Can Skilled Worker Visa Holder do Freelance on UpWork?

Hi Folks,

I am on a Sponsored Skilled Worker visa. Based on the immigration rule, I can work additional 20hrs supplementary jobs outside usual working hours if the job is:

• In Shortage Occupation List (mine is software development)

• Job on the same occupation area

My question is: Does freelancing on UpWork qualify as supplementary or Self Employment? (additional info: UpWork is not a UK company and their payment is not via PAYE. You may have to self-report your income)

On one hand, it looks like self-employment since you may have to report your income. While on the other hand, it looks like a supplementary job since software development falls under the shortage occupation area and I hope not to exceed the 20hrs weekly limit and work only on weekends.

Please I need your advice. Here are some links that you may have a better interpretation of

• https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/second-job

• https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/hr-servi ... 2gae-visas

Thank you