Switching Jobs on a UK Skilled Worker Visa? Read This First

Thinking of changing jobs in the UK on your Skilled Worker visa?
Many Africans (including Nigerians) make costly mistakes because of misinformation.

Here are 6 common myths you must avoid 👇

❌ Myth 1: “I can switch jobs anytime I want”

✅ Fact: There’s a process.

Before you change jobs:

• Your new employer must be a licensed sponsor
• They must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• You must apply to update your visa

👉 No CoS = No legal switch

❌ Myth 2: “I can start my new job immediately after resigning”

✅ Fact: Don’t rush it.

You should:

• Wait for your new visa approval before starting

Starting early can:

• Affect your future applications
• Delay or block your ILR (permanent residency)

❌ Myth 3: “I can accept any salary”

✅ Fact: Salary rules matter.

Your new role must:

• Meet the minimum salary threshold
• Match the going rate for that job

👉 Even if your previous salary was higher, falling below the threshold = visa refusal

❌ Myth 4: “Internal job changes don’t need paperwork”

✅ Fact: Not always true.

Even within the same company:

• If your role changes significantly
• Or your job code changes

👉 You may need to apply for a visa update again

❌ Myth 5: “I can switch to Skilled Worker from any visa inside the UK”

✅ Fact: It depends on your current visa.

You can usually switch inside the UK from:

• Skilled Worker
• Global Talent
• Scale-up
• Innovator Founder
• International Sportsperson

⚠️ But from visas like:

• Student
• Graduate
• Youth Mobility
• Visitor

👉 You may need to apply from outside the UK

Always confirm on UK Government

❌ Myth 6: “Once I have a visa, I can move jobs freely”

✅ Fact: Every move is a new process.

Each job switch requires:

• A new sponsor
• A new CoS
• A new visa application

While it usually doesn’t reset your ILR clock, frequent job changes:

• Can raise concerns during settlement review

💡 The Reality for Africans in the UK

Yes, you can grow your career and switch jobs — but:

👉 Every move is both a career decision AND a legal process

🚀 Naija UK Connect Advice

Before you switch jobs:

• ✔️ Confirm your new employer is licensed
• ✔️ Check salary requirements
• ✔️ Wait for visa approval before starting
• ✔️ Avoid long gaps in employment

👉 Planning to switch? Get the right information early — it can save your visa.

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