Navigating Additional Work as a Skilled Worker Visa Holder: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

Understanding the rules and limitations surrounding additional work as a Skilled Worker visa holder is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid potential consequences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what is allowed and what is not allowed:

Permitted Activities for Skilled Workers:

• • Work in an eligible job as specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

• Engage in additional work under certain circumstances.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK.
• Bring dependents (partner and children).
• Apply for settlement in the UK after completing five years under the Skilled Worker route.

Supplementary Employment:

• Skilled Workers can engage in additional work outside their sponsored employment under specific conditions:
• The additional job must be in the same occupation code as the sponsored job or listed on the Shortage Occupation List.
• Work hours should not exceed 20 hours per week.
• The additional work must be conducted outside the working hours specified in the CoS.

Secondary Employment:

• Skilled Workers can apply for a second job exceeding 20 hours per week, which is not in the same occupation code as their sponsored role.
• An additional CoS is required for the secondary job, and permission must be obtained from the Home Office.

Health and Care Worker Visa Exception:

• Formerly, Skilled Workers eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa could take on unlimited additional work in certain roles. However, this concession is no longer applicable.

Overtime Work:

• There are no restrictions on working overtime for the sponsor in the sponsored role. The Home Office does not need to be notified about overtime work.

Voluntary Work:

• Skilled Workers can engage in voluntary work in their free time, regardless of the sector or role.
• The voluntary role must not interfere with the performance of the sponsored employment, and no payment is allowed except for expense reimbursement.

Examples:

1. Supplementary Employment: Taking on an additional part-time role with another employer, provided it aligns with the same occupation code as the main sponsored role, is within 20 hours per week, and falls outside the normal working hours of the primary job.
2. Secondary Employment: Pursuing a job as a Barista alongside a role as a Sales Supervisor would not be permitted unless it meets the criteria for supplementary employment, such as being in the same occupation code or on the Shortage Occupation List.

Understanding these regulations is essential for Skilled Worker visa holders to ensure compliance and avoid any adverse implications on their immigration status.

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