Can You Change Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa? In 2025, the rules say yes—but the process has become more structured, more digital, and a touch stricter than before. For Skilled Worker visa holders considering a career move, the path now involves tighter checks on sponsor licences, ensuring your new role matches the correct job code, and complying with updated online reporting requirements. Unlike in previous years, when switching sponsors was a bit more straightforward, today’s system leaves less room for error and demands minimal gaps between jobs to keep your visa valid.
Changing employers isn’t impossible—in fact, thousands are doing it successfully—but it does mean treating the move as a carefully managed transition rather than a quick hop. With the right preparation, a solid job offer from a licensed sponsor, and an eye on the updated compliance rules, making the switch can open new doors without closing your visa status.
What does the government say?
According to the official UK government guidance on changing jobs or employers under the Skilled Worker visa, you must apply to update your visa when:
- You’re changing to a different employer.
- Your new job falls under a different occupation code (unless on a graduate training programme).
- You move from a job on the immigration salary list to one that isn’t.
You can apply up to three months prior to your new role starting. While your application is under review, you can continue working in your current job while your application is being reviewed, but you must not start the new job until you get confirmation of your new permission.
What’s New in 2025?
A. Raised Skill and Salary Requirements
- Only roles at RQF Level 6 (degree-level) or above are eligible for new Skilled Worker visas. Lower-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) are no longer open—unless they appear on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
- The basic salary threshold has risen—for general applicants it’s now £41,700, for new entrants £33,400, and transitional rates for those with older Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from pre-2024 may still apply.
- Care worker roles have been removed from new sponsorship eligibility entirely from mid-2025.
B. Enhanced Sponsor Compliance & License Checks
Employers must strictly adhere to updated sponsor-licence obligations, including verifying new roles align with eligible occupations, paying appropriate salaries, conducting labour market checks, and reporting changes digitally to UK Visas and Immigration. Though not always spelled out in Gov.uk texts, legal and employer guidance emphasise this ramped-up oversight.
Changing Employers: Step-by-Step Process in 2025
Here’s how the process looks under current rules:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
Your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and offer a role that fits within updated criteria (RQF 6+, correct salary threshold, and eligible occupation).
Step 2: Receive a New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A fresh CoS is required—even if your visa is still valid. This is a non-negotiable step.
Step 3: Submit an ‘Update Your Visa’ Application
Apply online to update your visa before you start your new job. Processing typically takes up to 8 weeks, though priority services can deliver faster decisions.
Step 4: Maintain Minimal Gaps in Visa Coverage
Do not leave gaps between jobs. Any time without a valid visa permission could result in curtailment, and you might need to leave the UK or switch visa types.
Step 5: Attend Biometric Reporting and Identity Checks
You’ll need to verify identity via the UKVI ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS appointment for biometric data—standard steps in the updated process.
What Has Changed Since Pre-2025 Rules?
- Pre-2025: Changing employers was simpler—salary thresholds were lower, and a wider range of RQF 3–5 roles were eligible. Switching often meant simply applying with a new CoS and meeting basic requirements.
- Post-2025: The bar is significantly higher. Jobs must be degree-level, meet elevated salary thresholds, and occupy positions on the updated occupation list. Sponsor compliance is also under tighter scrutiny with digital oversight, plus care roles are mostly off-limits.
These tighter provisions aim to ensure that switching sponsors remains possible—but only with full compliance and prior planning.
Implications for Dependants and Settlement
Dependants (partners and children) can usually continue their visa status during a change—no new applications are needed unless they are about to expire.
Note: Regarding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): applicants must meet the updated salary thresholds aligned with post-2025 rules, even if their current CoS was issued earlier.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Pre-2025 Rules | Post-2025 Rules (2025 Onwards) |
| Eligible Roles | RQF 3–5 and above | Only RQF 6+ (degree-level); some RQF 3–5 allowed via TSL |
| Salary Thresholds | ~£38,700 or occupation-specific rates | Raised: general £41,700; new entrants £33,400; transitional lower rates |
| CoS Requirement | Required | Required |
| Gaps in Employment | Less strictly enforced | Strict—minimal or none recommended |
| Sponsor Compliance | Basic | Tighter, with more digital reporting and oversight |
| Care Worker Roles | Allowed | Closed to new applicants (until July 2028, only for transitions) |
| Dependants | Continue with the main applicant | Same, but ILR thresholds updated |
Take Away!
You can change employers on a Skilled Worker visa in 2025, but the process now requires careful planning, strict compliance, and close attention to detail. Your new role must meet the updated skill and salary thresholds, a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must be issued, and your application has to be approved before you move into the new position. Even small errors could put your visa status at risk.
To make the transition as seamless as possible, stay informed and, if necessary, seek guidance from trusted immigration professionals. And for the latest updates and clear advice on every step of the Skilled Worker journey, be sure to follow Skilled Worker Mag.
