For South Africans who don’t have family ties to the UK, a Tier 2 working visa is often a good option, although it does come with a few requirements. One of these being that of sponsorship from a UK employer.
One question of this immigration option is that of “can you change jobs or employers on the Tier 2 working visa?” The straight forward answer, is yes. An individual on a Tier 2 visa qualifies for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years in the UK, and typically once the individual obtains Indefinite Leave to Remain, they can then change jobs or employers as their immigration status then changes from visa holder to ILR holder.
However, should one wish to change jobs before qualifying for ILR, one can still change jobs on the Tier 2 visa. The new company will have to take over the Tier 2 sponsorship and will have to ensure that all processes are followed before the individual begins their new position.
This process includes applying for a Tier 2 (General) Sponsor License, if they do not already have one, and then obtain an unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This certificate would need to then be assigned to the individual for their new Tier 2 working visa from within the UK, which would then give them permission to begin with the new employer.
This process, if followed correctly, will still allow the individual to apply for ILR at the end of the five year period.
If you’ve received and accepted a job offer and a CoS and need assistance with your Tier 2 working visa, contact us today by emailing info@rcvinternational.com