I stay with the same employer but move into a different role?
Yes, but a new Skilled Worker application may be required if:
-
Your core duties change significantly
-
Your new job has a different SOC code
-
You move from a role on the Immigration Salary List to one that is not
-
Your salary or working conditions change in a way that affects eligibility
In some cases, a new application may not be required. For example, minor changes to duties, temporary salary reductions during short absences (less than four weeks per year), or situations where you would still meet all Skilled Worker requirements and score 70 points may not require a fresh application. Each case must be assessed individually.
When should I resign from my current role?
You should plan your resignation carefully and coordinate it with your new visa application and notice period. You can usually continue working for your current employer while your new Skilled Worker application is being decided, as long as you apply before your current visa expires.
You must not start working for the new employer until your new visa is approved.
If your employment with your current sponsor ends, the Home Office may curtail your visa. This is why it is important to seek advice before resigning and to ensure your application timing is correct.
What are the requirements for a skilled worker’s change of employment application?
To successfully switch jobs, you must meet the standard Skilled Worker requirements, including:
-
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer
-
A job at the appropriate skill level
-
Meeting the minimum salary and going-rate requirements
-
Meeting the English language requirement
-
Meeting the maintenance requirement (if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months and your sponsor does not certify maintenance)
Your new application must still score at least 70 points under the Skilled Worker points-based system.
Other relevant information about switching employment
The standard processing time for a Skilled Worker change of employment application made in the UK is about 8 weeks. Faster decisions may be available:
-
Priority service: decision within around 5 working days (£500 extra)
-
Super priority service: next working day decision (£1,000 extra)
Current visa application fees from inside the UK are:
-
£885 per person for visas up to 3 years
-
£1,751 per person for visas over 3 years
There is no maximum time limit on the Skilled Worker route. You can extend your visa as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
When can I apply for a settlement after changing employment?
Currently, Skilled Worker migrants can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
You must:
-
Not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
-
Pass the Life in the UK test (unless exempt)
-
Continue working for a licensed sponsor
-
Meet the relevant salary thresholds
-
Be required by your employer for the foreseeable future
The government has consulted on proposals that could increase the qualifying period for settlement to 10 years under a future earned settlement system. However, the current 5-year rule still applies unless formal changes are introduced.
How LawSentis can help
At LawSentis, we support Skilled Worker migrants and UK employers with job changes, sponsor licences, and long-term immigration planning.
Changing employment on a Skilled Worker visa can be risky if handled incorrectly. Our team can help you:
-
Confirm whether a new application is required
-
Plan the safest timing for resignation and switching employers
-
Check salary, SOC code, and sponsorship compliance
-
Assist employers with sponsor licence applications
-
Prepare and submit change of employment applications
-
Advise on extensions and settlement planning
If you are considering changing jobs in the UK, getting advice early can protect your immigration status and avoid costly mistakes. Contact LawSentis for tailored support based on your situation.