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Throughout their lives, people can change employers, jobs and career paths numerous times. It can be risky at times, but ultimately it can be for the best if someone is no longer happy in their career.
If you are in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may think it is hard to swap to a new role, as your visa is tied to your job. However, you have options available to you if you plan on changing jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa.
Depending on whether you plan on doing the same job for someone else, or changing careers altogether, you will have to do slightly different things.
Changing jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa
If you plan on changing your job with your existing employer, you can easily do so on your existing Skilled Worker Visa as long as your new role has the same standard occupation code (SOC) as your current role.
If you do this, you will not need to update your Skilled Worker Visa.
Changing employers or to a job with a different SOC code
If you plan on doing the same role for a different employer, a new role with a different SOC code, or you go from a job that is on the shortage occupation list to one that is not on it, then you will need to apply to update your Skilled Worker Visa.
If you are unsure whether your occupation is on the shortage list or has a different SOC code, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Requirements for updating your visa after switching
If you want to switch jobs and update your Skilled Worker Visa, then you will have to meet certain requirements. These are similar to those for when you initially applied for your visa.
- You will need to meet the minimum required salary. This should be either at least £26,200 a year, £10.75 an hour, or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher.
- The new employer must hold a Sponsor Licence, so they can give you a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Your new job will need to be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa
How to apply for an updated visa
The Government’s website has a page where you can apply to update your Skilled Worker Visa.
You can apply up to 3 months before your new job starts.
To update your visa, you will need to provide your new Certificate of Sponsorship.
You will have to pay the fee for the visa, which is £719 per person for a three year stay, and £1,420 per person for over three years.
If you have been in the UK for less than a year, you will need to provide other documents too. For example, any valid identity documentation, such as a passport.
You will need to provide your biometric information again. This is to prove your identity and is free; it can be done through the UK Citizenship Application Services to get a biometric residence permit (BRP), or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identification. You will be informed of which one you will need to do.
Contact us
We are immigration law and visa application experts.
If you need help with your visa application, book your free 10-minute consultation today.
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions about the changes or want legal advice, contact
Woodcock Law & Notary Public today. Contact us by phone on 0330 133 6490 or
by email at info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
