Skilled Worker visa conditions

Information on the conditions and requirements applied to a Skilled Worker visa.

Supplementary employment

In general, workers are employed full-time by their sponsors and do not work anywhere else.  Any additional employment would need to be under the ‘supplementary employment rules’

Supplementary employment rules

A job that is either:

  • On the shortage occupation list or in the same occupation code and at the same level as the work for which their CoS was issued
  • Outside their normal working hours and does not interfere with their main role
  • No more than 20 hours per week.

View the shortage occupation list

The UKVI does not consider University research and University teaching to be the same profession.  As such, a Skilled Worker visa holder in a research role could only take up teaching as supplementary work if their job description in the CoS included teaching.

Any SoC code changes, employment for more than 20 hours per week, interference with the main duties of their CoS or being the director of their business would be classed as breaches of the supplementary guidance, and would not be permitted.

The most obvious example of supplementary employment would be a University lecturer taking up a supplementary teaching or research role for another department or organisation. 

Absenses

There is no absence limit if applying for an initial Skilled Worker visa or extension application, however if you plan to be outside the UK whilst on a Skilled Worker visa, please speak with your local HR or administration team to check that this wouldn't have an impact on your sponsorship.

There is an absences requirement when applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) - i.e. a maximum of 180 days in any preceding 12-month period is permitted.  Specific exemptions and rules on calculating these absences may apply.

No access to public funds

Global Talent visa holders and their dependants are not entitled to access public funds.  The definition of public funds can be found on the UKVI website.

Definition of public funds

More information about public funds