Is It Easy to Change Jobs on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

If you're on a Skilled Worker visa in the UK and want to change jobs, here's how the process works:

1. Changing Jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa

• Not Automatic: Changing jobs under a Skilled Worker visa is not automatic. You can change jobs, but the new employer must apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for you.

• New CoS Requirement: Your new employer must have a valid Sponsor License and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You cannot use the CoS from your old job because each CoS is tied to a specific employer and job role.

2. New Employer Sponsorship

• Can a New Employer Apply for a CoS? Yes, your new employer can apply for a new CoS for you. They will need to submit the necessary documentation to sponsor you, and you will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with this new CoS.

3. Visa Application with the New CoS

• After receiving the new CoS from your new employer, you will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with that CoS, even though you still hold your current visa. You do not need to leave the UK to apply for the new visa, as you can apply from within the UK.

• Once the new visa is approved, the visa linked to your old employer becomes invalid.

4. Notice Period and Current Employment

• While the visa process is ongoing, you can continue working for your current employer during your notice period. However, you cannot start working for the new employer until your new visa is approved.

5. Visa Overlap and Timing

• If your old visa is still valid for a long time, you don’t have to worry about it until you switch. The process requires applying for the new visa before starting your new job, but your current visa remains valid until the Home Office officially grants your new one.

6. Do You Need to Inform the Home Office?

• Yes, once your new visa is approved, your current employer must inform the Home Office that you're leaving, and your visa linked to the old CoS will be curtailed (usually within 60 days if no other visa action is taken).

Summary:

• Yes, your new employer can apply for a new CoS.

• You will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa using the new CoS.

• The old CoS cannot be used for your new job.

• You cannot start the new job until your new visa is approved.

• Changing jobs under a Skilled Worker visa is possible but requires the new sponsorship process.

Plan ahead to ensure the transition is smooth without gaps in your work authorization.