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.
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.
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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.
The benefits of a UK sponsorship visa are given below.
The various types of UK Sponsorship visas are given below.
To qualify for a UK Sponsorship Visa, you need:
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 |
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)
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. |
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) |
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) |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A UK Sponsorship Visa enables foreign workers to work in the UK if a licensed employer offers them a job. The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) if the applicant meets all requirements. While mainly for skilled workers, this visa also covers temporary positions, healthcare staff, and transfers within a company. The visa term can be extended, and after a set time, people may be able to apply to stay in the UK indefinitely.
The length of stay permitted in the UK under a Sponsorship Visa depends on the specific visa category and the duration specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship. Typically, individuals can stay for the period stated on their certificate, plus an extra 14 days, up to a maximum of 5 years, whichever period is shorter. Certain visas, like the UK Expansion Worker visa, limit the maximum stay to 12 months.
Yes, you can switch jobs on a UK Sponsorship Visa. Job changes are allowed under the UK Sponsorship Visa. If you want to change employers, you must get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your future employer. This employer needs to be registered and approved by the UK Home Office as a licensed sponsor. A new application is necessary, which includes documentation showing that the job meets the visa conditions regarding salary and skill qualifications.
The usual minimum pay needed for a Skilled Worker Visa is £25,600 yearly, or £10.10 hourly. Pay levels can vary depending on the job. For example, health workers or jobs listed as having a shortage may have lower pay requirements. Younger workers or those in some graduate positions might also qualify with less pay. Always look at the exact job requirements to know the correct pay level.
Yes, you can bring your family with me on a UK Sponsorship Visa. You can bring your spouse, children under 18, and sometimes dependent parents to the UK under the same visa. These family members need to apply for their own dependent visas, which are usually approved if they meet the needed requirements. If approved, they can live, work, and study in the UK for the same time as the main visa holder.
The process to apply for a UK Sponsorship Visa is given below.
Step 1: Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Step 2: Make sure you meet all the requirements, like the correct salary, skill level, and English skills.
Step 3: Fill out the UK Sponsorship Visa application on the UK Home Office website.
Step 4: Upload the needed documents, such as your passport, CoS, proof of funds, and biometrics.
Step 5: Pay the fees and go to your biometrics appointment to give your fingerprints and photographs.
The benefits of a UK Sponsorship Visa are given below.
To apply for a UK Sponsorship Visa, you'll need these documents:
Detailed information about the processing times for the UK Sponsorship Visas 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) |
Yes, you can extend your UK Sponsorship Visa. You can extend your UK Sponsorship Visa if you still meet the requirements, like having a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting the salary requirements. Extensions are often given for up to 5 more years, based on your job and contract. After 5 years, if you still qualify, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to stay in the UK permanently.
No, you generally cannot get UK sponsorship without a confirmed job offer. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, your UK employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is tied to a specific job role. This ensures that the job meets eligibility criteria including skill level and salary threshold. The UK government does not issue sponsorship visas for speculative applicants. If you're seeking opportunities, you may explore UK-registered sponsors and apply for jobs directly. Once you secure a role, your employer can initiate the sponsorship process through the UK Home Office.
The salary scale for new sponsored workers changed on April 4, 2024. The minimum salary threshold increased by 50%, from £26,200 to £38,700.
The standard processing time for a UK Skilled Worker visa is approximately 3 to 8 weeks after the online application and biometrics submission. If applying from outside the UK, decisions typically arrive within 15 working days. Priority and super priority services are available in some locations for faster results, usually within 1 to 5 working days. Delays can occur if supporting documents require further verification. It’s important that the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), English proficiency proof, and financial documents are complete and accurate at the time of submission to avoid delays.
If your UK sponsorship visa is refused, the Home Office will issue a written notice outlining the reason(s), such as insufficient documentation, ineligibility, or discrepancies in the application. Depending on the nature of the refusal, you may have the option to request an administrative review, reapply with corrected documents, or explore alternative immigration routes. You cannot appeal the decision unless your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights are involved. To reduce the risk of refusal, ensure all documents meet the exact requirements and consider expert assistance when preparing your application.
Employers eligible to provide work visa sponsorship in the UK must appear on the official register of licensed sponsors maintained by the Home Office. This register is updated regularly and includes thousands of approved businesses, ranging from multinational corporations to NHS trusts, universities, and small and medium enterprises. To qualify, employers must show they can fulfil sponsorship duties, maintain compliance records, and provide genuine roles meeting visa salary thresholds. Sponsorship is most common under the Skilled Worker visa, although some other visa types also require sponsorship. Applicants should always verify their prospective employer’s licence status.
Yes, sponsored workers in the UK can switch jobs, but there are specific conditions. If you change employer, you must apply for a new visa because your sponsorship is tied to the licensed employer that issued your Certificate of Sponsorship. Switching to another job with the same employer may also require a new application if the role changes significantly or falls under a different occupation code. The new employer must also be on the official list of licensed sponsors. Applicants should apply before starting the new role to maintain lawful immigration status.
