Changing Employers on a UK Skilled Worker Visa: What You Need to Know in 2026
If you are working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and you have been offered a new job with a different employer, you might assume you can simply resign, hand in your notice, and start your new role. Unfortunately, it's not that straightforward.
Your Skilled Worker visa is tied to your current employer and the specific job details listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This means that changing employers requires a new visa application - even if you're already in the UK and already hold a valid Skilled Worker visa.
At Point B Legal, we regularly assist Skilled Worker visa holders through job changes. This guide explains the process, costs, and critical requirements you need to understand before switching employers in 2026.
Can You Change Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can change employers while on a Skilled Worker visa - but you must follow the correct legal process.
The Home Office issued your current visa based on:
A specific job offer from a specific employer
A specific job title and occupation code (SOC code)
A specific salary level
A valid sponsor licence held by your current employer
If any of these details change - particularly if you're moving to a different employer - you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa before you can start working in your new role.
What Happens If You Start Work Without Updating Your Visa?
Starting a new job without updating your Skilled Worker visa is a breach of your visa conditions. This could result in:
Your visa being curtailed (shortened or cancelled)
Refusal of future UK visa applications
Potential removal from the UK
Immigration consequences for your new employer
The rule is clear: you must have a new visa in place before you begin working for your new employer.
When Do You Need to Update Your Skilled Worker Visa?
You need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa if:
✅ You are changing to a different employer (even if the job title and salary are the same)
✅ Your new role has a different SOC occupation code
✅ Your salary is changing significantly (by more than the allowed threshold)
✅ Your job location is changing in a way that affects your application
Exception: Internal Job Changes
If you are staying with the same employer but changing roles internally, you may not need a new visa application - but you may still need to notify the Home Office depending on the nature of the change. Your employer's HR or sponsorship compliance team should advise you on this.
Step-by-Step Process for Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa
Changing employers involves several stages. Here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
Before you can apply for a new Skilled Worker visa, you must have:
A job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence
Confirmation that the employer will sponsor you
If your new employer does not yet have a sponsor licence, they must apply for one before they can sponsor you. This process can take several weeks, so factor this into your timeline.
Step 2: Receive a New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once your new employer confirms they will sponsor you, they must assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
The CoS is an electronic document (not a physical certificate) that contains:
Your personal details
Your job title and SOC occupation code
Your salary
Your job start date
Details of your employer's sponsor licence
Each CoS has a unique reference number, which you will need when completing your new visa application.
Important: Your CoS must confirm that your new role meets the skill and salary requirements for the Skilled Worker route.
Step 3: Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure your new role meets the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa:
Skill Level
Your job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level). The job must be listed on the eligible occupation codes list.
Salary Requirement
The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas as of 22 July 2025 is £41,700 per year.
However, you may qualify at a lower salary if:
You received your CoS or were first granted a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024, and
You have continuously held one or more Skilled Worker visas since that date
In this case, you may still meet the previous lower threshold (typically £38,700 or the occupation-specific "going rate," whichever is higher).
If your job is on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), the salary threshold may be lower, and you will also pay reduced visa fees.
Other Requirements
If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months at the time of your application, you may need to provide:
Proof of funds (£1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 days), or
Confirmation from your employer that they will cover your costs for your first month in the UK
Proof of English language ability (if not previously demonstrated)
If you have been in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa, you do not need to provide these documents again.
Step 4: Apply Online for Your New Skilled Worker Visa
You can apply online up to 3 months before your new job's start date.
Key points:
You can continue working in your current job while your application is being processed (for example, to work out your notice period), provided you apply before your current visa expires
You must not start working for your new employer until you have received confirmation of your new visa
Your application is made online through the UK government website
You will need:
Your new CoS reference number
Your current passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or eVisa details
Details of your current visa
Payment for the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Step 5: Prove Your Identity
As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity. You can do this in one of two ways:
Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if you have a biometric passport from an eligible country) - this allows you to scan your passport using your smartphone
Attending a UKVCAS appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
The Home Office aims to process Skilled Worker visa applications made from within the UK within 8 weeks.
However, processing times can vary. If you need a faster decision, you can pay for:
Priority Service (decision within 5 working days) - fee varies
Super Priority Service (decision within 1 working day) - fee varies
Once your application is approved, you will receive:
A decision letter by email
Instructions to access your new eVisa (digital immigration status)
You can start your new job on or after the start date listed on your CoS, once your new visa has been granted.
Costs for Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa (2026)
Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa involves several fees. Here's a breakdown:
Visa Application Fee
The fee depends on the length of your new visa:
Visa Length | Standard Fee | ISL (Shortage Occupation) Fee |
Up to 3 years | £885 per person | £590 per person |
More than 3 years | £1,751 per person | £1,160 per person |
If your partner or children are also updating their visas as your dependents, they will pay the same fee for the same visa length.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
You must pay the IHS upfront for the full length of your visa.
£1,035 per year for adults
£776 per year for children under 18
Example: If you are applying for a 3-year visa:
IHS cost: £1,035 x 3 = £3,105
Maintenance Funds (If Required)
If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must show you have £1,270 in your bank account (held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying), unless your employer confirms they will cover your costs for your first month.
Total Example Cost
Scenario: You are applying for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa (standard occupation, not on ISL)
Visa fee: £885
IHS: £3,105
Total: £3,990
If your job is on the Immigration Salary List:
Visa fee: £590
IHS: £3,105
Total: £3,695
Can You Work While Your Application Is Being Processed?
Yes - but only in your current job.
If you apply for a new Skilled Worker visa before your current visa expires, your immigration status is automatically extended under Section 3C leave. This means:
✅ You can continue working for your current employer (to work out your notice period, for example)
✅ Your existing visa conditions remain in place
❌ You cannot start working for your new employer until your new visa is approved
If you start working for your new employer before your new visa is granted, you will be in breach of your visa conditions.
What If Your Application Is Refused?
If your Skilled Worker visa application is refused, you will lose your Section 3C leave, and your right to work in the UK will end.
Common reasons for refusal include:
The CoS does not meet the salary or skill requirements
Your employer's sponsor licence is suspended or revoked
You provided incorrect or incomplete information
You did not meet the maintenance funds requirement (if applicable)
If your application is refused, you may be able to:
Request an Administrative Review if you believe the Home Office made an error
Apply for a different visa route if you are eligible
Leave the UK and reapply from abroad
Important: If you have already resigned from your current job and your new visa is refused, you may need to leave the UK or find another sponsor quickly.
Special Rules: Changing Employers Before 22 July 2025
If your occupation code was classified as "medium-skilled" (rather than high-skilled), you can only update your visa if:
You received your first Tier 2 or Skilled Worker CoS before 22 July 2025, and
You have continuously held one or more Skilled Worker visas since that date
If you do not meet these conditions, you will not be able to switch employers under the Skilled Worker route and may need to explore other visa options.
Can Your Dependents Also Update Their Visas?
Yes. If you have a partner or children in the UK as your dependents, they will need to apply separately to update their visas.
They can apply:
At the same time as you, or
Any time before their current visa expires
They will pay the same visa fee and IHS as you (based on the visa length).
How Point B Legal Can Help
Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa involves navigating complex requirements, strict deadlines, and significant costs. A single mistake can lead to refusal — and potentially losing your job offer.
At Point B Legal, we provide:
✅ Eligibility assessment to confirm you and your new employer meet the requirements
✅ Document preparation to ensure your application is complete and correct
✅ Application submission on your behalf
✅ Liaison with your new employer to ensure the CoS is correctly assigned
✅ Advice on timing to minimize disruption to your employment
✅ Support if your application is refused
We have extensive experience in Skilled Worker visa applications and understand the Home Office's requirements in detail. Our goal is to make your job change as smooth as possible while protecting your immigration status.
If you are considering changing employers or have already been offered a new job, get in touch with us for professional advice.
📱 WhatsApp: +44 07340799913
🏢 45 Fitzroy Street, 4th Floor, London W1T 6EB
Point B Legal is authorised and regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).
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