Supplementary Work for Skilled Workers: Understanding the Rules

Many skilled workers are often confused about the rules regarding supplementary work. Can they work as security guards, taxi drivers, or be self-employed? This blog post will clarify these questions and provide essential information.

Supplementary employment refers to working in a job other than the one for which you are sponsored. This job must either appear in the Appendix Immigration Salary List, be in the same profession and professional level as your sponsored job, or be in an eligible occupation code listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations. Importantly, you must continue working for your primary sponsor, and the supplementary work must not exceed 20 hours per week, taking place outside your contracted hours.

1. Job Eligibility:
   • The job must be in the same profession and at the same professional level.
   • It should be listed in the eligible occupation codes.
2. Work Hours:
   • You can work up to 20 hours per week in the supplementary job.
   • The supplementary work must be outside of your primary job’s contracted hours.
3. Overtime and Voluntary Work:
   • There is no limit to the number of overtime hours in your sponsored job.
   • You do not need to update your visa for overtime.
   • Unpaid voluntary work is allowed without updating your visa.

Some jobs are not eligible for supplementary work under a Skilled Worker visa. For example:

• Security guards
• Taxi drivers
• Self-employment

If you wish to work more than 20 hours a week in a supplementary job, you must:

• Apply to update your visa.
• Obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your second employer.
• Include a letter explaining the change in your current permission to stay.

Conclusion

While the Skilled Worker visa allows for some flexibility in taking on supplementary work, it comes with specific restrictions. Ensure the additional job is eligible and adhere to the 20-hour weekly limit. Remember, you cannot be self-employed or run a business while on this visa.