Section — Changing Jobs
Changing employers & switching sponsors
You can change jobs while on a Skilled Worker visa — but you must follow the correct process. You cannot simply start a new job without a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
✓ You have the right to change employer
Your visa is tied to your sponsor, not to the UK itself. If your employer treats you badly, you are not trapped. You can switch to a new licensed sponsor while remaining in the UK.
🔀 Switching sponsor — where are you in the process?
What best describes your situation?
Switching while still employed — the safest position
You have time to find the right employer without pressure.
- Find a new employer who is a licensed sponsor — check the register at gov.uk — Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Get a written job offer with salary and occupation code confirmed.
- Your new employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — this is their responsibility and cost, not yours.
- Apply for a change of employment or new Skilled Worker visa — you can do this before leaving your current job.
- Once approved, give notice to your current employer and start the new role.
- Typical processing time: 3–8 weeks standard; 1–2 weeks with priority processing (extra fee applies).
You are in your 60-day grace period — act now
- Contact a regulated immigration adviser today: gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
- Search for a new licensed sponsor urgently: gov.uk — Register of Licensed Sponsors
- Contact employers directly and be honest about your timeline — many will understand.
- Once you have a CoS from a new employer, apply for your new visa before the 60 days expire.
- If you apply in time, "section 3C leave" protects you — you can legally remain in the UK while the application is decided, even if it takes longer than 60 days.
- Keep evidence of when your sponsorship ended — email, P45, payslip.
Your employer is being taken over or sold — TUPE transfer
When a business changes hands under TUPE, your job and employment terms should transfer automatically. Sorting out your sponsorship is the employer's legal responsibility, not yours.
- You do not need to apply for a new visa, provided your duties remain the same and the new employer has a valid sponsor licence.
- The new employer must confirm to the Home Office that they accept sponsorship responsibility for you within 20 working days of the transfer. You do not need to do this — but you should monitor that it is happening.
- If the new employer does not yet have a sponsor licence, they must apply for one within 20 working days. If they fail to do so or their application is refused, your permission may be cancelled.
- If your employer is telling you that you must sort out your visa yourself following a TUPE transfer — this is incorrect. Get advice: gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
- Check your new employer's sponsor status on the register of licensed sponsors.
- For the full rules, see section C4 of the Home Office Sponsor Guidance Part 3 (PDF) ↗.
⚠ Your employer is delaying paperwork
Deliberately withholding documents to prevent you moving jobs is unlawful and potentially exploitative.
- Request in writing (by email) the specific documents you need — P45, reference letter, end-of-sponsorship confirmation.
- Your employer must issue your P45 promptly after employment ends. Failure to do so can be reported to HMRC.
- If they are withholding documents to prevent you leaving, contact ACAS: 0300 123 1100.
- Contact the Fair Work Agency if you believe you are being controlled or exploited: 0345 161 6000.
- Keep a written record of every request you make and every refusal or non-response — dates, times, and what was said.
Documents you will typically need to switch
- Your current BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or eVisa details
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your new employer
- Proof of English language ability (usually already established)
- Bank statements or evidence of funds (if required)
- Payslips from your current job
- P45 from your previous employer once you leave
- Valid passport