Can a Skilled Worker Visa Change Employer in the UK? Rules & Requirements
Yes, you can change employer on a Skilled Worker visa, but you must apply to update your visa before you start the new job. If you have found a new employer and want to know whether you need a new visa, what happens to your current visa and when you can start, this guide sets out the rules in plain English.
At Axis Solicitors, our immigration team regularly reviews job offers for people who already hold a Skilled Worker visa. The sections below explain the Skilled Worker visa change employer process step by step, based on the rules as they stand in 2026.
Can You Change Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can change employer as per Home Office rules, but only with Home Office permission. Your Skilled Worker visa is linked to a specific sponsor, job and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is the electronic record your employer assigns to you to confirm the job offer.
If you want to change your job or employer, you must make a change of employment application. This is a new employment application under the UK immigration rules, not a simple notification, and it is a separate step from your original skilled worker visa application.
There is no cooling-off period before you can move. You can apply to change employer shortly after your first visa is granted, provided your new job and new employer meet the immigration rules for the Skilled Worker route.
When Do You Need to Update Your Skilled Worker Visa?
You need to update your visa whenever your sponsored employment changes in a way the Home Office treats as significant. The official guidance sets out the main triggers for a Skilled Worker change.
You Move to a Different Employer
A new employer always means a new application. You will need to apply to update your visa if your new job is with a different employer, because your existing permission is tied to your sponsoring employer.
Your Job Moves to a Different Occupation Code
An occupation code is the four-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code that groups jobs by type and skill level. If you stay with your current employer but your new job falls under a different occupation code, you normally need to apply to update your visa.
If you will be doing a different job for your current employer, you only need to apply if the new job has a new occupation code. Changing job titles or the job description alone does not decide the question. The specific occupation code on your Certificate of Sponsorship does.
You Leave an Immigration Salary List Job for One Not on the List
The immigration salary list is the government list of occupations that benefit from certain salary and fee concessions. If you move from a job on that list to a job that is not on it, you need to update your visa because the minimum salary and fee rules are different.
You do not need to apply again if you stay in the same job and the role is later removed from the list.
You Take a Second Job Over 20 Hours a Week
You must apply to update your visa if you take on a second job of more than 20 paid hours a week in addition to your sponsored job. The second job must also meet the eligibility requirements and have its own new certificate of sponsorship.
When You Usually Do Not Need to Update
You usually do not need a new application if you stay with the same employer in the same job and occupation code. A pay rise, a change of team or a minor change in job titles or core duties often falls into this group.
Your employer may still have sponsor reporting duties, so tell your sponsor about the change in good time. This matters for all sponsored workers, because the sponsor must keep accurate records.
| Situation | Update your visa? | What you normally need |
|---|---|---|
| Move to a different employer | Yes | New certificate of sponsorship and an online application |
| Same employer, different occupation code | Yes (unless a graduate training programme exception applies) | New certificate of sponsorship and an online application |
| Same employer, same code of occupation, new title or pay rise | Usually no | Sponsor may still need to report the change |
| Second job over 20 paid hours a week | Yes | New certificate of sponsorship and a covering letter |
| Move from an immigration salary list job to a job not on the list | Yes | New certificate of sponsorship, salary reassessed |
What Does Your New Employer Need to Have in Place?
Your new employer must be one of the licensed sponsors approved by the Home Office, and the job must qualify. You cannot rely on a job offer alone. The eligibility criteria includes:
A Valid Sponsor Licence
A sponsor licence is the Home Office permission that allows an organisation to employ workers from overseas. Your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence for the Skilled Worker route before they can assign you a certificate. Without a new sponsor’s licence, a business that is not yet approved cannot act as a new sponsor for you.
If the employer does not yet hold a licence, they must apply first. This can take weeks or months, so build that time into your plans before you hand in notice. Our guidance on the self sponsorship Skilled Worker visa explains a related situation where a business owner sponsors themselves.
A New Certificate of Sponsorship
Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements, and you will need a valid certificate from your sponsoring employer to prove this. The certificate carries a sponsorship reference number, which you enter on your application form when you apply online.
Check every detail on the certificate before you apply, including the job title, job occupation code, salary, hours and work location. Errors on the certificate can cause delays or a refusal.
An Eligible Job at the Right Skill Level
The job must sit in an eligible occupation code at the right skill level. The rules changed on 22 July 2025, so the date of your first certificate matters.
-
First certificate on or after 22 July 2025: your new job must normally be at degree level (RQF Level 6 or above).
-
First certificate before 22 July 2025: you can move to a ‘medium skilled’ occupation code if you have continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then.
The skill level relates to the occupation, not your personal qualifications. A care worker visa holder, for example, is subject to different rules because that route closed to new overseas applicants, so check your own position before assuming a move is possible. For a wider overview of recent rule changes, see our summary of the UK Skilled Worker visa 2025 changes in rules.
What Salary Do You Need When You Change Employer?
Your new salary must meet both the general salary threshold and the going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher. This minimum salary requirement depends on when you first received a certificate of sponsorship.
| When your first certificate was issued | Usual minimum salary rule |
|---|---|
| On or after 4 April 2024 | General threshold of £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher |
| Before 4 April 2024, with continuous Skilled Worker leave since | Lower transitional threshold of £31,300 a year, or the lower going rate, whichever is higher |
In practice, workers sponsored before April 2024 may still qualify for the lower £31,300 figure if they have kept continuous Skilled Worker leave. The transitional lower thresholds are currently available for applications made before 4 April 2030. Salary tables are updated from time to time, so check the figures that apply on the day you apply.
Lower thresholds can also apply in specific cases, such as new entrants or those with a relevant PhD. Our guide to new entrant Skilled Worker visa criteria explains who qualifies.
At Axis Solicitors, we often recommend that you ask your new employer to confirm the new occupation code and salary in writing before you accept the job offer. A salary that sounds high can still fall below the going rate for the code.
How Do You Change Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa Step by Step?
The visa application process follows a clear order, and the order matters. You must not start the new job until the Home Office has approved your application.
-
Confirm the new employer can sponsor you: check that they hold a valid sponsor licence and are willing to sponsor the role.
-
Check the job: confirm the specific occupation code, skill level and salary against the current rules.
-
Agree a realistic start date: allow time for the decision before employment begins.
-
Receive a new certificate of sponsorship: your new employer assigns this to you.
-
Apply online to update your visa: this new skilled worker application uses the new sponsorship reference number. You pay the fees and prove your identity, often with the ID Check app.
-
Attend biometrics if asked: you may need to give your fingerprints and photo at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point.
-
Wait for confirmation: do not start the new job until you have your new permission.
For the full list of supporting documents, our UK visa checklist is a useful starting point. You will normally need your identity document, digital status details, the CoS reference number and evidence of salary.
When Should You Apply and When Can You Start the New Job?
Apply after you have the new certificate and before your current permission expires. You must also apply before you start the new job.
The Three-Month Window
You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job. The start date is the date entered on your new certificate of sponsorship.
Working During the Decision and Your Notice Period
You can continue working in your current job while your application is being considered, or work out your notice period, as long as you apply before your current visa expires.
This protects your income while the Home Office decides. It only applies if your application is made in time.
Do Not Start the New Job Early
You must not start the new job until you have confirmation of your new permission. This is the most common and most serious mistake. Working for a new employer without permission can breach your visa conditions and damage your immigration record.
Do Not Travel While You Wait
Do not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your application is pending. Travelling abroad can cause the application to be treated as withdrawn.
How Long Does a Skilled Worker Change of Employment Take?
An in-country application usually takes up to 8 weeks on the standard service. Most applications made from inside the UK are decided within that period, though it is not guaranteed.
A priority service is sometimes available for an extra fee, with a decision usually in about 5 working days. A super priority service may give a decision by the next working day. Availability can change, so check the current options when you apply.
If your notice period is shorter than the likely processing time, speak to your new employer about moving the start date. Our team can also help if your change of employment application is delayed beyond the expected time.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa?
The cost is split between you and your new employer. Fees were revised on 8 April 2026, so check the current figures before you apply.
What You Normally Pay
-
Application fee: usually £943 for up to three years or £1,865 for longer when applying from inside the UK. A reduced fee applies to some immigration salary list jobs.
-
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 a year for adults, paid for the full length of the visa up front.
-
Optional priority service: £500 for priority or £1,000 for super priority.
What Your New Employer Normally Pays
Your employer usually pays the certificate of sponsorship fee of £525 and the Immigration Skills Charge, which depends on the size of the sponsor. Employers may agree to cover some of your costs, so raise this before you accept the offer.
For a full breakdown, see our guide to Skilled Worker visa fees and sponsor cost.
What Happens to Your Current Visa and Your Settlement Clock?
Your current visa is replaced by the new visa if your application succeeds. Your new skilled worker visa gives you permission to work for the new employer in the new job.
Switching employers does not reset the five-year clock for indefinite leave to remain, provided you keep continuous Skilled Worker leave. Time spent with your previous sponsor normally still counts. A refused application or a gap in permission can affect this, so timing matters.
If your current visa expires soon, you may also need to extend at the same time. The guide to extending a Skilled Worker visa sets out when an extension is the better route.
What If Your Application Is Refused or You Lose Your Job First?
A refusal or job loss needs prompt action. Sponsors must report the end of your employment within 10 working days, and your permission to stay may then be shortened.
Under a curtailment notice (a decision to cut short your visa), you typically have around 60 days to find a new licensed sponsor and apply to update your visa. You could also switch to another route or leave the UK. If you do none of these in time, you risk overstaying, which can affect future UK visas.
Your partner and children may be affected too, because they will need to apply separately to update their visas. Your personal circumstances can change the best option, so get advice early. This article does not constitute legal advice for your case.
If an application is refused, you may have options to challenge the decision, but the deadlines are short. Speak to a solicitor as soon as you receive the refusal.
How Can Axis Solicitors Help You Move to a New Sponsor?
Our immigration team can check your job offer and manage your application and support you throughout work and settlement process. We are an independent law firm, not affiliated with UKVI or any government body. Our services include:
-
Skilled Worker Visa: we review your new job, occupation code and salary, then prepare your update application and supporting evidence. This helps reduce the risk of avoidable errors.
-
Self Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa: if you are a founder or director setting up your own sponsoring company, we advise on whether this route fits your plans.
Skilled Worker Visa Change Employer FAQs
Can I change employer on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. You must apply to update your visa and have a new certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you start the new job.
Do I need to update my Skilled Worker visa if I change jobs with the same employer?
Not usually. You normally only need to update your visa if the new job falls under a different occupation code, subject to the graduate training programme exception.
Can I start working for my new employer before the decision?
No. You should not start the new job until you have confirmation of your new permission. You can keep working in your current job while you wait, if you applied before your visa expired.
How long before my new start date can I apply?
You can apply up to 3 months before the start date on your new certificate of sponsorship. You must apply before your current visa expires.
Does changing employer affect my route to settlement?
Not normally, provided you keep continuous Skilled Worker leave. Time with earlier sponsors usually still counts, but gaps or refusals can cause problems.
Can my family stay if I change employer?
Your partner and children usually need to apply separately to update their own visas. They can apply at the same time as you or before their current visas expire.
Need Help Changing Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Our Skilled Worker visa service can review your new job offer, check the salary and occupation code, and prepare your update application so you do not risk a gap in permission. If your move is linked to settlement, our indefinite leave to remain team can advise on how the change affects your timeline.
Axis Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 653526), with offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London. To speak to a solicitor about your situation, please contact Axis Solicitors.
