How to Get Visa Sponsorship in the UK (2026 Guide)

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office before you can apply — you cannot apply first and look for a job later.

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

According to GOV.UK, to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa you must meet all of the following:

• Work for a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office as a licensed sponsor.
• Have a 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from that employer for a specific job role.
• Do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations (check this on GOV.UK using your SOC code).
• Meet the current salary rules — for most standard cases, at least £41,700 per year or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher. Defined discounts and route-specific tables can change that calculation.
• Meet the English requirement — generally CEFR B2 for relevant new applications from 8 January 2026, with B1 transitional treatment for some existing Skilled Workers.

Step 2: Find an Employer on the Official Sponsor Register

Only employers on the official GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors can legally issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. There is no other legal route. The register is published at:

gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

Search the register by organisation name, source location and recorded route. It does not identify an employer's industry or vacancies. Verify the exact employing entity in the licence checker.

Step 3: Apply for Jobs and Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once a licensed sponsor offers you a job, they must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a unique reference number — not a physical document — that you use when submitting your visa application. The CoS will confirm:

• The job title and SOC occupation code.
• Your agreed salary.
• The start date of employment.
• Your employer's sponsor licence number.

Changing your main sponsored employer normally requires a new CoS and a visa update before starting. Check the job-change guidance; specific exceptions, including amended work conditions under SW 18.3, need separate confirmation.

Step 4: Apply for Your Visa

Once you have your CoS reference number, you can apply for the visa. Key timings from GOV.UK:

• You can apply up to 3 months before the start date shown on your CoS.
• Processing takes approximately 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK.
• Processing takes approximately 8 weeks if you are applying from inside the UK (switching visa).

You will usually need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. The standard adult rate is £1,035 per year; other rates and exemptions apply, including for qualifying Health and Care applicants and their dependants. Check GOV.UK's calculation for each applicant.

Step 5: Understand What the Visa Allows (and Doesn't Allow)

A Skilled Worker visa can last up to 5 years before you need to renew it. After a qualifying five-year period, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent settlement.

Your partner or children may be able to apply as dependants. Medium-skilled and care-worker jobs have restrictions and transitional exceptions. Check the dependant rules before making family plans.

You cannot claim most public funds (benefits). Changing your main sponsored employer normally requires a visa update before starting the new job. From 8 October 2026, SW 18.3 provides a specific exception where the Home Office amends the work conditions of a formally recognised victim of modern slavery. Read our October 2026 update for the conditions.

Health and Care Worker Visa: A Cheaper Route for NHS Workers

If you are a doctor, nurse, or health and adult social care worker, you may qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. Eligible jobs use national pay scales or other occupation-specific salary tables. Qualifying applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Check eligibility on GOV.UK.

Step 6: Beware of Sponsorship Scams

Do not pay to secure a job offer or CoS. Prohibited sponsor-side costs must not be passed to workers; legitimate applicant costs are different. For suspected fraud, follow GOV.UK's reporting instructions and our detailed scam guide.

Read our full guide: How to Spot Fake Visa Sponsorship Scams.