Can I work a second job on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, but with restrictions. You can take supplementary employment (a second job) if it is in the same occupation code as your sponsored role or on the Immigration Salary List, and for no more than 20 hours per week. You do not need a second sponsor for supplementary employment, but your main sponsored job must remain your primary role.

Do I need permission from my sponsor to take a second job?

You do not need formal Home Office permission, but you should check your contract of employment with your sponsor. Some sponsors include clauses about additional employment. Your supplementary work must not interfere with your sponsored role.

Can I do freelance work on a Skilled Worker visa?

Freelance work is generally not permitted as your main activity, as your visa is tied to your sponsor. However, supplementary self-employment in the same occupation code may be permitted under the supplementary employment rules. Seek legal advice if you are considering this.

What happens if I breach the supplementary employment rules?

Working outside the permitted conditions is a breach of your visa. This could lead to curtailment of your visa, refusal of future applications, and could affect your good character assessment for ILR or citizenship. It is important to stay within the rules.

Working Multiple Jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa 2026

Skilled Worker visa holders can take on additional employment under specific conditions. The supplementary employment rules allow a second job of up to 20 hours per week in the same occupation code as your sponsored role (or on the Immigration Salary List). This guide explains the rules, limitations, and practical considerations.

The Supplementary Employment Rules

Skilled Worker visa holders are permitted to take supplementary employment under specific conditions:

The supplementary job must be in the same SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code as your sponsored role, or it must be in an occupation on the Immigration Salary List.
The supplementary work must be for no more than 20 hours per week.
It must not interfere with your main sponsored job.
You do not need a Certificate of Sponsorship from the second employer.

What Counts as the Same SOC Code?

The SOC code is the occupational classification assigned to your role on your Certificate of Sponsorship. For example, if you are sponsored as a software developer (SOC 2134), you can take supplementary work as a software developer with another employer, but you cannot take supplementary work as a different occupation (such as a teaching assistant or delivery driver).

Check the SOC code on your CoS or BRP. If the second job falls under a different SOC code, it is only permitted if that occupation is on the Immigration Salary List.

The 20-Hour Limit

The 20-hour weekly limit applies to your supplementary employment only. There is no formal limit on hours in your main sponsored role (beyond normal UK employment law). However, your total working hours across both jobs must comply with the Working Time Regulations, which limit average working hours to 48 per week (unless you opt out).

Impact on Salary Threshold

Income from supplementary employment does not count towards the Skilled Worker salary threshold. Your sponsored role must independently meet the minimum salary requirement. Supplementary income is additional.

However, for ILR applications, it is your sponsored salary that is assessed, not your total income. See our overtime and bonuses guide for how additional earnings are treated.

Volunteering

Genuine volunteering (unpaid, for a charity or community organisation) is generally permitted regardless of occupation code. This is because volunteering is not considered "employment" under immigration law. However, if the volunteering involves regular work that would normally be paid, it may be considered employment. See our employment rights guide.

Changing Your Main Job

If you want to change your main sponsored job (not just take a supplementary role), you need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa or a change of employer. You cannot simply swap your main job and supplementary job.

Tax Considerations

If you work two jobs, your second employer will typically tax you at the basic rate on all earnings (no personal allowance). You can contact HMRC to split your personal allowance between employers or wait until the end of the tax year for a reconciliation. See our PAYE guide.

Next Steps

Check the SOC code on your Certificate of Sponsorship. If a potential second job falls within the same code or is on the Immigration Salary List, you can take it up to 20 hours per week. If in doubt, consult an immigration solicitor.

For official guidance, see the GOV.UK Skilled Worker second job page.