Can Skilled Worker Visa Holders Change Job Roles with the Same Employer? The very thought can stir a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For many, a new role signals growth, recognition, or simply a fresh start within familiar surroundings. Yet alongside the professional satisfaction of moving into new responsibilities comes the natural concern about how such a shift fits within the framework of a sponsored visa. It is a question that combines career ambition with careful consideration, and one that touches on the balance between opportunity and compliance in the modern UK workplace.
What Does the Law Say Now?
From 2025, changes to the Skilled Worker route include:
- A raise in the skill threshold: new jobs must generally be at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 (graduate level) or above, except where roles are included on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or where other transitional provisions apply.
- Updated salary requirements: minimum pay must meet specified thresholds depending on occupation and whether the role is on relevant lists or has legacy status.
- Transitional protections are in force for those assigned a CoS before 22 July 2025 and who have continuous permission under the Skilled Worker route. These protections allow some flexibility until 22 July 2028.
What is and isn’t allowed?
A change of job role with the same employer under a Skilled Worker visa can sometimes be done without a full visa renewal or switching employers. But whether a new CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) is required depends on several criteria.
Here are the key conditions:
| Situation | Is a New CoS Required? | Conditions for Not Requiring a New CoS |
| Same employer, same SOC code | Not required, if other conditions are met. | If the role’s SOC 2020 occupation code remains the same, the role remains eligible, and other terms (salary, hours) comply with the Skilled Worker rules. If the job remains an eligible occupation and meets the correct skill and salary threshold, you may continue under your existing visa. |
| Same employer, different job role / different SOC code | New CoS required, and must apply to update visa. | If the current job and the new job have different SOC codes (i.e., they are materially different roles), or the new role is no longer on an eligible occupation list, or salary threshold changes, a new CoS is needed, and an “update your Skilled Worker visa” application must be made. |
| Both current and new roles are on the Shortage Occupation List and are eligible | May avoid new CoS if the SOC code same or the risk is acceptable; otherwise, an application is required. | Even if switching within the same employer to a role on the Shortage Occupation List, if it’s a different occupation code or materially different job duties/salary, a new CoS and visa update are needed. |
How do SOC Codes Apply?
1. Understanding SOC codes (SOC 2020)
SOC codes are job codes that the Home Office uses to decide if a role qualifies for the Skilled Worker visa. Your job must match one of these codes, and the code should reflect the main duties of your role.
2. Changing jobs but staying in the same SOC code
If you move to a different role with the same employer, but the new job still falls under the same SOC code and still meets the minimum skill and pay levels, you usually don’t need to update your visa. However, if your new role changes so much that it no longer meets the Skilled Worker requirements (for example, lower pay or reduced hours), you may need to take action.
3. Changing to a different SOC code
If your new job has a different SOC code, or if your duties and level of responsibility change significantly, you must get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You’ll also need to apply to update your visa before starting that role. This is treated as a formal job change under immigration rules.
When a New Certificate of Sponsorship is Required?
You will need a new CoS and apply to update your visa in the following cases:
- Role change that shifts to a different SOC code
- Change in job that no longer meets skill level or salary threshold – if the role falls below RQF Level 6, unless eligible under transitional or list-based exceptions. Or if the minimum salary for that occupation increases, and the new role doesn’t meet it.
- Change in duties or level of responsibility such that the job is no longer “the same role” in the eyes of the Home Office. Even if the title remains similar but the duties change substantially.
- When the new job is outside of the employer’s specified sponsor licence conditions, or the employer does not hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence with the required rating.
Once it’s determined that a new CoS is needed, you (or your employer) must assign it properly under the Sponsor Management System and apply for the Skilled Worker visa update before starting the new role.
What do the 2025 Changes Mean?
- Roles that were previously eligible because they met RQF Level 3 or were lower skilled may not now qualify — unless on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List, or via transitional provisions.
- Employers will need to pay close attention to SOC codes, job descriptions, and salary levels when role changes are proposed within their workforce. HR & immigration teams must check whether a change would trigger the need for a CoS.
- Visa holders should check whether their CoS was issued before or after 22 July 2025 — this affects which rules apply, especially for transitional protections.
Risks of Non-Compliance
Failing to follow these rules can have serious consequences:
- Working in a role without valid permission can breach visa conditions. That can lead to curtailment of the visa, or even deportation.
- The employer could face penalties for non-compliant sponsorship practices — loss or suspension of sponsor licence, fines, or restrictions.
- It may affect future visa or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications, if time in certain roles is not counted or evidence is insufficient.
- Changes done without formal approval (e.g., starting a new role before visa update) may invalidate parts of the visa, lead to rejection of applications, or even misrepresentation issues.
Final Word!
Changing roles while on a Skilled Worker visa can feel like navigating a maze, but staying informed and proactive makes the journey smoother. If you want clearer guidance, insights, and updates on UK visas and career opportunities, make sure to follow Skilled Worker Mag — your go-to resource for making smart choices about work and immigration in the UK.
