Skilled Worker visa holders can do supplementary work — a second job — alongside their main sponsored role, provided strict conditions are met. The second job must be in the same occupation code as your main job, or in certain permitted roles. You cannot work as a supplementary worker in any job you choose.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Is supplementary work permitted? | Yes — under specific conditions |
| Same occupation code required? | Yes — for most supplementary work |
| Maximum hours supplementary | 20 hours per week |
| Do you need a sponsor for second job? | No — supplementary work does not require a new sponsor |
| Can the second job be your main income? | No — the sponsored role must remain the primary job |
| Self-employment allowed? | No — Skilled Worker visa does not permit self-employment |
Quick Overview
✅ Supplementary work in the same occupation code as your main job is permitted
✅ You do not need a second sponsor for supplementary work
✅ Supplementary work in certain healthcare roles is also permitted regardless of code
⚠️ The second job must not replace or overshadow your main sponsored employment
⚠️ Self-employment is not permitted on a Skilled Worker visa
📌 Your sponsored role is your primary employment — the supplementary job is additional
📌 The supplementary employer does not need to be a licensed sponsor
💡 The hours limit and code conditions make this more restrictive than it might appear
The ability to do supplementary work on a Skilled Worker visa is useful — but the rules are specific. Getting this wrong can put your visa at risk.
If you are considering switching employers entirely rather than adding a second job, see how to change employer on a Skilled Worker visa.
What Is Supplementary Work?
Supplementary work is paid employment you do for a second employer alongside your main sponsored Skilled Worker role.
It is not the same as changing jobs (where you leave your sponsored role and move to a new one). In supplementary work, you keep your sponsored role and add extra work on top.
Your sponsored employer remains your primary employer. The supplementary role is in addition — not instead.
What Supplementary Work Is Permitted?
Supplementary work is permitted if the second job is in:
- The same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code as your main sponsored role, OR
- A role listed as permitted in the Immigration Rules for supplementary work
For healthcare workers: Supplementary work in certain health and social care roles is permitted regardless of whether it matches your SOC code — specifically where this is needed to maintain essential services.
The permitted categories are set out in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules. Check GOV.UK for the current full list — the healthcare carve-out and any additions are updated periodically.
Hours Limit for Supplementary Work
The Immigration Rules specify limits on supplementary work hours.
Supplementary work is capped at 20 hours per week. This limit applies to the second job — there is no cap on overtime in your main sponsored role.
The key principle regardless of the exact limit: supplementary work must be genuinely additional to your main role. Your sponsored role must remain your primary employment.
Does the Second Employer Need to Be a Licensed Sponsor?
No. Supplementary work does not require the second employer to hold a sponsor licence. The supplementary work rules exist precisely to allow flexible working for skilled workers without placing sponsor licence obligations on every additional employer.
This is different from changing your main employer — where the new employer must be a licensed sponsor and you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
What About Self-Employment?
Self-employment is not permitted on a Skilled Worker visa. The Skilled Worker route is specifically for employment — working for an employer, not running your own business.
If you want to be self-employed in the UK, you need a different visa route (for example, the Innovator Founder visa or the Global Talent visa, depending on your circumstances).
What Is Not Permitted
On a Skilled Worker visa, you cannot:
- Work for any employer you choose without checking the SOC code rules
- Do supplementary work that exceeds the permitted hours
- Be self-employed
- Work for an employer as a main job without their being a licensed sponsor
- Do supplementary work in a completely different occupation code
Common Mistakes
❌ Taking any second job without checking the occupation code Not all second jobs are permitted. The second role must match your sponsored occupation code (or be in the specific permitted categories). Taking an unrelated second job is a visa breach.
❌ Thinking the second employer must also be a sponsor For supplementary work, the second employer does not need a sponsor licence. Only your main sponsored role requires sponsorship. Do not refuse a supplementary opportunity on the assumption it requires sponsorship.
❌ Treating the supplementary job as your main employment Your sponsored role must remain primary. If the supplementary work becomes your main income or the sponsored role is de facto abandoned, this is a breach of your visa conditions.
❌ Assuming self-employment is allowed under the supplementary work rules It is not. Self-employment is a separate concept from supplementary employment. You cannot become a sole trader or freelancer on a Skilled Worker visa — even as a side activity.
❌ Not keeping records of supplementary work If the Home Office ever queries your employment activity, you need to show that supplementary work was within the permitted parameters — right SOC code, correct hours, main role maintained. Keep records.
Expert Tips
1. Check your SOC code before accepting any second job. Your SOC code is on your Certificate of Sponsorship. Look up the second role's SOC code and confirm it matches. GOV.UK lists occupation codes.
2. Tell your main employer if they need to know. Your visa conditions may not require you to notify your primary sponsor of supplementary work — but some employment contracts include a clause about secondary employment. Check your contract.
3. If you want to switch employers rather than add a second job, that is a different process entirely. The supplementary work rules only apply to additional work alongside an existing sponsored role. Changing your main employer requires a new sponsor and a change of employment application.
4. Track your supplementary hours. Know how many hours per week you are working in the supplementary role. Staying within the permitted limit is your responsibility — your sponsor cannot monitor this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a second job on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes — as supplementary work. Your second job must be in the same occupation code as your main sponsored role, or in certain specifically permitted categories. You do not need a second sponsor, but you must stay within the permitted hours.
Does my second employer need a sponsor licence?
No. Supplementary work does not require the second employer to be a licensed sponsor. Only your main, primary sponsored role requires sponsorship.
Can I be self-employed on a Skilled Worker visa?
No. Self-employment is not permitted on a Skilled Worker visa. You can only work as an employee. If you want to run your own business, you need a different visa route.
How many hours can I work in a second job on a Skilled Worker visa?
You can work up to 20 hours per week in a supplementary role.
What happens if I take a second job in a different occupation code?
Working in a second job outside your permitted occupation code is a breach of your Skilled Worker visa conditions. This can result in curtailment of your visa and affect future immigration applications.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
Supplementary work rules for Skilled Worker visa holders are set out in the Immigration Rules (Appendix Skilled Worker). The rules govern which occupation codes are permitted and the conditions under which supplementary work is allowed.
Official Resources
- Skilled Worker visa — GOV.UK — full conditions including work permissions
- Appendix Skilled Worker — Immigration Rules — the detailed rules on permitted work
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Last reviewed: May 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest supplementary work rules.