If you’re looking to move to the UK for work legally, of course and you’ve got a skill or trade that’s in demand, then this whole visa sponsorship thing is probably sitting at the top of your to-do list. So, how do you actually go about it? What steps are involved? Who sponsors who? And what kind of jobs are even eligible?
Let’s break it all down in a way that makes sense, no heavy jargon, no talking in circles — just useful stuff you can actually work with.
What is Visa Sponsorship in the UK, Anyway?
Ok, so visa sponsorship in the UK pretty much means a company or organization in the UK is agreeing to take responsibility for you — not in a weird “parental” way, but more like they’re vouching for you so you can legally work there.
It’s mostly tied to something called the Skilled Worker visa, which used to be known as the Tier 2 (General) work visa. Same idea, new name.
The employer must have what’s called a sponsor licence, and you, the worker, need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). That’s basically your golden ticket. Without it, there’s no visa, no UK job, nada.
Who’s This For?
This route is built mostly for folks with legit skills — think nurses, engineers, IT professionals, welders, chefs, electricians, architects, healthcare workers, and even some social workers. There’s a huge list of jobs that qualify.
The big idea is: If the UK economy is short on a certain type of worker, and you can do that job? They want you.
The job also needs to meet a minimum salary threshold, which is usually around £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour — unless your role is on the shortage occupation list, in which case the salary rules get a little more relaxed.
Step 1: Find a Sponsor
You can’t really start without this step. The UK government doesn’t just give out Skilled Worker visas to people randomly — you need to have a UK-based employer that’s already approved to sponsor workers.
So where do you even find these companies?
- Official Register of Licensed Sponsors: This one’s from the UK Home Office. It’s a long list but it’s real and updated. Just Google “UK licensed sponsors list” or check the GOV.UK site.
- Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, TotalJobs, Reed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn usually have job filters for “visa sponsorship available.” Don’t ignore those filters — they’ll save you hours.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in international placements. Look for ones that work with overseas workers — some even help with paperwork and prep.
Step 2: Apply for a Job (and Actually Get It)
This part is obvious, but still — you can’t get sponsorship if no one wants to hire you.
So, send out that CV, prep your cover letter, and get ready for interviews. But keep in mind — your application should specifically mention that you need sponsorship.
Quick tip:
If you’re already in the UK on a student visa or graduate route, your chances might actually be higher. Employers are often more willing to sponsor people already in the country.
Step 3: Secure Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
If a company offers you a job and agrees to sponsor you, they’ll issue something called a Certificate of Sponsorship.
This isn’t a physical paper, by the way — it’s a digital record that includes:
- A reference number (you’ll need this for the visa form)
- Details of your job
- Salary information
- The company’s sponsor details
This CoS is valid for 3 months, so don’t sit on it too long.
Step 4: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Once you’ve got that CoS sorted out, it’s time to actually apply for the visa online.
Here’s what you’ll usually need:
- Your CoS reference number
- Proof of your knowledge of English (IELTS or other accepted tests)
- A valid passport
- Job title and salary
- Your employer’s sponsor licence number
- TB test results (for certain countries)
- Proof of funds (unless your sponsor covers it)
Costs you should expect:
- Visa fee: Usually £610 to £1,408 depending on how long you’ll stay and where you’re from
- Healthcare surcharge: Around £624 per year
- TB test fee: If required, varies by country
The whole application is done online, and you’ll need to go to a visa centre in your country to submit fingerprints and a photo (biometrics).
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Now comes the waiting part. The UK Home Office usually takes around 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK. It can be quicker or longer, depending on the workload and if they ask you for extra info.
While you’re waiting, don’t quit your job back home just yet — things can go wrong, and it’s always better to play it safe.
What Happens After Approval?
If all goes well, you’ll get a vignette (a sticker in your passport) that allows you to travel to the UK. Once you arrive, you’ll need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days.
From here, you’re legally allowed to start work under your new visa. Skilled Worker visas are usually valid for up to 5 years, and you can extend it or even apply for permanent residency after that time.
Jobs That Frequently Offer Sponsorship
Some roles seem to pop up more than others when it comes to visa sponsorship. These tend to change every few months, but here’s what’s often in demand:
- Nurses & Healthcare Assistants
- Software Developers & Programmers
- Civil Engineers
- Electricians & Plumbers
- Chefs (with experience)
- Teachers (especially maths, physics, computing)
Can You Switch to a Sponsored Visa From Inside the UK?
Yes, and this is something a lot of international students and temporary workers are doing.
If you’re already in the UK on a:
- Student visa
- Graduate visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Health and Care Worker visa
…you might be able to switch without leaving the country. Just make sure you meet the salary and job criteria, and your employer is licensed to sponsor you.
Is Getting a Visa Sponsorship Hard?
It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either.
What usually gets people stuck is:
- They apply to companies that don’t sponsor
- They go for jobs that don’t qualify
- Or they don’t meet the English language or salary threshold
As long as you’ve got skills that the UK is short on, and you’re going through the proper channels, it’s definitely doable.
Pro Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Tailor your CV for the UK market — keep it simple, clear, and direct.
- Mention “Visa sponsorship required” somewhere near the top.
- Don’t waste time on employers who aren’t on the sponsor list.
- If you’re studying in the UK, use the Graduate Route as a stepping stone.
Final Word: Be Patient, Be Strategic
The UK’s Skilled Worker visa process is, well… a bit of a ride. It takes time, and yeah, it can feel like a whole lot of paperwork. But for a chance to live and work in the UK long-term — with options to bring your family, access public healthcare, and even get on a path to settlement — it might just be worth the effort.