Skilled Worker visa: Can I switch employers after sponsorship is initiated or even approved?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently facing a challenging situation and would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through something similar, or has insights into how this works in practice.

I’ve accepted an offer from Company A, who confirmed they will sponsor my Skilled Worker visa. I haven’t received the contract yet, but they told me that once internal approval is cleared (expected early next week), they will send the contract. After I sign it, they’re likely to immediately begin onboarding steps such as referencing checks and submitting the visa application.
The proposed start date is 25 August 2025.

Just this week, I was contacted by Company B, which also confirmed they can offer sponsorship. I have my first-round interview with them next Wednesday (25 June). The HR told me the entire hiring process includes three rounds of interviews and could take 3–4 weeks to complete.

Here’s where the dilemma comes in:
• By the time Company B potentially makes an offer, Company A may have already submitted my visa application or even had it approved.
• I genuinely feel Company B is a better long-term fit, but I also want to stay professional and avoid any legal or financial consequences with Company A.

My key concerns are:
1. If I sign the contract and Company A submits my visa, but the visa hasn’t yet been approved, can I still withdraw without serious consequences?
2. If the visa is already approved, but I haven’t yet started working for Company A, what are the risks of not joining them and proceeding with Company B instead?
3. I’ve heard that in some cases, Company A might ask for reimbursement of visa costs or legal fees, but others have said they backed out in the same situation and the company didn’t pursue any compensation.
• What’s the typical practice in the UK in these cases?
• Is this something that would normally be written into the employment contract?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar, or from HR/legal professionals familiar with Skilled Worker visa hiring.
I want to make the right decision while remaining respectful to everyone involved.

Thanks so much for your guidance — I truly appreciate it

There is no harm in changing employers and visas even if you've not yet started working for them.

The only thing that will happen is losing the fees paid, these won't be refunded.

If the company pays the fees for the visa application, they might (or not) request the reimbursement of the money. This depends upon the hiring conditions.

Whatever happens to other people not necessarily applies to everyone, every organisation has their own policies. In the UK there is no obligation for the sponsor to pay the employee's visa application fees, but if they offer so this might be subject to their particular T&Cs.