Additional 20 Hours of Work on a Skilled Worker Visa: Know the Real Deal!

The Skilled Worker Visa is a coveted opportunity for individuals to work in the United Kingdom, bringing with it various benefits, including the possibility of engaging in additional employment. However, there seems to be some confusion regarding the rules and requirements for taking on these additional jobs. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of additional jobs on the Skilled Worker Visa and clarify the essential criteria for compliance.

The 20-Hour Allowance

One of the key features of the Skilled Worker Visa is the provision that allows visa holders to engage in additional employment for up to 20 hours per week. However, it’s crucial to understand that this does not mean you can simply choose not to work for your main sponsor and seek alternative employment. The additional job is meant to be exactly that – additional.

Meeting the Requirement

To ensure that you are compliant with the regulations, you must adhere to certain criteria when seeking additional employment:

1. **Matching Job Category**: The job you take as an additional job must fall into the same job category as your primary employment. In other words, it should be closely related to the work you are sponsored to do. Additionally, the job should be in line with the occupation code specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

2. **Skill Level**: The additional job should also be at the same skill level as your primary employment. This means that it should require a similar level of expertise and qualifications. This is essential to ensure that the additional job complements your primary role and aligns with the skills you possess.

Understanding the Concept of “Additional”

Perhaps the most crucial point to comprehend is that an additional job is just that – additional. It should not replace your primary employment but rather supplement it. Your main sponsor or the entity that provided your Certificate of Sponsorship is expected to offer you a primary job. Only after securing this primary role can you explore the opportunity to engage in additional employment for up to 20 hours a week.

Consequences of Violating the Rules

If you decide to work for a different employer before having a primary job from your sponsor, you are in violation of the rules of your Skilled Worker Visa. Violations of your visa conditions can have severe consequences, including the potential revocation of your visa status, deportation, or difficulty in securing future visas.

Conclusion

The Skilled Worker Visa offers a valuable opportunity to work in the United Kingdom, and the allowance for additional employment can be advantageous. However, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the regulations governing this visa category. Additional jobs are meant to complement your primary employment, not replace it, and must align with specific criteria related to job category and skill level. By following these rules, you can make the most of your Skilled Worker Visa and ensure a successful and compliant stay in the UK.