Can I change employers on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with a new certificate of sponsorship from your new employer before you start working for them. You cannot simply change jobs — it requires a fresh visa application each time you change sponsors.

Can I start working for the new employer before my visa is granted?

No. You must wait until your new Skilled Worker visa application is approved before you can start working for the new employer. Starting work before the visa is granted is a breach of immigration conditions and could result in your application being refused.

Does changing sponsors reset my ILR qualifying period?

No. Time spent on previous Skilled Worker visas counts toward the five-year qualifying period for ILR, as long as there are no gaps in your leave. Switching sponsors does not reset the clock, but any gaps between visas could cause problems.

How long does it take to switch sponsors?

Standard processing for a Skilled Worker visa application takes around 8 weeks, though this varies. Priority processing (available for an additional fee) can reduce this to around 5 working days. Super priority processing offers a decision within 1 to 2 working days.

Switching Sponsors on a Skilled Worker Visa: UK Guide

Skilled Worker visa holders can change employers, but must apply for a new visa with a new certificate of sponsorship before starting work with the new employer. The process involves the new employer issuing a CoS, submitting a fresh visa application, and waiting for approval. This guide covers the process, timing, costs, and impact on your ILR timeline.

The Process Step by Step

Switching sponsors on a Skilled Worker visa involves these steps:

Find a new job with an employer who holds a valid sponsor licence
The new employer assigns you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) through their sponsor management system
Submit a new Skilled Worker visa application using the CoS reference number
Attend a biometrics appointment if required
Wait for a decision — do not start the new job until the visa is granted
Start working for the new employer once the visa is approved

The official process is outlined on the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa change of employer page.

Timing and Notice Periods

The timing can be tricky. You need to coordinate:

Your notice period with your current employer
The time it takes the new employer to assign a CoS
The visa processing time
Your start date with the new employer

In practice, many people give notice to their current employer and then apply for the new visa during the notice period. If the visa is not granted by the time your notice period ends, you are in a difficult position: you cannot work for the new employer yet, but you have left the old one.

To minimise risk, consider:

Paying for priority processing to speed up the decision
Negotiating a later start date with the new employer
Staying with the current employer until the new visa is granted

Costs

Switching sponsors involves the following costs:

Visa application fee: The standard Skilled Worker visa fee
Immigration health surcharge: Payable for the duration of the new visa
Certificate of sponsorship fee: Paid by the employer (though some employers pass this cost to the employee)
Immigration skills charge: Paid by the employer
Priority processing (optional): Additional fee for faster decisions

Check the latest fees on the GOV.UK visa fees page.

Impact on ILR

Switching sponsors does not reset your qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. Time spent with previous sponsors counts toward the five-year requirement. However:

There must be no gaps in your leave — apply for the new visa before your current one expires
You must still meet the salary threshold at the time of your ILR application
Absences from the UK must remain within the allowed limits

See our changing jobs on a Skilled Worker visa guide for more detail on how job changes affect your settlement path.

What If Your Current Sponsor Revokes Your CoS

If you resign or are made redundant, your current employer should report this to the Home Office, which could lead to your visa being curtailed (shortened). You typically have 60 days to either:

Submit a new Skilled Worker visa application with a new sponsor
Apply for a different visa category
Leave the UK

See our guide on the 60-day rule for more on this situation.

Next Steps

If you are planning to change employers, start by confirming the new employer holds a sponsor licence. Discuss timing with both employers, budget for the costs, and consider priority processing to minimise the gap between jobs.

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