Crisis Guide
Changing Sponsor Employer on a Skilled Worker Visa
You can change UK sponsor employers, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with the new employer’s CoS before starting work — you cannot switch via the existing visa.
Key fact
New visa application required before start date at new employer
Step-by-step
- 1Receive job offer + CoS from new licensed sponsor.
- 2Submit Skilled Worker visa change-of-employment application within 3 months of new CoS.
- 3Wait for decision (priority: 5 working days; standard: 3–8 weeks).
- 4Start work at the new employer ONLY from the date the new visa is granted.
- 5Notify the old employer / they will close their sponsorship record.
Common pitfalls
- !Working for the new employer before grant is illegal even with CoS in hand.
- !New visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge apply (~£4,000 for a 3-year grant).