Can I work in a self-employed capacity while in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa?

We often receive queries from Skilled Workers on whether they can take on freelance projects outside of their main sponsored employment.  

Under the current rules, Skilled Workers are able to take on supplementary work, which can be either in an employed or self-employed capacity.

Supplementary work is permitted provided that it is for no more than 20 hours a week, outside of the hours that you are required by your main sponsor, and the work is related to the same occupation code and at the same level as your main job or is in a shortage occupation. It can therefore, be possible for Skilled Workers to take on freelance projects within these parameters.

Keep in mind that your employment contract may however, contain a prohibition on supplementary work and breaching your employment contract could give your employer grounds to cancel your Skilled Worker sponsorship.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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