How Do I Switch Jobs on a UK Work Visa Sponsored by Employer

If you have a work visa in the UK that was sponsored by your employer and you want to switch jobs, the process involves some specific steps. Here’s how it works:

1. Resigning from Your Current Job

• Visa Validity After Resignation: Your work visa does not immediately end the day you resign. However, once you resign or your employment ends, your employer is required to inform the UK Home Office. After that, the Home Office may curtail (shorten) your visa, typically giving you 60 days (or until your visa expires, whichever is sooner) to either leave the UK, find a new sponsor, or switch to another visa category.

2. New Employer’s Sponsorship

• New Sponsorship Required: Your new employer must have a valid sponsor license and will need to issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). They will need to apply for sponsorship on your behalf. This process typically involves you applying for a new visa under your new sponsorship.

• Timing: You should have the new sponsorship in place before your visa expires, and it’s recommended to start the process as soon as you secure the new job to avoid gaps between your old and new visa. You do not have to wait until your current visa expires, but you do need the new CoS and visa approval before you can start the new job.

3. Switching Jobs (Visa Application Process)

• Applying for a New Visa: Once your new employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, you will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa (or another relevant visa) while you’re still in the UK. This visa application is much like the process you went through for your original visa, including meeting requirements such as the job being on the appropriate skill level and meeting the salary threshold.

• Continue Working: In some cases, you may continue working for your current employer during the 60-day period while your new sponsorship and visa are being processed, provided your notice period allows it. However, you cannot work for the new employer until your visa is approved.

4. What Happens if You Don’t Secure New Sponsorship?

• If you don’t secure a new sponsor and your visa is curtailed (you receive the 60-day notice), you will need to either leave the UK or find an alternative visa to remain in the country legally.

Key Points to Remember:

• Your current visa doesn’t end immediately upon resignation; you typically get 60 days to switch jobs or leave the UK.

• Your new employer must sponsor you and apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

• You need to apply for a new visa before starting your new job.

Make sure you plan ahead, as switching jobs involves aligning your new job offer, sponsorship, and visa application within the given timeframe.