Individuals sponsored under Tier 2/Skilled Worker Visa and GAE (Temporary Work) visas are permitted, in certain circumstances, to undertake other work in addition to that for which they are sponsored. This is called 'supplementary work'.
Conditions applying to all visa holders
Supplementary work:
- can be undertaken with any employer and they do not have to be a licensed sponsor; and
- must not be for more than 20 hours per week; and
- must be carried out in addition to the normal working hours for which you are sponsored.
The sponsored person:
- must remain employed (or hosted, if they hold a GAE visa) by their current sponsor; and
- does not have to inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that they are undertaking supplementary work.
The sponsor is not required to undertake any reporting or record keeping duties whilst the sponsored individual is completing supplementary work.
Additional conditions - Skilled Worker visa holders
First Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned before 22 July 2025 with continuous Skilled Worker permission since then:
- The work must be listed as a 'medium skilled' or higher skilled' sponsorable occupation code; or
- The work must be on the Immigration Salary List; or
- The work must be in the same sector and at the same level (in other words, in the same occupation code) as your main job.
First Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned on/after 22 July 2025:
- The work must be listed as a 'higher skilled' sponsorable occupation code; or
- The work must be on the Immigration Salary List; or
- The work must be in the same sector and at the same level (in other words, in the same occupation code) as your main job.
Additional conditions - GAE visa holders
- The work must be on the Immigration Salary List; or
- The work must be in the same sector and at the same level (in other words, in the same occupation code) as your role for which you are sponsored.
Voluntary work
Unpaid voluntary work is permitted as long as it falls within the above conditions, and is for one of the following:
- a registered charity; or
- a voluntary organisation; or
- an associated fundraising body (an organisation that raises money for a charity or voluntary organisation); or
- a statutory body (a government-appointed body, for example Historic England).
Right to work checks
If supplementary work is to be carried out at the University of Cambridge by someone who is not already sponsored by the University, a right to work check must be taken. The person must also provide a letter or other evidence from their sponsor confirming:
- That they are employed by their sponsor; and
- Their job title; and
- The SOC code under which they are sponsored; and
- Their contractual working hours.
If you have any queries about supplementary work, please contact the HR Compliance Team.
Last updated: December 2025
Owner: HR Compliance Team