You might consider changing jobs if you’ve been working in the UK with a visa. After all, there’s nothing wrong with exploring new opportunities. They can help you advance your career or provide more stability.
However, a skilled worker visa change of employer can have legal implications. Plus, they aren’t always obvious and can lead to nasty problems. We’ll review five tips for changing jobs while on an existing visa agreement.
1) Check if skilled worker visa change employer is allowed
Changing jobs while on a UK Skilled Worker Visa can be complicated. There are some factors to consider. To ensure that you can legally switch jobs, you must check whether your visa allows this.
Under UK immigration rules, the following applies:
In order to change jobs with a different employer, you must update your Skilled Worker visa. Moreover, you can switch to a position with a different SOC (if you’re not currently enrolled in a graduate training program).
A job on the SOL can also be changed to another job that is not on the SOL. As a result, your visa would have been granted based on the fact that your position is one for which there is a shortage of qualified personnel.
The table below outlines the changes necessary depending on the circumstances:
You can change employer skilled worker visa. But remember, all visa updates must be applied for through the Home Office. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in your visa being revoked or invalidated.
Therefore, you must check the immigration rules before making any changes to your employment. Careful research and understanding your visa requirements can help make the transition smoother. This ensures that you remain compliant with the law.
2) Give your employer advance notice
It is important to give your employer adequate notice of any plans to change jobs. Here is a Complete Guideline About A Skilled Worker Visa While considering changing employer-skilled worker visas, you must consider the SOC code. If you have a job that matches your current SOC code, there is no need to submit a change of employment application. This is often the case when someone changes roles within the same company.
Similarly, your current and a new job will be on the UK’s ‘Shortage Occupation List’. In that case, you won’t need to submit a change of employment application either.
And lastly, if you already work at a company, even if you don’t get as many points since you started, you’ll still get to stay if you get at least 70 points. For these reasons, it is important to give your employer sufficient notice about any plans to change jobs. By doing so, you can be sure that you are well-prepared for the transition.
3) Find a new job that sponsors your visa
It’s important to find a new job that will sponsor your visa. This means the employer must be willing to go through the process of applying for a sponsorship certificate. This is a legal process. So, make sure the company you’re looking to work for is familiar with it.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the process during your job interviews. You want to make sure you can transition to a new role as soon as possible. Start researching companies that can sponsor visas and look for openings that fit your skills. Make sure to apply early so you have time to go through the visa application process.
Submit a job application or change of status to the Home Office. If you applied for a Skilled Worker Visa, you would have had to meet the general eligibility requirements.
Suppose you have a Tier 2 general work visa. In that case, your employer will no longer have to go through RLMT before they offer you the job.
If you are considering switching visas within the UK, you will likely have some questions about the process. Here you find answers related Switching Visas Within The UK: Your Questions Answered
To qualify as a Skilled Worker, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- How much salary are you getting?
- The job must be on the list of occupations that qualify
- To qualify, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language
4) Start the sponsorship process early
Regarding skilled worker visas, the UK changed employers and started the sponsorship process early. This means you should begin applying for your new visa as soon as you decide to switch jobs. If you wait until after you’ve handed in your notice, you could run into problems that delay your move.
To start the process, you’ll need to find a job sponsor willing to sponsor your visa application. To do this, you should start looking for potential employers and networking as soon as possible.
When you’ve found some potential sponsors, reach out and explain why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. You can also try searching job boards for postings that require visa sponsorship.
Once you’ve found a sponsor, you’ll need to complete an application form to apply for the visa formally. Add personal information like your name and address and details about the job and your sponsor in the application form. Try to be thorough when filling out the form, as any mistakes or omissions can cause delays in processing.
Finally, submit the application form and pay the fee. You’ll need to wait for your new visa to be processed. This can take several weeks, so starting the process early and staying organized throughout is important. That way, if there’re any issues with your application, you’ll still have time to sort them out before your visa expires.
5) Keep your old job until your sponsorship comes through
Suppose you’re considering a skilled worker visa UK and changing employers. In that case, keeping your current job until your sponsorship comes through is important. This will ensure you have an income while waiting for the new job’s sponsorship process to be completed.
Make sure to let your current employer know that you will be leaving. Ensure they understand that you must stay with them until your new sponsorship is secured. Transitioning between jobs is always tricky. But keeping your old job until your new sponsorship comes through will help you maintain a steady income and employment.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to inform the Home Office if I change my job while on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
A: Yes, you must inform the Home Office within 10 days of any changes to your employment status.
Q: How will changing jobs affect my UK Skilled Worker Visa?
A: Depending on your visa type, the requirements may differ. It is important to check with the Home Office before changing your employment status.
Q: Will I need to apply for a new visa after changing jobs?
A: You may need to apply for a new visa depending on your visa type. It is important to check with the Home Office before making any changes.
Q: What documents do I need to provide when applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
A: You will typically need to provide proof of identity, proof of employment, proof of qualifications, and evidence of financial resources.
Q: What minimum salary must I earn when changing jobs while on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
A: The minimum salary requirement will depend on your visa type. Generally, you must earn a salary equal to or greater than the prevailing rate for the position in the UK.
Q: Is there an age limit for applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
A: No, there is no age limit when applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa. However, some positions may have additional requirements, such as experience in the field.
Conclusion
The first few weeks can be a little stressful when it comes to changing a skilled worker’s visa employer. But you’ll settle in soon enough.
Just take it one step at a time. Focus on what might be different. But remember, there will always be something familiar to help you adapt to your new work environment. The most important thing is to know what UK immigration rules are and how they apply to your situation.
It doesn’t make sense to choose a new job without ensuring that the requirements for staying in the UK through your skilled worker visa still stand.
