Do You Need to Change Your Name on Work Permits & Visas

If you’ve changed your name—whether due to marriage, divorce, gender transition, or personal choice—you may be wondering if you need to update your work permit or visa.

Since your work authorization is directly tied to your legal identity, failing to update your name could lead to complications with employers, immigration authorities, and border control. In this guide, we’ll explain whether you need to change your name on work permits and visas, how to do it, and what happens if you don’t.

Do You Legally Need to Change Your Name on Work Permits & Visas?

Yes, if you have changed your name through a deed poll or other legal process, you must update your work permit and visa to reflect your new name.

🔹 Why is this necessary?

• Your visa and work permit are legal documents that must match your passport and identification records.
• If the name on your visa doesn’t match the name on your passport, you may face problems when traveling, renewing your visa, or proving your work authorization.
• Employers may require updated documentation to ensure compliance with right-to-work laws.

Failing to update your visa and work permits could cause delays in applications or even denial of entry when traveling.

How to Change Your Name on a Work Permit or Visa in the UK

If you’ve legally changed your name, you’ll need to update your passport first, then update your work permit or visa accordingly.

Step 1: Update Your Passport

Before updating your work permit or visa, you must first change your name on your passport. The UK government requires that visas and permits match the name on your passport.

✔️ Apply for a passport name change through HM Passport Office using your deed poll as proof.

Step 2: Notify the Home Office or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Once your passport has been updated, you must inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) of your name change.

How to update your name on a UK visa:
✔️ Fill out a ‘Change of Circumstances’ form on the UKVI website.
✔️ Submit proof of your legal name change (deed poll or marriage/divorce certificate).
✔️ Provide a copy of your updated passport.
✔️ Pay any applicable fees for issuing a new visa.

Step 3: Update Your Biometric Residence Permit (If Applicable)

If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you must apply for a replacement card reflecting your new name.

✔️ Apply for a new BRP within 3 months of changing your name.
✔️ Use the BRP replacement application on the UK government website.
✔️ Provide an updated passport and deed poll as evidence.

Step 4: Inform Your Employer

Once your visa and work permit have been updated, notify your employer to ensure that your records are updated.

✔️ Provide your employer with copies of your new visa, work permit, or BRP.
✔️ Ensure your payroll records reflect your new name.

If you are self-employed or on a sponsorship visa, updating your name is even more crucial to avoid compliance issues with HMRC and UKVI.

What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Name on Your Visa?

🚨 Possible consequences of not updating your visa or work permit:

• Travel issues: If your visa doesn’t match your passport, you could be denied entry at UK borders.
• Employment problems: Employers may reject documents that don’t match official records.
• Visa renewal delays: If your visa is set to expire, failing to update your name could lead to complications when applying for an extension.
• Legal issues: UK immigration authorities may flag inconsistencies in your records, which could affect your residency or work rights.

To avoid these problems, update your visa as soon as your name change is legally recognised.

Final Thoughts

If you have legally changed your name, it is essential to update your work permit and visa to match your new identity. This ensures that your documents remain valid and prevents issues with immigration, travel, and employment.

At UK Deed Poll Office, we provide deed polls to help you update your name without hassle.