The UK Home Office has recently updated its guidance on supplementary and secondary employment for Skilled Worker visa holders. These changes set out how migrants can legally take on additional work alongside their sponsored role, and the rules differ depending on when the Skilled Worker visa was granted.
If you are currently sponsored under the Skilled Worker route, or if you employ Skilled Workers within your organisation, it’s important to understand these updates to avoid compliance issues.
Key changes for Skilled Worker visa holders
1. Rules for visas granted before 22 July 2025
Skilled Workers who were sponsored before 22 July 2025 can take on secondary employment in any occupation listed within Tables 1a, 2aa or 3a of the Skilled Worker caseworker guidance.
- These tables cover roles at RQF Levels 3–5, meaning a broader range of jobs is available to migrants with existing visas.
- Importantly, this secondary work does not have to be in the same occupational code as the worker’s primary sponsorship.
2. Rules for visas granted after 22 July 2025
For Skilled Workers who obtained their visa after 22 July 2025, the rules are narrower:
- Secondary employment must fall within the roles listed in Tables 1, 2 or 3, which set out the eligible occupations under the Skilled Worker route.
- This ensures that supplementary work remains within the Skilled Worker framework.
3. Hours and conditions remain the same
Across both categories:
- Secondary employment is capped at a maximum of 20 hours per week.
- Work must be carried out outside of the contractual hours stated on the worker’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
For full details on which occupations are included in the relevant tables, see the official UK Government guidance: Skilled Worker Visa Caseworker Guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-caseworker-guidance/skilled-worker-caseworker-guidance-accessible#supplementary-and-secondary-employment
Why this matters
For Skilled Workers:
These rules determine the types of secondary employment you can legally undertake. Taking on work outside of the permitted codes could breach visa conditions and impact your immigration status.
For employers:
Organisations employing Skilled Workers must be aware of these rules to remain compliant. Allowing or encouraging work outside of permitted roles could create risks for both the worker and the sponsor.
Visalogic: Helping you stay compliant
Immigration rules are complex, and even small updates can have significant consequences for both employees and sponsoring organisations. At Visalogic, our specialists can help you:
- Understand which roles are eligible for supplementary employment.
- Confirm whether an employee’s visa falls under the pre- or post-22 July 2025 rules.
- Ensure your organisation remains fully compliant with Home Office guidance.
To speak with one of our immigration experts, contact Visalogic today on 0845 646 1456.
FAQs
Can Skilled Workers take on secondary employment in any role?
Not always. This depends on when their visa was granted. Pre-22 July 2025 visas allow work in Tables 1a, 2aa, or 3a (RQF Levels 3–5), while post-22 July visas restrict supplementary work to Tables 1, 2, or 3.
Does secondary work need to be in the same occupation as the sponsored role?
No. Secondary employment can be in a different occupation code, provided it falls within the eligible tables for that visa category.
How many hours of supplementary work are allowed?
A maximum of 20 hours per week, outside of the worker’s sponsored contractual hours.
Where can I check which occupations are eligible?
The eligible roles are listed in the Home Office guidance: Skilled Worker Visa Caseworker Guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-caseworker-guidance/skilled-worker-caseworker-guidance-accessible#supplementary-and-secondary-employment