Introduction:

Are you currently holding a skilled worker visa in the UK and wondering if you can take on a secondary job? You’re in the right place! In today’s blog post, we’ll be breaking down the requirements and practical steps you need to follow to undertake secondary employment alongside your primary sponsored job. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa:

Before we get into the specifics, let’s briefly review what a skilled worker visa entails. Individuals with this visa have the opportunity to work in the UK for an approved employer in a role that aligns with their skills. What many may not know is that it’s also possible to engage in secondary employment, and that’s what we’re here to explore.

Requirements for Secondary Employment:

To qualify for secondary employment, there are two key criteria you must meet. Firstly, the secondary job should require more than 20 hours of work per week. Secondly, it must not be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa. It’s crucial to categorize your additional job correctly, as secondary employment follows different regulations than supplementary work.

Application Process for Secondary Employment:

Now, let’s break down the process of applying for secondary employment. If your secondary job meets the criteria mentioned earlier, you’ll need to obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Additionally, applying for a variation of permission is necessary, as the existing conditions of your current job won’t cover this additional work. An important note: you cannot apply for permission for the second job until you’ve commenced work for your first sponsor.

Confirmation Details for Application:

Once you’ve started your primary job, you can submit a new application for secondary employment. This application should include essential details such as your full name, date of birth, CoS reference number from your current permission, and confirmation of the expiration date of your current permission. This step is crucial in informing authorities of the change in your employment circumstances.

Approval Process and Changes:

Should your second sponsor approve your application, they will vary your initial permission, allowing you to have two sponsors during the validity period of both certificates. A new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card will be issued, reflecting ‘2 CoS as Letter’ where the CoS reference number is displayed.

Important Documentation:

After approval, it’s imperative to keep your approval letter and BRP card safe, as they serve as proof of your right to work. Your approval letter should clearly outline the primary and secondary sponsors, along with the employment end dates for each job. Safeguarding these documents is crucial for your legal status.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, navigating secondary employment on a skilled worker visa in the UK involves careful consideration of the criteria, application process, and documentation requirements. By following these steps diligently, you can successfully undertake a secondary job alongside your primary sponsored role. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to stay informed and empowered. If you have any questions or specific topics you’d like us to cover in future blogs, feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more insightful content!