Lost your job on a Skilled Worker visa? What to do next

What happens to your Skilled Worker visa if you lose your job?

If your Skilled Worker visa was tied to your job and that job has now ended, don't assume you have time to "figure it out later." This is one of those situations where the clock starts ticking quickly.

Once your employment ends, your sponsor has 10 working days to notify UKVI. In most cases, UKVI will then issue a curtailment notice, usually giving you 60 days (or until your visa expiry date, if sooner) to either secure a new immigration route or leave the UK.

Can you apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with a different employer?

What catches people out is that they think they can simply move straight into another role and sort the paperwork afterwards. You can't.

Even if you've been offered a new job, you cannot simply start working because you have a Certificate of Sponsorship. In most cases, you must first submit your new Skilled Worker application and ensure you have the correct permission to work under the immigration rules.

If you want to stay in the UK lawfully, you need to act before your leave expires or is curtailed.

Your options after losing a Skilled Worker visa job

Your next steps will usually fall into one of three categories:

1. Secure a new sponsored role with a licensed employer.

2. Switch into another visa category if you qualify.

3. Make plans to leave the UK before you become an overstayer.

Common mistakes after losing a Skilled Worker visa job

There are also a few common mistakes that can create serious immigration problems:

• Starting a new job before you have the correct immigration permission.
• Ignoring correspondence from UKVI –  your curtailment notice and the dates within it are critical.
• Assuming your previous visa conditions continue after your sponsored employment has ended.
• Waiting until the last few weeks to explore alternative visa routes.
• Accepting a role with an employer that doesn't hold a Sponsor Licence.

What to check before accepting a new sponsored role 

Another point many people overlook is that not every sponsored job will qualify.

Salary thresholds, skill level requirements and the employer's Sponsor Licence status all need to be assessed before making decisions.

When should you seek immigration advice?

Losing your sponsored job does not automatically mean you have to leave the UK immediately. But it does mean you need a plan, and you need one quickly.

The earlier you seek advice, the more options you are likely to have. Leave it too late, and opportunities that were once available may no longer be possible.

If you've recently lost your job on a Skilled Worker visa and you're unsure what your options are, get proper advice early. The right next step depends entirely on your timing, your immigration history and whether there is another route available to you.

If you want to protect your status and understand your options, our business immigration team can help. Get in touch today to discuss your next steps at [email protected] or give us a call on +44 (0) 20 7759 5420.