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The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international workers. With a strong economy, world-class companies, and a global workforce, the UK offers a wide range of career opportunities. However, if you’re a foreign national, you’ll need a work visa sponsored by a UK employer to live and work there legally. This guide explains how UK visa sponsorship works, which visas require it, and how you can successfully apply for sponsored jobs.
UK Visa Sponsorship Application
What Is Visa Sponsorship in the UK?
Visa sponsorship in the UK means that a licensed UK employer agrees to hire you and supports your application for a work visa. This employer becomes your sponsor, confirming to the UK government that there’s a genuine need for your skills and that they cannot easily find a suitable local worker.
Once sponsored, you can apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, which allows you to live and work in the country for up to 5 years. After that, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Who Needs Visa Sponsorship?
Anyone who is not a British or Irish citizen, and does not already have a legal right to work in the UK (like settled status or a student visa with work rights), will need visa sponsorship to take a full-time job.
This includes applicants from:
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India
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Philippines
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Bangladesh
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South Africa
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Brazil
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And many other non-EEA countries
If you want to work long-term or settle in the UK, visa sponsorship is essential.
Most Common Visa for Sponsored Work: Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) is the main route for foreign professionals who are offered a job by a UK employer. It allows you to:
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Live and work in the UK for up to 5 years
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Bring your spouse/partner and children
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Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
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Change employers if the new one is also a licensed sponsor
To qualify, your job must:
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Be on the list of eligible occupations
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Pay the minimum salary threshold (£26,200/year or £10.75/hour in most cases)
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Be offered by a sponsoring employer licensed by the Home Office
Requirements for Getting Sponsored in the UK
To get a sponsored job and Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several requirements:
Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
Your employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and listed in the Sponsor Licence Register.
Eligible Occupation
Your job must appear on the official Skilled Worker Occupation List, which includes roles like nurses, software developers, engineers, chefs, teachers, and care workers.
Minimum Salary
You must be offered a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum set for your job title. Exceptions apply for health workers and new graduates.
English Language Skills
You must prove your English proficiency by passing an approved test like IELTS, or by having a degree taught in English.
Valid Documents
These include:
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Passport
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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
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Proof of qualifications or experience
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English test certificate
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TB test results (if required)
Popular Jobs in the UK That Offer Sponsorship
Some industries in the UK are more open to sponsoring foreign workers due to labour shortages. These include:
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Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, caregivers
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IT & Tech: Software engineers, cybersecurity experts
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Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers
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Education: Secondary school teachers in maths, physics, and computing
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Hospitality: Chefs, head cooks
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Construction: Surveyors, architects
The UK government updates the Shortage Occupation List, which includes jobs with lower visa fees and relaxed salary thresholds.
Where to Find Sponsorship Jobs in the UK
To find UK jobs with visa sponsorship, search on platforms that allow filtering for sponsored roles:
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GOV.UK Find a Job – Official UK government job board
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Indeed UK – Use keywords like “visa sponsorship”
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LinkedIn – Filter roles by location and employer
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NHS Jobs – For healthcare positions
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UK Tier 2 Sponsor List – Check which employers can sponsor
When searching, look for phrases like:
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“Sponsorship available”
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“Skilled Worker visa supported”
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“Open to international applicants”
Step-by-Step: UK Visa Sponsorship Process
Step 1: Apply for Sponsorship Jobs
Target employers that are licensed sponsors and apply with a UK-style CV and cover letter.
Step 2: Receive a Job Offer
Once selected, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a unique reference number linked to your job.
Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application
Apply online for the Skilled Worker visa, using your CoS. Upload required documents and pay the visa fees and health surcharge.
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
You may need to visit a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Most Skilled Worker visa decisions are made within 3 weeks (or 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK).
Step 6: Travel to the UK and Start Working
Once approved, you’ll receive your visa vignette (entry permit) and later collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) upon arrival.
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes. You can bring your dependents, which include:
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Your spouse or partner
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Children under 18 years old
They can live, study, and your partner can work in the UK. You’ll need to show proof of funds to support them.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
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Target roles on the Shortage Occupation List
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Get your qualifications recognized in the UK
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Pass your English test early
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Create a strong UK-style CV and custom cover letter
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Apply to multiple roles weekly
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Connect with UK recruiters on LinkedIn
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Consider starting in care or hospitality roles, which often sponsor first-time applicants
Conclusion
The UK offers exciting opportunities for skilled workers from around the world, but you need the right visa and employer sponsorship to begin your journey. By understanding the sponsorship process, choosing the right job, and preparing your application carefully, you can secure a visa and start building your future in the UK. Your path to a successful international career could begin with one sponsored job offer.
