Changing employer on a Skilled Worker visa requires you to submit a change of employment application to the Home Office. Your new employer must be a licensed sponsor and must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for the new role. You cannot start working for the new employer until you have submitted the application.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| New employer must be | A licensed UK sponsor |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Required from new employer |
| When can you start new job? | After submitting the change of employment application |
| Must new role meet salary threshold? | Yes — current thresholds apply at time of application |
| Do you need to leave the UK? | No — you apply in-country |
| Application fee | £943 (up to 3 years) / £1,865 (more than 3 years) |
Quick Overview
✅ You can change employers on a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK
✅ The new employer does not need to be in the same sector or occupation code (but salary thresholds apply)
✅ You can begin working for the new employer once the application is submitted — not after approval
⚠️ Your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence — check the GOV.UK register before accepting an offer
⚠️ The new role must meet the current Skilled Worker salary thresholds
⚠️ Do not resign from your current role before your new application is submitted
📌 Changing employer does not reset your ILR qualifying period — the 5-year clock continues
📌 Your new visa is issued for the duration of the new sponsorship, up to 5 years
Changing jobs is a normal part of any career. On a Skilled Worker visa, it requires a specific application process — but it is straightforward if done correctly.
See Skilled Worker visa renewal if you are staying with the same employer and extending your visa.
When Can You Change Employer?
You can apply to change employer at any time during your Skilled Worker visa — there is no minimum period you must spend with your original sponsor before switching.
However, the process takes time. Plan ahead:
- Accept a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- The new employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship
- You submit the change of employment application
- The Home Office processes the application
Between step 3 and 4, you are on your existing leave while the application is processed. You can start working for the new employer after submitting the application — not before.
Step-by-Step: Changing Employer
Step 1 — Confirm the new employer is a licensed sponsor
Check the GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors before accepting any offer. A company can claim to be a sponsor without actually holding a current licence. Verify before you proceed.
Step 2 — Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your new employer's HR or legal team assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a unique reference number that records:
- Your new role and job title
- The salary being offered
- The new employer's sponsor licence details
Step 3 — Submit the change of employment application
Apply online at GOV.UK for further leave to remain in the Skilled Worker category, using the new CoS reference. Pay the application fee and any IHS owed for the new period.
Step 4 — You can start the new job
Once you have submitted the application and received your application reference, you can begin working for the new employer. You do not need to wait for the decision.
Step 5 — Receive the decision
When the Home Office approves, your existing visa is updated to reflect the new employer. If refused, you remain on your current visa (with your original employer).
Salary Requirements When Changing Employer
The new role must meet the current Skilled Worker salary thresholds at the time of application.
The general minimum salary is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the occupation code — whichever is higher.
Always check the current immigration salary list on GOV.UK before applying — thresholds are reviewed annually and the going rate for your specific occupation code may be higher than the general minimum.
If the new role pays below the threshold, the application will be refused. Negotiate your salary before submitting — a refused application means you have paid a fee with no result.
Does Changing Employer Affect Your ILR Qualifying Period?
No — changing employer does not reset your ILR qualifying clock.
Your 5-year qualifying period runs from when your first Skilled Worker visa was granted. Changing employer during that period does not restart the clock.
Example: Skilled Worker visa granted June 2021. Change employer in September 2023. ILR qualifying date is still June 2026. The employer change does not affect this.
Changing Role Within the Same Employer
If you are changing job title or role within the same employer — not switching companies — the process may be simpler.
Minor changes in the same occupation code may not require a new application. Significant changes in role or salary may require a formal change of employment application even within the same employer.
Check with your employer's HR team and your immigration adviser whether a change of employment application is needed for internal changes.
Common Mistakes
❌ Starting the new job before submitting the application You must submit the change of employment application before starting work with the new employer. Starting before submission is a breach of your visa conditions.
❌ Not checking the sponsor register before accepting the offer If the new employer's licence is revoked or suspended between offer and application, your CoS will be invalid. Verify the licence at GOV.UK before each stage of the process.
❌ Resigning from your current job before the new application is submitted Do not resign until your new application is at least submitted. If something goes wrong with the new employer's CoS, you need your current employment as a fallback.
❌ Accepting a role below the salary threshold A below-threshold offer cannot be sponsored regardless of how good the job is. The salary must meet the current minimum threshold before the application is submitted.
❌ Assuming an in-code supplementary role counts as a full employer change If you are doing supplementary work in the same occupation code, that is different from changing your main employer. Changing your main employer requires a formal change of employment application.
Expert Tips
1. Verify sponsor licence status on the day you submit your application. Licences can be suspended between when you accepted the offer and when you apply. A last-minute check takes 2 minutes and could prevent a major problem.
2. Submit the change of employment application promptly. Once you have the CoS, apply quickly. CoS references have a validity period. A delayed application after receiving the CoS can result in complications.
3. Keep your current employer's details and visa conditions safely documented. If your change of employment application is refused for any reason, you can continue working for your original employer under your existing visa. Do not burn that bridge.
4. Factor in IHS costs for the new visa period. When you change employer, a new visa is typically issued. The IHS is payable for the new period. Factor this into your salary negotiation if relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employer on a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK?
Yes. The change of employment application is made in the UK — you do not need to leave. You apply online for further leave to remain in the Skilled Worker category using the new employer's Certificate of Sponsorship.
When can I start working for my new employer?
After you have submitted the change of employment application. You do not need to wait for the decision to start. Starting before submission is a visa breach.
Does changing employer reset my ILR qualifying period?
No. Your 5-year ILR qualifying clock continues from your original Skilled Worker visa grant date. Changing employer during the 5-year period does not reset it.
Does my new employer need to be a licensed sponsor?
Yes. Only a licensed sponsor can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. The GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors is public — check it before accepting any offer.
What happens if my change of employment application is refused?
You remain on your existing Skilled Worker visa with your original employer. You can continue working for them until your visa expires. Get legal advice about why the application was refused before reapplying.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
The change of employment process for Skilled Worker visa holders is set out in the Immigration Rules (Appendix Skilled Worker) and published in Home Office guidance on GOV.UK. The salary thresholds and Certificate of Sponsorship requirements are published in the immigration salary list.
Official Resources
- Skilled Worker visa — GOV.UK — conditions including how to change employer
- Register of licensed sponsors — GOV.UK — verify your new employer's licence
Our Free Tools
The Life in the UK test is required for ILR — your 5-year goal regardless of employer changes. Use the free practice questions to prepare. Track your qualifying period with the absence calculator.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest salary thresholds and change of employment procedures.