The Essential Guide to Who Needs UK Visa Sponsorship

British citizens and Irish nationals possess an automatic right to work without restriction. They require no permission from the Home Office to accept employment offers. However, most other international professionals must secure formal sponsorship from a licensed employer. This involves the company assigning a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before a visa application begins.

The landscape changed significantly for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals after 2020. Those without status under the EU Settlement Scheme now face the same requirements as non-European citizens. You generally need a visa if you do not hold Indefinite Leave to Remain. Employers must verify this status before your first day of work.

Determining your need for a visa often starts with understanding your current long-term goals. Many professionals conduct Find UK sponsor companies to see if their occupation meets the new RQF Level 6+ standard. This graduate-level requirement became mandatory for most roles in July 2025. Roles below this skill level generally no longer qualify for new sponsorship applications.

Your specific job offer determines if an employer can legally support your application. The role must appear on the eligible occupation list to warrant a Certificate of Sponsorship. Furthermore, the salary must meet the higher of £41,700 or the job's going rate. Meeting these strict criteria is the only path to securing a work permit.

International students often face complex rules regarding their transition to professional employment. You can work limited hours during term time without a sponsor, usually 20 hours per week. However, filling a permanent full-time vacancy requires switching to a Skilled Worker route. This switch is only permitted after your course of study is complete.

The Graduate visa offers a temporary bridge for those finishing degrees in the UK. It allows unsponsored work for two years, though this reduces to 18 months from January 2027. Employers often prefer candidates who can eventually switch to the sponsored route. You must plan this transition well before your temporary leave expires.

Professionals who require a visa must identify companies with valid government authorization. You can find UK sponsor companies by filtering for those with A-rated licenses in your specific sector. Our database lists over 108,000 verified organizations that can issue the necessary certificates. This targeted approach saves time compared to applying for roles that cannot support you.

Not every UK business has the legal authority to hire overseas talent. A company must hold a specific license for the Skilled Worker route to employ you. Applying to organizations without this license will result in immediate rejection or withdrawn offers. Always confirm their status before investing time in the interview process.

Meeting the financial requirements is as critical as finding a willing employer. The general salary threshold sits at £41,700 per year under current regulations. However, if the going rate for your specific occupation code is higher, you must be paid that amount. Only guaranteed gross salary counts toward this figure, excluding allowances or bonuses.

Language proficiency standards also tightened significantly in January 2026. New applicants must now demonstrate English skills at level B2 on the CEFR scale. This is a step up from the previous B1 requirement for this route. You must pass a secure English language test unless you hold a degree taught in English.

Understanding your status is the first step toward a successful UK career. If you are not a settled person or British citizen, you likely need sponsorship. The job must be at graduate level (RQF 6+) and pay above the regulatory minimums. Strict adherence to these 2026 rules prevents costly visa refusals.

Take action by verifying your documents and target employers early. Ensure your English test results meet the new B2 standard if applying for the first time. Use verified databases to locate companies that can legally support your application. Preparation is your best defense against the complexities of the current immigration system.