Losing your job while holding a Skilled Worker visa in the UK can be a daunting experience, raising urgent questions about your immigration status and your right to remain in the country.
The UK visa system, particularly the Skilled Worker route, is closely tied to employment with a sponsoring employer. If your job ends, your visa status may be at risk, and you’ll need to act quickly to explore your options. In this brief FAQ post, we address key concerns about losing your job on a Skilled Worker visa, offering practical guidance on how to maintain lawful status in the UK or make informed decisions about your next steps.
When you lose your job, your Skilled Worker visa does not automatically become invalid, but your sponsoring employer is required to notify the Home Office within 10 working days. Once this happens, the Home Office may shorten your visa, typically giving you 60 days or until the original visa expiry date, whichever is shorter, to take action. During this period, you must either find a new sponsoring employer, switch to another UK visa route, or make arrangements to leave the UK.
Failure to act within this time frame risks overstaying, which can lead to serious consequences, including deportation and potential bans on re-entering the UK.
Can you engage in supplementary work after losing your main job?
No, you cannot engage in supplementary or secondary employment once your primary employment under the Skilled Worker visa ends.
The rules of the Skilled Worker route permit supplementary work only while you are actively employed in your sponsored role.
If your sponsorship is withdrawn, any additional work you undertake would breach your visa conditions, potentially jeopardising your immigration status.
Can you start your own business on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, it is possible to start your own business under the Skilled Worker visa through a process known as self-sponsorship. To do this, you would need to establish a UK-based business and apply for a sponsor licence for that business.
Once the licence is granted, your business can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.
However, obtaining a sponsor licence is a complex process, requiring the business to meet strict Home Office criteria, including demonstrating genuine economic activity and compliance with UK immigration laws.
What happens if you decide to leave the UK?
If you choose to leave the UK after losing your job, you must ensure you depart within the 60-day curtailment period or before your visa expires. Overstaying, even briefly, can have serious consequences, including a potential ban on re-entering the UK for up to 12 months or longer, depending on the circumstances.
Overstaying may also affect future UK visa applications, even if submitted from outside the UK. If you’re nearing the end of your contract or feel ready to return home, leaving voluntarily within the permitted period is the safest option to avoid complications.
What happens to your dependants if you lose your job?
If your Skilled Worker visa is curtailed, your dependants’ visas (tied to your status as the main visa holder) will also be affected. They will need to leave the UK unless you secure a new visa or sponsorship. In some cases, dependants may be eligible to apply for another visa route independently, but this depends on their individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration specialist can help clarify options for your family.
Can you work for another employer during the 60-day period?
No, you cannot work for another employer during the 60-day curtailment period unless you have secured a new Skilled Worker visa with sponsorship from a licensed employer. Working without proper authorisation during this time violates immigration rules and risks jeopardising your status.
Navigating the complexities of the UK visa system after losing your job on a Skilled Worker visa can be overwhelming. Seeking advice from an immigration law specialist as soon as possible can significantly improve your chances of remaining in the UK lawfully. A professional can assess your situation, recommend the best course of action, and assist with applications for new sponsorship or alternative visa routes.
