Skilled Worker Changing Employer, what happens to visas of his wife and children?

When you, as a Skilled Worker, receive a new job offer, you need to update your visa. However, this doesn't automatically mean your family must apply for new visas immediately if they're already in the UK under dependant visas:

Updating Your Visa:

Process: You must apply for a new visa if you change employers. This involves getting a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and submitting a new visa application before starting the new job.

Timing: You can apply up to three months before starting your new job but ensure you don't work until you receive confirmation of your visa update.

Family Visa Implications:

No Immediate Change: Your family members, if already in the UK on dependant visas, do not need to update their visas immediately when you change jobs. Their current visas remain valid until they expire.

Extension: When it's time for your family to extend their visas, they will do so in conjunction with your new visa status. They must apply for their visa extensions before their current visas expire.

Steps for a Smooth Transition:

Notify Your Family: Inform your family about your job change to prepare them for any future visa application processes.

Check Visa Validity: Ensure you're aware of when your family's visas expire. Plan to apply for extensions well in advance to avoid any gaps in legal status.

Documentation: Gather necessary documents for your family's visa extensions, including proof of your ongoing employment, financial means, and living arrangements in the UK.

Legal Consultation: Since immigration laws can change, or individual situations might require specific advice, consulting with an immigration lawyer can be beneficial.

Considerations for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

Continuity: Changing jobs should not disrupt the continuity of your time in the UK for ILR purposes, as long as you apply for the new visa before your current leave expires.

Five-Year Requirement: Both you and your family can work towards ILR, ensuring that your job changes do not reset your residency clock.

Conclusion

Changing employers while on a Skilled Worker visa involves a new visa application for you, but your family's dependant visa status remains largely unaffected until it's time for renewal. By understanding the process, keeping an eye on visa expiration dates, and possibly seeking legal advice, you can manage this transition smoothly, maintaining your family's stability in the UK.

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. For tailored guidance, consult with an immigration lawyer.