Change of Employment

This is where an individual wishes to change their employer-sponsor, and the procedure is done by the new potential employer making an application to transfer the candidate's work permit over to the new business.

These applications are normally more straightforward than “new hire” applications providing that the individual will be carrying out the same sort of work for the new employer as for the old employer. The new application, or the job for which it is made, still needs to be shown to meet the general skills threshold, as detailed in the Business and Commercial section. However, there is normally less required in terms of preparation and supporting paperwork.

If an individual has a valid work permit then they have already been cleared as an individual to carry out a particular type of work at a particular level. There is normally less need for supporting documents to confirm the candidate’s skills, qualifications or experience. There is also normally no requirement for the position to have been advertised by the new employer. If, however, the individual's new position will be significantly different from their old position, an effectively fresh application needs to be prepared and submitted. A change of employment application can normally be prepared and approved within a few days.

A change of employment application is, like all work permit applications, effectively a two–stage process. Following a change of employment (work permit) application, it is always necessary for the individual to submit an application for Further Leave to Remain.