One of the first questions people ask after settling into a sponsored job in the UK is, “Can I earn extra money on the side?” And honestly, that’s a very fair question. The cost of living is real, and relying on just one income can feel tight, especially in the beginning.
The good news is this: yes, you can earn extra money on a Skilled Worker visa, but only if you understand the rules properly. A lot of people get into trouble not because they wanted to break the law, but because they misunderstood what was allowed. So let me explain this the same way I’d explain it to a friend.
What Your Skilled Worker Visa Actually Allows
Before we even talk about side hustles, you need to understand one important thing. Your sponsored job is your main job. That role, the one your employer issued a Certificate of Sponsorship for, must always remain your priority.
The Home Office does allow additional work, but it has to fit within very specific categories. Any extra job must not clash with your sponsored role, must not interfere with your working hours, and must not break visa conditions. Once you understand this foundation, choosing a legal side hustle becomes much easier and less risky.
Working Extra Hours in the Same Profession
One of the easiest legal options is taking additional work in the same profession as your main job. For example, if you work in IT, healthcare, engineering, or hospitality, you’re allowed to take another part-time role that falls under the same occupation code.
So if you’re a software developer, picking up extra development shifts with another company is allowed. The logic is simple: the work is closely related to what you’re already sponsored to do, so it doesn’t raise red flags.
Supplementary Employment: A Lesser-Known Option
Many migrants don’t realise this, but the UK allows something called supplementary employment. This means you can take on an additional paid job for up to 20 hours per week, as long as it’s legal, paid properly, and does not replace your main job.
This could be evening shifts, weekend work, or seasonal roles. The key thing to remember is that this must be contracted employment, not freelancing or casual cash work.
Teaching and Tutoring Can Be Legal (With Conditions)
This one surprises a lot of people. Teaching or tutoring can be legal if you’re employed by an organisation. So if you’re good at maths, coding, science, languages, or music, you can work with a registered tutoring centre, school, or adult learning provider.
What you cannot do is provide private tutoring as a self-employed person. As long as you’re on payroll and the organisation handles your tax, you’re on safe ground.
Agency and Bank Shifts Are a Popular Choice
If you work in healthcare, social care, or hospitality, you’ve probably heard of bank shifts or agency work. These are usually allowed, as long as the role fits within eligible occupation codes and you’re working under an employer.
This is one of the most flexible legal ways to earn extra income because you choose when to work and when to rest.
Extra Roles With Your Current Employer
Here’s something many people don’t know: your sponsor can give you an additional role internally. This could be supporting another department, covering night shifts, or handling admin or customer service tasks.
Because it’s within the same organisation that sponsors you, it’s usually straightforward and fully compliant.
What You Must Avoid at All Costs
This part is very important. Self-employment and freelancing are not allowed on a Skilled Worker visa. That means no private cleaning, makeup services, hairdressing, photography, content creation gigs, or running a small business on the side.
Even if it feels harmless or “small,” it can put your visa at serious risk. Stick to payroll-based, contracted work. That way, you earn extra money and protect your future in the UK.
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