If you currently hold a skilled worker visa, you are aware that your current visa comes with certain conditions and restrictions. You can travel to or stay in the UK to undertake an eligible job with an approved employer. The skilled worker visa was designated for you to be sponsored by a particular entity with the aim of bringing skilled workers to the UK. The question arises: can you take on additional work while on a skilled worker visa?
The answer is yes, although there are certain conditions you need to be aware of. If you wish to work for another employer, you can potentially do so under the ‘supplementary employment’ rules, but only for a maximum of 20 hours a week. The work must also be undertaken outside the normal working hours for which your Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned, and you must continue to work for your sponsor.
The work must also meet the following conditions:
- It must be in the same occupation code and at the same level as the job stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship or
- It must fall under the Shortage Occupation List
For example, if you are currently being sponsored as an Office manager, you cannot take on additional employment as a Sales administration manager.
If your secondary job meets these requirements, you will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You will also need to apply for a variation of permission (including providing a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay), as working this second job is not covered by the existing conditions of your current job. You cannot apply for further permission to stay for your second job until you have started working for your first sponsor.
If you have any queries about the process of taking on additional employment while on a Skilled Worker visa, contact us, and we can provide you with advice.