Visa sponsorship is one of the most reliable routes for people who want to live and work in the UK.
Employers with a Home Office sponsor licence can hire skilled and temporary workers from abroad, while international graduates and health professionals have dedicated routes that make transitioning to UK work life easier.
This guide explains the main sponsorship routes, who they’re for, the benefits, and — under How to apply — a clear step-by-step walkthrough you can follow.
Top visa sponsorship routes (what each is and who it suits)
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker route is the primary sponsorship route for most foreign employees coming to work in the UK.
It allows employers to recruit people for eligible skilled roles that meet a required skill level and salary threshold. Applicants must hold a job offer from an approved sponsor and meet English language and salary conditions. gov.uk
Health & Care Worker Visa
A dedicated route for qualified medical and social-care professionals who have a job offer from an approved employer in the NHS, an NHS supplier, or adult social care.
This route offers faster processing, lower fees in some cases, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for eligible applicants. It sits within the Skilled Worker framework but includes targeted benefits for care staff. gov.uk+1
Graduate Visa
The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to remain in the UK to work or look for work after graduation — typically for at least 18 months (or longer for higher degree holders under certain terms).
Applicants must apply while in the UK. This is an excellent route for recent graduates who want to gain UK work experience and potentially transition to employer sponsorship later. gov.uk+1
Intra-Company / Global Business Mobility Routes
For multinational organisations that need to transfer employees from overseas branches to the UK.
These routes are suited to managers, specialists, or long-term employees of a company with a UK presence. Rules and permitted stay lengths vary by sub-route. gov.uk+1
Temporary Worker Routes (Government Authorised Exchange & other T5 equivalents)
Used for short-term placements such as training, research fellowships, creative work, or exchange programmes.
Applicants are sponsored by an approved organisation and are usually allowed to stay for a defined short period linked to the programme. gov.uk
Why employers and applicants use sponsorship
- Employers get access to global talent to fill specialist roles that can’t be sourced locally.
- Applicants gain a legal route to live and work in the UK, often with a path to longer residency if conditions are met.
- Certain sponsored routes (notably Health & Care) carry fee concessions and streamlined processes.
Key eligibility and sponsor requirements (short version)
- Employers must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to successful candidates. Sponsors must follow record-keeping, compliance and reporting duties. gov.uk+1
- Applicants usually need: a job offer from a licensed sponsor, proof of English ability (where required), meeting minimum salary/skill thresholds, and relevant supporting documents (passport, CoS details, finances). gov.uk+1
How to apply for top visa sponsorship programmes in the UK — Step-by-step guide
This step-by-step is split into For applicants and For employers so each party knows exactly what to do.
For applicants (you — the worker or graduate)
- Identify the right route
Decide whether you qualify for Skilled Worker, Health & Care, Graduate, an intra-company route, or a temporary worker route. Use the job offer type and your current status (e.g., on a Student visa) to decide. - Find a licensed sponsor / secure a job offer
Apply for roles that explicitly state “sponsorship available” or check the employer’s careers page. The employer must be on the Home Office licensed sponsors list before they can legally give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). - Get the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
Once the employer chooses you, they issue an electronic CoS or sponsorship reference — this is essential for your application. - Prepare supporting documents
Typical documents: passport, CoS details, proof of English (if required), proof of finances (if required), TB test certificate (if your country requires it), educational and professional certificates. Check the specific list on the GOV.UK apply page for your route. gov.uk+1 - Apply online and pay fees
Complete the online application on GOV.UK for your visa type, pay the visa fee and any healthcare surcharge unless exempt (e.g., some Health & Care applicants). You may need to book a biometric appointment. - Attend biometrics and submit documents
Go to your visa appointment to give fingerprints and a photograph, and provide any required documents if asked. - Wait for decision & prepare for travel
Processing times vary by route and country. If approved, follow the instructions in your decision letter for travel and collecting your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) once in the UK. - On arrival: follow sponsor rules
Keep your employer informed, register with relevant services, and make sure you and your employer continue to meet immigration duties (reporting changes, record keeping).
For employers (hiring & sponsoring)
- Check if you need a sponsor licence
If you intend to hire workers from abroad on sponsored routes, you must apply for and obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office. - Apply for a sponsor licence
Complete the online application, pay the fee, and prepare for a compliance visit. You’ll need to demonstrate HR systems, record-keeping and the genuineness of roles. gov.uk - Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once licensed, you can assign a CoS to a chosen candidate. Ensure the salary, role level and job description meet Home Office criteria. - Support the employee’s visa application
Provide the CoS and required documents quickly, and help the candidate understand deadlines and document requirements. - Maintain compliance
Keep accurate records of sponsored workers, report any changes (e.g., if an employee stops working) and renew licences when required.
Practical tips & common pitfalls
- Target roles that explicitly offer sponsorship. Recruiters and job adverts will usually say.
- Double-check salary thresholds for Skilled Worker and other routes — failing to meet thresholds is a common reason for refusal. gov.uk
- Watch policy updates. UK immigration rules change frequently — rely on GOV.UK and professional immigration advisors for major decisions. ft.com
- Avoid scams. Official GOV.UK pages never ask for money by messaging or require payment outside official fees.
Final note
Visa sponsorship is a powerful route to working in the UK, but success depends on matching the right route to your situation, preparing documents carefully, and using licensed employers.
If your case is complex — e.g., borderline salary levels or unusual employment history — consider getting advice from a regulated immigration adviser.