Visa Conditions in the UK: Rules for Skilled Workers, Dependants & After Settlement
If you are in the UK on a Skilled Worker or Dependant visa you must to understand the visa conditions attached to your status. Breaching your visa conditions can lead to curtailment, refusal of future applications, or even removal from the UK.
In this guide, we explain:
The conditions attached to a Skilled Worker visa
The rules for Dependants (partner and children) of Skilled Workers
What changes once you settle in the UK (obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker route replaced the Tier 2 (General) and allows sponsored workers to live and work in the UK for an approved employer. Once granted, strict immigration conditions apply.
→ See our full article on Skilled Worker visas for the requirements.
Visa Conditions for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
1. You Can Only Work for Your Sponsor
A Skilled Worker visa holder must:
Work for the employer listed on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Work in the role described in the CoS
Be paid at least the required salary
Work the agreed number of hours
You cannot change employer or role without making a new visa application (a “change of employment” application). If your employment ends, your sponsor must notify the UK Home Office, and your visa may be curtailed.
2. Supplementary Work Rules (without a new CoS)
You may undertake limited additional work if:
It does not exceed 20 hours per week;
It is outside your sponsored working hours; and
It is in an eligible occupation (not all jobs are allowed).
Working outside these limits is a breach of your visa conditions. We can advise you on what additional jobs are allowed by reviewed your own circumstances.
3. No Access to Public Funds
Skilled Workers are subject to a “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF) condition. This means you cannot claim benefits such as:
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Child Benefit
Income Support
Note: You may be able to apply to have this condition lifted in very limited circumstances and it requires a prior request to the Home Office.
4. Study Is Permitted (With Restrictions)
Skilled Workers may study in the UK, provided:
It does not interfere with sponsored employment
It does not require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if applicable, this must be obtained)
5. Travel Rules
You can travel in and out of the UK during the validity of your visa.
However, excessive absences can affect your eligibility for settlement (see ILR section below for more details).
Visa Conditions for Skilled Worker Dependants
Skilled Workers can be joined by:
A spouse or civil partner
An unmarried partner (subject to other requirements)
Dependent children under 18
Dependants receive leave in line with the main applicant, which means it ends on the same date as the Skilled Worker’s visa expiry.
1. Work Rights of Dependants
Dependants generally have the right to work in the UK, including:
Employment at any skill level
Self-employment
Starting a business
However, they cannot work as:
A professional sportsperson
A sports coach
2. Study Rights
Dependants can study in the UK without restriction (subject to an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate being obtained, if applicable).
3. No Access to Public Funds
Dependants are also subject to the No Recourse to Public Funds condition.
Reporting and Compliance Obligations
Both sponsor companies and sponsored workers must comply with immigration rules.
A Skilled Worker must:
Inform their employer of changes in personal circumstances (for example, home address or contact details)
Ensure their visa is extended before expiry
Avoid breaching work conditions
Sponsors must report:
Non-attendance
Changes in role or salary
Early termination
Failure to comply may lead to visa curtailment or even licence revocation.
Skilled Worker Visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
At the moment (although this is currently under consultation and may change in 2026), after 5 continuous years in the Skilled Worker route, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement). To qualify, you must:
Have 5 years of lawful residence
Still be sponsored and required for the role
Meet the salary threshold at the time of ILR
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Meet the English language requirement
Not exceed 180 days’ absence in any 12-month period
Once ILR is granted:
✔ You Can Work for Any Employer: No sponsorship required.
✔ Path to British Citizenship: After 12 months with ILR (or immediately if married to a British citizen), you may apply for naturalisation.
✔ No NRPF Restriction: You can access public funds (subject to eligibility rules).
✔ No More Immigration Time Limits: You can live in the UK permanently (although ILR may lapse if absent for more than 2 years, see below)
Conditions After Settlement (ILR)
Although ILR removes most visa restrictions, there are still rules:
You must not spend more than 2 consecutive years outside the UK (or ILR may lapse).
You must maintain good character, which is considered if applying for British citizenship.
Common Mistakes Skilled Workers Make
Changing jobs without applying for a new visa
Working more than 20 hours supplementary employment
Failing to monitor absence days before ILR
Assuming dependants have access to public funds
Allowing a visa to expire before extension
Early legal advice can prevent serious immigration consequences.
How We Can Help at Outpost
As specialists on the Skilled Worker route, we assist with:
Skilled Worker visa applications
Change of employment applications
Dependants’ visa applications
ILR/settlement applications
Sponsor licence compliance advice
If you are unsure whether you are complying with your visa conditions, or planning your route to settlement, we can provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your circumstances.