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People on sponsored work visas, such as the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa, must usually work for the employer that sponsors their visa and in the role for which they are sponsored.
If they wish to change employer or move into a different role, they must apply to the Home Office to update their visa.
They must also comply with any conditions attached to their visa, including restrictions on the type of work they can do.
In some cases, a person may undertake supplementary employment of up to 20 hours per week, provided that:
Further information is available in the Skilled Worker visa guidance.
A person on a sponsored visa must continue to meet the requirements of their visa, including working for their sponsoring employer.
If employment ends, the Home Office may curtail the person’s leave. This usually gives the person 60 days to:
If they do not do so within this period, their permission to stay in the UK may be cancelled.
Employers are also required to notify the Home Office when sponsorship ends.
The Health and Care Worker visa route has been subject to recent changes and is now closed to new overseas recruitment.
People who are already in the UK on this route can continue to work and may be able to switch to a new sponsored role if their employment ends or sponsorship breaks down.
Where sponsorship breaks down, individuals may be able to seek new employment through a government support scheme for international adult social care workers. Regional hubs may provide support to workers who have been affected by sponsorship issues on the route, including help to connect with new employers and access wider support.
If a person loses their job or their visa is cancelled (curtailed), they may lose:
Advice should be sought from an immigration adviser if a person’s employment or immigration status changes.
If a person loses their employment or has their leave cancelled, they may be left without access to public funds and unable to claim most benefits or housing assistance.
They may be able to access support from their local authority in some circumstances, for example where:
See our webpages on social care support for families and social care support for adults with care needs for more information.
Some benefits that are not classed as public funds, as well as destitution support from councils and charities, may also be available.
Page updated: 09 June 2026
Information on protections for displaced health and care workers
