Changing job or employer on a Skilled Worker visa

GOV.UK says you must update your Skilled Worker visa if you move to a different employer. You must also update it if your job moves to a different occupation code, or if you leave an immigration salary list job for one that is not on the list. You need a new certificate of sponsorship. You can apply up to 3 months before the new job starts.

When do I need to update my visa?

You need to apply to update your Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) work visa if any of these is true:

• you want to change your job and your new job is with a different employer
• your job changes to a different occupation code, and you are not in a graduate training programme
• you leave a job that is on the immigration salary list for a job that is not on the list

You do not need to apply again if you stay in the same job but your job is taken off the immigration salary list.

If you will do a different job for your current employer, you only need to update your visa if the new job is in a different occupation code. See what a SOC code is and the immigration salary list.

What does my new job need to meet?

Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements. You need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this. This is a reference number from your new employer with details of the job.

If your new occupation code is “medium skilled”, you can update your visa if both of these are true:

• you got your certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025
• you have held one or more Skilled Worker visas without a break since then

You may meet lower salary rules if you got your certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024 and have held Skilled Worker visas without a break since. See certificate of sponsorship before 4 April 2024.

You only need to give other evidence again if you have been in the UK for less than one year. See documents.

For English, GOV.UK says that if you had a Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026 and you apply to update it, you need level B1. You do not need to prove your English again. See English language.

When can I apply, and can I keep working?

You can apply up to 3 months before the start date of your new job.

You can keep working in your current job while your new application is considered, or to work out your notice period. You must apply before your current visa runs out. Do not start the new job until you have confirmation of your new permission.

You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. If you do, your application will be withdrawn.

What if I take a second job?

You must apply to update your visa if you take a second job of more than 20 paid hours a week, as well as the job you are sponsored for. The second job must meet the eligibility requirements. You need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

If the second job’s occupation code is “medium skilled”, the same two conditions about 22 July 2025 apply.

You must also include a letter with your application. It must explain that you want to change your current permission to stay. It must give:

• your name
• your date of birth
• your current certificate of sponsorship reference number
• the date your current permission to stay runs out

If your application succeeds, you get a new visa that gives permission to do both jobs.

You do not need to update your visa if you take on extra work with an eligible occupation code, or you will do less than 20 paid hours a week. See second job.

What happens to my partner and children?

Your partner or children must apply separately to update their visa. They can apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa runs out. See partner and children.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

See the fees page for the cost of your type of visa. The appointment to give your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) has no fee.

You apply online. To prove your identity, you either:

• use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app
• give your fingerprints and photo at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You can save the form and finish it later.

You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. GOV.UK will contact you if it takes longer. Some reasons are:

• your documents need to be checked
• you need an interview
• your personal circumstances

You may be able to pay for a faster decision.