Changing Jobs in the UK: Do Dependants Need a New Visa?

Changing jobs while on a UK Skilled Worker visa can raise questions about the visa status of your dependants. Understanding the implications for your family members is essential to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.

The short answer is that your dependants’ existing visas remain valid, and they aren’t required to apply immediately when you change jobs. They can extend or renew their visas at any time before their current visas expiry date, offering flexibility for planning your family’s next steps in the UK.

1. Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa and Dependants

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer. Dependants, defined as your spouse, partner, or children under 18, can accompany or join you in the UK under this visa category. Their visas are typically linked to the main applicant’s status and usually expire on the same date as yours. ​

Changing Jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa

If you plan to change your job, the requirements to update your visa depend on the specifics of your employment change:​

• Same Employer, Same Occupation Code: No need to update your visa.​
• Same Employer, Different Occupation Code: You must apply to update your visa.​
• Different Employer: You must apply to update your visa.

In these scenarios requiring a visa update, you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer and ensure your new role meets the eligibility criteria, including salary thresholds.​

Impact on Dependants’ Visas

A common concern is whether your dependants need to apply for new visas when you change jobs. According to UK immigration guidelines, your dependants do not need to apply to update their visas simultaneously with your job change. Their existing visas remain valid until their original expiry date, provided you continue to hold valid leave to remain in the UK.

2. When Should Dependants Apply for a New Visa?

Dependants should apply to extend or switch their visas before their current visa expires.

3. Application Process for Dependants

Dependants can apply to extend or switch their visas from within the UK, provided they are not currently in the UK on certain restricted visa categories. Your partner or children cannot switch to a Skilled Worker dependant visa if they hold any of the following:

• A visit visa
• A short-term student visa
• A Parent of a Child Student visa
• A seasonal worker visa
• A domestic worker in a private household visa
• Immigration bail
• Permission to stay outside the immigration rules, such as on compassionate grounds

Additionally, if your partner or child currently holds a Student visa, they can only switch to a Skilled Worker dependant visa if they have either:

• Completed the course they were originally sponsored to study, or
• Studied for a PhD programme for at least 24 months

Each dependant must submit a separate online application, pay relevant fees (including the Immigration Health Surcharge), and provide biometric information along with required supporting documents, such as proof of relationship and evidence of adequate funds.

4. Do Dependants Need a New Visa? – Examples

To explain this clearly, here are two practical examples:

Example 1

Alex initially received a UK Skilled Worker visa valid from June 2022 to June 2027.

In March 2023, Alex realised the role wasn’t meeting professional expectations, prompting the decision to look for a new job. Alex secured employment with a different employer and successfully applied for a Skilled Worker change of employment visa, which is valid for three years until March 2026.

In this scenario, Alex’s dependants already hold visas valid until June 2027. Therefore, there is no immediate need for them to apply for new visas at the same time as Alex, as their visas remain valid beyond Alex’s updated visa expiry.

Example 2

Emma was initially granted a Skilled Worker visa valid from September 2022 to September 2025.

In August 2025, Emma received a compelling offer from a new employer and chose to switch jobs. Her successful Skilled Worker change of employment application granted her a visa valid until August 2028.

In Emma’s case, her dependants’ visas expire in September 2025, three years earlier than Emma’s new visa expiry date. To maintain consistency and simplify future planning, it would be advisable for Emma’s dependants to apply for their new visas at the same time as Emma.

5. Conclusion

Changing jobs on a Skilled Worker visa requires careful consideration of your visa status and that of your dependants.While your family members do not need to update their visas immediately upon your job change, it’s crucial to monitor their visa expiry dates and plan extensions accordingly. Staying informed and proactive ensures compliance with UK immigration regulations and the continued stability of your family’s residency status.