Changing employers while on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa is legal and straightforward if you follow the correct process. Here's everything you need to know.
Can You Change Sponsors?
Yes, you have the legal right to change sponsors while in the UK on a work visa. However, you must follow specific procedures to remain compliant with immigration rules.
Understanding the 60-Day Grace Period
The 60-day grace period is a crucial safety net when changing sponsors.
What is it?
If your employment ends (by resignation or dismissal), you have 60 calendar days to either:
- Find a new sponsor and apply for a new visa
- Switch to a different visa category
- Leave the UK
When Does it Start?
The 60-day period starts from the earliest of:
- The date your employment ends
- The date your sponsor notifies Home Office of termination
- The date your sponsor licence is revoked (if applicable)
Important Restrictions
The Legal Process
Scenario 1: Planned Job Change (Recommended)
This is the safest approach where you secure a new job while still employed.
Step-by-Step Process:
- 1. Search for and secure new job offer
- 2. New employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship
- 3. Apply for new visa (can do while still employed)
- 4. Wait for visa approval (usually 3-8 weeks)
- 5. Give notice to current employer (usually 4 weeks)
- 6. Start new job once visa approved
Best option: No break in employment, no stress
Scenario 2: Employment Ended (60-Day Period)
If you've resigned or been dismissed, you must act quickly.
Urgent Timeline:
- Days 1-30: Actively search for new sponsors, send applications
- Days 15-35: Attend interviews, secure job offer
- Days 25-40: Receive CoS from new employer
- Days 30-50: Submit new visa application
- Before Day 60: Application MUST be submitted
Miss the deadline and you must leave the UK
Required Documents for Switching
Essential Documents:
- New Certificate of Sponsorship: From your new employer
- Current visa/BRP: Proof of current immigration status
- Passport: Valid with blank pages
- Proof of English: Usually not needed if previously proven
- Maintenance funds: Unless new sponsor certifies (usually they do)
Optional but Helpful:
- Reference letter from current/previous employer
- Payslips showing compliant employment
- P60 or tax documents
- Proof of continuous residence in UK
Application Fees
Costs to Switch Employers (2025)
| Health & Care Worker Visa | £284 |
| Standard Skilled Worker (3 years) | £719 |
| IHS (Standard, 3 years) | £3,105 |
| IHS (Health & Care) | £0 (Waived) |
You must pay full fees even if switching from one sponsor to another
Common Reasons for Switching
Valid Reasons to Change:
- Better opportunity: Higher salary, career progression
- Relocation: Moving to different area of UK
- Workplace issues: Poor management, toxic environment
- Contract disputes: Terms not as promised
- Employer problems: Financial difficulties, licence issues
- Personal circumstances: Family needs, health reasons
Notice Period Requirements
You must follow your employment contract's notice period requirements.
Typical Notice Periods:
- Care workers: Usually 4 weeks
- Senior staff: Often 4-8 weeks
- Managers: Typically 8-12 weeks
Can You Reduce Notice?
Sometimes, but it requires employer agreement:
- Negotiate with current employer
- Offer to work notice remotely or flexibly
- Pay in lieu of notice (if contract allows)
- Garden leave arrangement
Red Flags and Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't: Start Working Before Visa Approved
Even if you have a job offer and CoS, you cannot work until Home Office approves your new visa. Working without permission can result in visa refusal and deportation.
Don't: Miss the 60-Day Deadline
If you miss the deadline, you'll be required to leave the UK and apply from your home country. Set calendar reminders from day one.
Don't: Ignore Your Current Employer
Leaving without proper notice or "absconding" can damage your immigration record and make future applications difficult.
Don't: Accept Verbal Offers Only
Always get written job offers and CoS confirmation before resigning from current position.
Complete Switching Checklist
Before You Start Job Search
- Check your contract notice period
- Calculate your 60-day deadline (if applicable)
- Save money for visa fees
- Update CV and documents
- Check your BRP expiry date
During Job Search
- Use CareVisa to find licensed sponsors
- Verify sponsor licences are active
- Be upfront about needing sponsorship
- Get written job offers
- Confirm salary meets visa requirements
After Accepting New Job
- Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
- Check CoS details for errors
- Prepare visa application documents
- Submit visa application promptly
- Give notice to current employer
After Visa Approval
- Receive new BRP card
- Work notice period
- Collect P45 from old employer
- Start new job on agreed date
- Update your records and address
Timeline Expectations
Typical Switching Timeline
- Weeks 1-4: Job search and applications
- Weeks 2-6: Interviews and offers
- Week 4-6: Receive CoS from new employer
- Week 5-6: Submit visa application
- Week 8-14: Visa decision received
- Week 6-10: Work notice period
- Week 14+: Start new job
Total: 3-4 months for smooth transition
Impact on Your ILR Timeline
Switching sponsors does NOT reset your path to indefinite leave to remain, as long as you maintain continuous lawful residence.
What Counts Towards ILR:
- Yes: All time on valid Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker visas
- Yes: Time between jobs if within 60-day grace period
- Yes: Time while visa application is pending
- No: Time spent outside UK exceeding 180 days per year
Getting Help
Free Resources:
- CareVisa: Search for new sponsors and track deadlines
- Gov.uk guidance: Official immigration rules
- Citizens Advice: Free employment law advice
- ACAS: Workplace dispute resolution
When to Get Professional Help:
- Complex immigration history
- Previous visa refusals
- Disciplinary issues with current employer
- Approaching 60-day deadline with no job offer
- Dependants with special circumstances
Conclusion
Switching sponsors is a normal part of career progression for care workers in the UK. With proper planning, adherence to timelines, and the right support, you can transition smoothly to a better opportunity.
Remember: Start your search early, keep all options open, and never work without valid visa permission. CareVisa makes finding your next licensed sponsor simple and stress-free.