If you’re on a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must follow certain rules about your employment. While you’re allowed to travel in and out of the UK, there are restrictions on what types of work you can do. It’s important to understand these rules, as breaking them could lead to your visa being shortened or canceled. This could also affect future visa applications.
What Are Skilled Workers Allowed to Do?
As a Skilled Worker, you can:
- Work in your sponsored job.
- Study while in the UK.
- Take on additional work in some cases.
- Do voluntary work.
- Travel in and out of the UK.
- Bring your dependents (spouse and children) to the UK.
- Apply for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous employment in the UK, if all other requirements are met.
However, you must continue working for the employer who sponsored your visa and in the job you were approved for. In general, working outside your sponsored job is not allowed, but there are some exceptions.
What Is “Supplementary Employment”?
Supplementary employment refers to additional work you can do in certain situations. If you want to take on a second job, it can only happen if:
- The job is on the Shortage Occupation List or in the same occupation code as your sponsored job.
- You work no more than 20 hours per week.
- You only work outside the hours of your sponsored job.
If the additional work meets these conditions, you don’t need to inform the Home Office. It is allowed as part of your visa conditions.
Remember, supplementary work is only allowed if you’re still working for your main sponsor. If you leave your sponsored job, you can no longer do supplementary work.
What Is “Secondary Employment”?
If you want to take on a job that doesn’t meet the above conditions (for example, more than 20 hours per week or in a different occupation code), you need to apply to the Home Office for secondary employment. This means you must:
- Apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the second job.
- Be assigned a second sponsor for the new job.
- Get a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that reflects both sponsors.
It’s important to note that both jobs must still meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa, including the salary and skill level.
Health and Care Worker Visa Exception (No Longer Available)
Before 27 August 2023, Skilled Workers in the Health and Care Worker visa category were allowed to take on unlimited additional work in a job that would also qualify for this visa. This exception has now ended, so you can no longer work freely outside your sponsored role in healthcare.
Working Overtime for Your Sponsor
You are free to work overtime for your sponsoring employer without any restrictions. There is no limit to how many overtime hours you can work, and the Home Office does not need to be informed as long as you are paid correctly for your overtime hours.
Voluntary Work
Skilled Worker visa holders can take on voluntary work in their spare time, with no restrictions on the type of job or sector. However, the voluntary job must not interfere with your sponsored employment, and you cannot be paid for this work (although reimbursed expenses are allowed).
Examples of Allowed and Not Allowed Additional Jobs
- Example 1: Allowed Supplementary Employment
If you’re sponsored as an IT Manager (occupation code 2133) and you want to take an additional part-time job as an IT Manager for another company on Saturdays (8 hours per week), this is allowed. The job is in the same occupation code, under 20 hours per week, and outside of your regular working hours. No need to inform the Home Office. - Example 2: Not Allowed Secondary Employment
If you’re sponsored as a Sales Supervisor (occupation code 7130) and want to take a second job as a Barista in the evenings, this is not allowed. The Barista job is not in the same occupation code as your main role, and it’s not on the Shortage Occupation List. To take on this job, you’d need to apply for permission to work in secondary employment.
How Law and Visas Can Help
If you’re unsure about your visa conditions or need advice on taking on additional work, Law and Visas can help. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the rules and ensure you remain compliant with your Skilled Worker visa. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice.
