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Changing jobs on a Skilled Worker visa

What to check before moving to a different employer or a materially different sponsored role.

Resource type
Practical scenario
Last reviewed
26 July 2026
Official sources
1
Platform role
Information only
General information, not a personal recommendation

Use these guides to understand published UK immigration requirements and questions to check. Confirm the current rule on GOV.UK and obtain regulated advice for your own circumstances.

Plain-English starting point

What the published framework generally means

A new job or employer can require a new Certificate of Sponsorship and an application to update the visa before the new sponsored work begins.

Build the facts

Check these points now

  • Whether the new employer is an approved sponsor
  • Whether the role and occupation code are eligible
  • Whether a new CoS and visa update are required
  • When the applicant is permitted to begin the new role

Avoid assumptions

Watch for these risks

  • Resigning before the new sponsorship path is secure
  • Assuming an internal role change is automatically covered
  • Starting prohibited work while an application is pending
  • Ignoring dependant or travel implications

Official starting points

Read the current source

Personal circumstances?

Know when a guide is no longer enough

Eligibility assessments, evidence reviews, application preparation and representation should be handled by a suitably regulated professional.

Verify a regulated professional