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

The raw Home Office file is a large, unformatted spreadsheet. FindMySponsor makes it searchable and filterable so you can find employers in your industry and location. Only apply to companies on this register — if they are not listed, they cannot legally sponsor you.

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.

You must not change jobs or employers once your visa is granted without first updating your visa. If you move to a new employer, they must be a licensed sponsor and must issue a new CoS before you start working for them.

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 also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. The current rate is £1,035 per year per person, covering you and any dependants you bring.

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 5 continuous years in the UK on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent settlement.

You can bring your partner and children to the UK as dependants on your visa.

You cannot claim most public funds (benefits) or the State Pension on a Skilled Worker visa. You also cannot change employers without first updating your visa.

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. This visa has lower salary thresholds aligned with NHS pay scales and — importantly — you do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, making it significantly cheaper. Check eligibility on GOV.UK.

Step 6: Beware of Sponsorship Scams

Legitimate UK employers never charge you a fee for offering you a job or a Certificate of Sponsorship. If anyone asks you to pay money to "secure" a sponsorship or process your CoS, this is a scam. Report suspected fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit actionfraud.police.uk.

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