UK Sponsorship Visa – Complete Guide for Skilled Workers and Employers

The UK Sponsorship Visa lets qualified workers and experts from outside the UK work for a UK employer registered with the Home Office. This visa is key for employers wanting to hire foreign workers to fill skill gaps or grow their teams. It gives a clear, legal way for workers and employers to enter the UK job market.

• Work Permission: It allows foreign people to work legally in the UK for an employer who sponsors them.
• Path to Permanent Residence: After five years, people may be able to apply for permanent residency.
• Family Sponsorship: People can bring their spouse and children with them under the same visa.
• Industry problems Solved: It helps fix shortages in fields like healthcare, tech, and engineering.
• Global workforce: It draws professionals to the UK, helping its economy.

What is a UK Sponsorship Visa?

The British Sponsorship Visa, formally known as the UK Skilled Worker Visa, allows non-UK residents to live and work in the UK if they have a valid job offer from an employer licensed by the UK Home Office. This visa is tied to the job role and sponsoring employer and is available for occupations listed on the eligible occupation list.

*Want guidance to apply for UK Sponsorship Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

UK Work Visa Sponsorship: Quick Overview

Who can sponsor?

Only UK employers that hold an A-rated sponsor licence under the Worker or Temporary Worker routes are permitted to sponsor overseas employees. These organisations are listed on the official Register of Licensed Sponsors, which is regularly updated.

Which visa routes are included?

Sponsorship is most commonly provided under the Skilled Worker route, but it also extends to several Temporary Worker categories. Employers apply for a sponsor licence online, with most applications decided in under 8 weeks. A priority service is available for an additional £500, reducing the decision time to around 10 working days.

Benefits of a UK Sponsorship Visa

The benefits of a UK sponsorship visa are given below.

• The visa provides the right to reside and be employed in the UK legally for a period of up to 5 years, contingent on the specifics of your employment contract.
• Following 5 years of residence, individuals can apply for UK ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain, which grants long-term residence rights in the UK.
• The visa program permits holders to sponsor spouses and children under 18 to come to the UK.
• Sponsorship Visa holders can get full access to National Health Service (NHS) services.
• The program gives job mobility, allowing recipients to change jobs or work for another sponsor, within certain rules.

Types of UK Sponsorship Visas

The various types of UK Sponsorship visas are given below.

• UK Skilled Worker Visa: The UK Skilled Worker Visa lets international individuals work in the UK if they have skills that are needed for a specific job. This visa helps companies employ workers for jobs that don't have enough skilled people in the UK. Because of it, businesses can find the people they need in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education.
• Temporary Worker Visa: The UK Temporary Worker Visa lets people from other countries work in the UK for a short time in jobs that certain industries need. This visa is for people who aren't planning to stay in the UK for good but need to fill short-term jobs or join programs that need foreign workers, like seasonal jobs, charity work, or exchange programs. The Temporary Worker Visa helps both the UK economy and foreign workers by meeting short-term job needs in different fields.
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa: The UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa lets multinational company employees move to a UK branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. This visa is for workers with specific skills and knowledge to work in the UK temporarily. It helps global firms fill important positions and lets UK branches gain from experienced staff. This visa is key for firms needing to relocate staff and ensures proficient employees benefit UK operations.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: The UK Health and Care Worker Visa lets healthcare workers come to the UK for specific jobs in health and social care. The UK uses this visa to deal with staff shortages in the National Health Service and other healthcare areas. It gives foreign people a way to work as doctors, nurses, social workers, and healthcare support staff.
• Global Talent Visa: The UK Global Talent Visa exists to draw accomplished people from across the globe to work in important UK industries. This visa is for people seen as leaders or rising stars in science, tech, engineering, medicine, arts, culture, and digital fields. The Global Talent Visa helps the UK stay a main center for new ideas, research, and culture, keeping the country competitive and up-to-date in different industries.

Eligibility for a UK Sponsorship Visa

To qualify for a UK Sponsorship Visa, you need:

• Valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
• Role must be on the UK’s eligible occupation list
• Minimum salary threshold of £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour (higher for some roles)
• English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
• Proof of maintenance funds unless employer certifies maintenance

UK Sponsorship Visa Requirements

The documents required for a UK Sponsorship Visa is as follows: 

Document	Description
Certificate of Sponsorship	Unique CoS number issued by UK employer
Proof of Identity	Valid passport or travel document
English Proficiency	IELTS or approved English language test result
Criminal Record Certificate	Required for roles in education and healthcare
Financial Proof	Bank statements showing maintenance funds
Tuberculosis Test	Required from specific countries as per UK rules

How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

You can follow the below steps to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa: 

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer

Step 3: Apply online via the official GOV.UK Skilled Worker Visa portal

Step 4: Upload required documents and pay the visa fee

Step 5: Schedule and attend your biometrics appointment

Step 6: Wait for the visa decision (typically 3 weeks for overseas applicants)

Special Routes under Sponsorship Visa

• Health and Care Worker Visa: Lower application fee, fast-track processing, and exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Shortage Occupation List: Lower salary threshold and visa fees.
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For employees transferred within a multinational.
• Global Talent Visa: Not sponsor-dependent but can be a complementary option for highly skilled professionals.

Defined vs. Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

Employers licensed to sponsor overseas workers must understand the two main types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). The correct category depends on whether the worker is applying from inside or outside the UK.

CoS Type	When Used	Processing & Usage Rules
Defined CoS	Required for Skilled Worker visa applicants outside the UK.	Usually approved within 1 working day; once approved, the CoS must be assigned via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Undefined CoS	Used for Skilled Worker visa applicants inside the UK and for all Temporary Worker routes.	Employers estimate their annual need when applying for a licence and can request top-ups through the SMS if required.
All CoS	—	A CoS must be used within 3 months of assignment, and the visa application cannot be submitted more than 3 months before the role’s start date.

Cost of a UK Sponsorship Visa

The cost for a UK Sponsorship Visa is variable and reliant on individual circumstances.

Visa Type	Application Fee	Immigration Health Surcharge	Additional Fees
Skilled Worker Visa	£610 for up to 3 years, £1,220 for over 3 years	£624 per year	Biometric fee: £19.20
Temporary Worker Visa	£244 to £1,000 depending on duration and job type	£624 per year	Biometric fee: £19.20
Intra-Company Transfer Visa	£610 for up to 3 years, £1,220 for over 3 years	£624 per year	Biometric fee: £19.20
Health and Care Worker Visa	£232 for up to 3 years, £464 for over 3 years	£624 per year	Biometric fee: £19.20
Global Talent Visa	£458 for up to 3 years, £916 for over 3 years	£624 per year	Biometric fee: £19.20
Employer Sponsorship License Fee	£536 (small employers), £1,476 (large employers)	N/A	Sponsor license fee (if applicable)

UK Sponsorship Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times for the various types of UK Sponsorship Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Processing Time
Skilled Worker Visa	Typically 8 weeks
Temporary Worker Visa	Typically 8 weeks, may vary depending on the role
Intra-Company Transfer Visa	Typically 8 weeks
Health and Care Worker Visa	Typically 8 weeks
Global Talent Visa	Typically 8 weeks, but may vary depending on endorsement
Priority Service	1-2 weeks (for an additional fee)

Step-by-Step: From Employer Licence to Worker Visa Application

The UK sponsorship process follows a structured pathway, beginning with the employer obtaining a licence and ending with the worker’s visa decision. Below is a simplified timeline for each stage:

Step 1: Get Licensed

Employers must apply online, submit supporting documents, and pay the sponsor licence fee. Most applications are processed in under 8 weeks, though a priority service (£500) reduces this to around 10 working days. UKVI may conduct a compliance visit before approval.

Step 2: Request and Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

For Skilled Workers applying from overseas, employers must request a defined CoS, which is typically approved within 1 working day. Once approved, the CoS is assigned via the Sponsor Management System (SMS), and the relevant fee is paid.

Step 3: Worker Applies for the Visa

Using the assigned CoS, the worker submits their visa application. Decision times are generally around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and around 8 weeks from inside the UK. A priority service may be available, reducing processing to 5 working days.

Employer Sponsorship Duties and Compliance Requirements

Holding a UK sponsor licence comes with ongoing responsibilities to maintain compliance with immigration law. Employers must demonstrate effective systems, accurate reporting, and cooperation with Home Office oversight to retain their licence.

• Maintain HR Systems: Keep reliable processes for right-to-work checks, monitoring absences, and maintaining up-to-date employee contact details.
• Report Changes Promptly: Use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to report changes such as role amendments or unpaid absences of 10 consecutive working days or more.
• Record-Keeping & Cooperation: Retain evidence of recruitment, contracts, and employee activity; cooperate fully with compliance visits.
• Sanctions: Non-compliance can result in licence downgrades, suspension, or revocation.
• Policy Updates: From 22 July 2025, repeated revocations may trigger cooling-off periods of up to 24 months. Since 6 April 2024, the requirement to renew licences every 4 years has been removed.

UK Sponsorship License for Employers

UK employers must be registered and approved by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers. This requires demonstrating genuine business operations and ability to comply with sponsorship duties, including monitoring employee status and reporting to authorities. The license remains valid for 4 years.

Can I Bring My Family on a UK Sponsorship Visa?

Yes, you can bring your family members on a UK Sponsorship Visa. You can bring your spouse, children under 18, and sometimes dependent parents to the UK, but they need to apply for their own dependent visas. If approved, they can live, work, and study in the UK as long as their visas are tied to yours. They also have to meet the same requirements as you do, like proving your relationship and that you have enough money to support them.

Can Sponsorship Lead to UK Permanent Residency?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements include salary threshold, passing the Life in the UK test, and no serious breaches of immigration law. For skilled workers, temporary workers, and other qualified people, getting a UK Sponsorship Visa is a common way to settle in the UK long-term.

Renewal and Extension of a UK Sponsorship Visa

• Extension: To extend your Sponsorship Visa, you must still meet all the requirements, like having a valid job and earning the required salary.
• Switching visas: If you want to change jobs or employers, you can switch to another Sponsorship Visa in the same category if you meet the conditions.
• Employer obligations: Employers need to make sure you still meet visa requirements for your extension to be approved; this includes your salary and job role.

Latest Sponsorship Updates

Several important changes have been introduced to the UK sponsorship system in 2025. Employers and applicants should review the latest rules to ensure compliance and accurate planning.

• Increased CoS Fees: From April 2025, the cost of assigning a Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) rose to £525.
• Updated Visa Application Fees: Effective 9 April 2025, application fees were revised across multiple visa categories.
• Statement of Changes (HC 997): Issued on 1 July 2025 and implemented on 22 July 2025, this update restructured skilled occupation lists, raised certain thresholds, and introduced stricter eligibility criteria.
• Strengthened Compliance Rules: July 2025 sponsor guidance extended sanctions, including longer cooling-off periods (up to 24 months) following repeated revocations.
• Future Policy Direction: The Government’s 12 May 2025 White Paper proposed further reforms, including a potential 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), pending legislation.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration consultancy in the UK, giving advice and support to individuals and employers dealing with UK immigration. With over 25 years of experience, Y-Axis helps make the process easier, from visa applications to permanent residency, by giving solutions to meet specific needs.

• Assist with job search and employer matching for UK-licensed sponsors
• Help prepare all visa application documentation
• Offer IELTS coaching and English language support
• Guide applicants through online submission, biometric appointments, and interview readiness
• Provide post-arrival support, including housing and relocation advice