Changing jobs while on a Skilled Worker visa in 2026 is no longer a simple handshake between you and your new employer. Under the latest Statement of Changes HC 1333, the UK Home Office has automated compliance triggers that turn every career move into a digital audit. Whether you are a professional looking to level up or an HR manager onboarding international talent, failing to navigate the 10-day reporting window or the new FWA wage parity checks can lead to visa curtailment or a suspended sponsor licence. This guide breaks down exactly how to switch jobs without losing your legal status in 2026.
Mandatory SMS Reporting Duties: The Employer’s Burden
In 2026, employers (sponsors) must tell the Home Office about big changes. They do this through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). If they stay quiet, it counts as a big mistake.
10 Working Day Reporting Window
Employers have only 10 working days to report these things:
- Worker leaves the job
- Big change in job duties
- Worker starts the job later than planned
If they do not report in 10 days, they can get warnings or lose their right to hire foreign workers.
SOC Code Mismatch Trigger
Every job has a code called SOC code. It shows the type and level of the job. If your new job has a different SOC code from your old job, you normally need a new visa application. A better job or promotion can sometimes cause this problem.
“Change of Employment” CoS
When you move to a new company or change to a very different role in the same company, you need a special Certificate of Sponsorship. It is called Change of Employment CoS. The old sponsor stops and the new one starts.
Salary Threshold Audit
The Home Office checks your new salary automatically. The normal minimum salary is £41,700 per year. For some special older cases it can be £33,400. If your new salary is lower than the rule, the job change will not be allowed.
Work Location Update
Now the Home Office watches where you work. Employers must report if you:
- Change to 100% work from home
- Move to a new main office
This helps them know your real work place.
Technical Visa Update Rules: The Worker’s Responsibility
When you change jobs, you (the worker) usually need to update your visa. In 2026 most of this is done online, but the rules are harder now.
- UK Immigration: ID Check App You can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for many updates. After approval, your eVisa (electronic visa) updates very fast.
- Notice Period Exception This is a good rule in 2026. You can keep working for your current employer while you wait for the new visa decision. You only need to apply before your current visa runs out.
- B2 English Standard 2026 From 8 January 2026, if you change to a new employer, you must show B2 level English. This is higher than the old B1 level. If your first visa had B1 English, you will probably need to take a new English test.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Top-up Your new employer must pay a fee called Immigration Skills Charge. It is now £1,320 per year for most companies. This money helps train British workers. The new employer pays this to take your sponsorship.
Here is a simple example of what people check:
- Did employer report in 10 days? Yes / No
- Is new visa needed? Yes (if SOC code changed)
- Does salary meet the minimum? Yes / No
- Is English level B2? Yes / No
Many people use checklists like this to avoid mistakes.
Enforcement & Agency Overwatch: The FWA Era
A new agency called Fair Work Agency (FWA) started in April 2026. It watches job changes very closely. It makes sure no one is cheating workers or the UK job market.
- FWA Wage Parity Check FWA checks your new salary against the official Going Rate for your SOC code. If your salary is even £1 less than the 2026 going rate, your visa can be refused. They use real-time information from HMRC (tax office) to check this.
- Hidden Economy Team This team looks for fake jobs. For example, if you are sponsored for one job but you do a different job, they can find out.
- 28-Day Start Date Rule You must start your new job within 28 days of the date written on your new CoS. If you start late and the employer does not report it, your visa can be cancelled.
Strategy & Recovery: Protecting Your ILR Clock
Changing jobs should not stop your plan to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – that is permanent stay in the UK.
- Section 3C Leave Protection This rule is very helpful. While you wait for the decision on your new visa application, you can still work, rent a house, and use the NHS.
- Sponsor Note Correction For very small changes (like only job title change but same SOC code), the employer can just write a note in the SMS. No new visa is needed.
- Earned Settlement Map Always check if your new SOC code still helps you get ILR. Some jobs in 2026 have different settlement rules.
- Cooling-Off Period If an employer makes big reporting mistakes, they cannot hire foreign workers for 12 months.
Important Tip for 2026 Job Seekers: Before you accept a new job, always check the Going Rate for your SOC code. If the offer is £41,700 but the going rate is £48,000, your visa will be refused. Look at the latest 2026 going rates on the official website before you sign anything.
This guide uses very simple English so everyone can understand the main rules. The information comes from the latest changes in 2026. Would you like a simple “Job Change Checklist” for workers or for HR people?
Disclaimer: This is only for information. Please always check the official GOV.UK website, HMRC, or Fair Work Agency for the latest correct information before you make any decision.