Applicants update their existing Tier 2 UK work visa if they want to change their current job and look for a new employer. It is necessary because the job's occupation code changes and employees don't forever remain in the graduate training program. Another reason you might change the visa route is when you leave a job on the shortage list. So, you must have a job that is not on the list. 

Also, you only apply to change the UK work visa route for the same job if it is on the shortage list. Many factors influence the visa change route. So, let's understand these factors to help you better know the UK visa process.  

First, we'll look at the fee requirement for application.

How Much Does It Cost For The UK Visa Route Change?

The skilled worker visa application fees:

• The standard prices for application range from €625 to €1,423. 
• In addition, candidates must pay a healthcare surcharge of €624.
• If you are applying for a three-year visa outside the United Kingdom, it will cost you €719. 
• Otherwise, pay €479 if employed in the shortage occupation list.

All the candidates should at least have €1,270 in their bank accounts to survive financially in the UK. 

Now, let's know the eligibility criteria and document requirements. 

Eligibility Criteria And Document Requirements For UK Visa Route Change?

For seeking employment with a new employer in the UK, the candidates must apply for a UK visa route application. 

So, here are a few eligibility criteria that will decide whether you qualify or not.

• You must apply for a job that is valid for a skilled worker visa.
• The Home Office should approve the occupation.
• The going rate of your job must be at least €25,000 per year. 
• Your job's occupation code must be outside the job shortage list.
• Your future employer should grant you the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Document Requirements:

• For reference purposes, a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer.
• Your English Language proficiency proof.
• Your country's passport and other documents can give evidence of your identity and nationality.
• Candidates must specify the job title and attach the payment proof
• Provide the job's occupation code with the application.
• Provide your employer's name and the sponsor license number. To be able to provide this, you must have a CoS. 

• Proof that you are financially stable to support yourself in the UK.
• Tuberculosis test results if your country falls under the list. 
• Clean criminal record document applicable for teachers, advisers, nurses, doctors, dentists, paramedics, pharmacists, counselors, physiotherapists, therapists, social workers, managers, etc.
• If you have a PhD. or other doctorate, you must give the Ecctis Reference Number. 

In addition to all these documents, if you are applying to add a second employment on your present visa, you must provide a letter. So let's know more about it.

Letter For Permission: 

For a UK visa application, the employees must give a letter explaining that they want to change their current stay and require permission. The letter should include the following:

• Candidate's name
• Date of Birth
• Present Certificate of a Sponsorship reference number
• The date of expiry of your current permission

If the UK authorities approve your application, you will be allowed to work in both jobs.

Three months before beginning the new job, the applicants must file for a UK skilled worker Visa application. So, it allows you to continue working in your old setting while the authorities consider your application for a visa route change. 

Note: It is strictly prohibited to work at a new job if you haven’t received the confirmed permission request. Additionally, the applicants are not allowed to travel to other countries. Else, your application will get rejected.

When you apply for the UK visa route change application, you have to prove your identity. So let's understand how it works.

Proving Your Identity:

You must visit UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services and prove your identity.

• Applicants must give their fingerprints and photograph as it is essential to biometric information. Biometrics enables candidates to seek residence.
• Submit all your documents to your UK Visas and Immigration account.

Now you know all the necessary information about the application and the supporting documents that change country-wise. For example, candidates must submit the TB test results if they are Indian Citizens. 

If you succeed in the UK visa application process, you can finally apply for a UK visa route change.

What Is The Process For A UK Visa Route Change Application?

If you qualify for the eligibility criteria and have the necessary and supporting documents mentioned above, you can finally proceed to apply. 

• Candidate first has to navigate the UK visa route change website.
• First, you have to select the country where you are currently employed. Select the England option.
• Next, the application page will ask you to specify the current passport category, i.e., EU, EEA, or Swiss.
• Now, confirm your identity. For this purpose, applicants must scan their passports and submit a passport-sized photograph. You can use UK Immigration Migration: ID Check app. (Applicants who cannot access the app must visit the Visa Application Center). 
• Complete the UK Visas and Immigration Account sign-up process.
• Simultaneously, provide all the mentioned documents and details discussed earlier, For example, biometric fingerprint, CoS, permission of change of stay letter, etc.
• Once you have registered all your details, you must pay the UK skilled worker visa application fees. 
• Voila! Your application process for a UK visa completes here. 

You can anticipate the response in 8 weeks after you apply for the skilled worker visa. 

Conclusion

Qualifying for a skilled worker visa UK is easy if the Home Office accepts your job. Additionally, the applications of employees with the Certification of Sponsorship get approved faster. So, remember all the above steps for a UK visa route change application and legally work with a different employer and environment.