Business immigration

From vacancy to visa,
keep every fact aligned.

Joined-up advice for employers and candidates from role assessment through sponsorship and visa application.

SKILLED WORKER SPONSORSHIP

A successful sponsored hire depends on the employer’s licence, the role and the worker meeting separate but connected requirements. We coordinate the occupation code, job description, salary, Certificate of Sponsorship and visa evidence so that the same accurate position runs through the entire process.

Information reviewed4 September 2026

SPONSORSHIP SCENARIOS

The recruitment route determines the certificate and the timetable.

Overseas recruitment, an in-country switch and a change of employment are not administratively identical. We identify the correct process before the sponsor commits to a start date or assigns a certificate.

Recruiting from overseas

A Skilled Worker applying for entry clearance from outside the UK normally requires a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship. Role details, salary and timing should be settled before the certificate request is made.

Switching inside the UK

An eligible person already in the UK may be able to switch using an Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship. Their current immigration category, course completion where relevant and intended start date must be checked.

Extensions and changes of employment

A sponsored worker may need a new certificate and visa application when changing employer, occupation code or other material employment details. Transitional salary or skill provisions may also affect the assessment.

Health and Care Worker sponsorship

Eligible health and care roles use the Skilled Worker framework with specific occupation, salary, regulatory and dependant considerations. Employer and worker eligibility should be assessed together.

WHAT WE ASSESS

Six checks before a Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned.

Sponsor licence and rating

We confirm that the employer holds the correct Skilled Worker permission, has the necessary rating and can request or assign the required type of certificate.

A genuine eligible role

The vacancy, duties, seniority and reporting line are examined to ensure the role is real, credible for the business and eligible for sponsorship.

Occupation code and skill level

The code is selected from the actual duties rather than the job title, then checked against the current occupation tables and any list-based restrictions.

Salary and working pattern

Basic pay, weekly hours and the applicable going rate are calculated together, including any permitted tradeable-points or transitional provision.

Worker eligibility

English language, qualifications or professional registration, immigration history, switching rules and suitability are reviewed before sponsorship is confirmed.

Certificate, costs and timing

The correct certificate type, work dates, maintenance position, sponsor fees and Immigration Skills Charge are planned around the proposed visa application and start date.

EVIDENCE PLANNING

The role and the worker must tell the same story.

We connect the commercial need and employment terms to the worker’s experience, immigration position and the details recorded in the Sponsorship Management System.

Role description and structure

A detailed description of duties, required skills, reporting lines, work location and the role’s position within the organisation.

Salary and employment terms

Hours, basic pay, contract terms and any relevant pay-scale or transitional evidence supporting the salary assessment.

Business and recruitment context

Material showing why the role exists, how it was identified and why the proposed duties are credible for the sponsor’s activities.

Worker identity and experience

Passport, curriculum vitae, qualifications, references and professional registration where these are relevant to the sponsored work.

Immigration and English evidence

Current status, previous decisions and the appropriate test, qualification, nationality or earlier grant relied upon for the English requirement.

Certificate and application record

The certificate request and assignment, sponsor payment records and the final visa evidence retained as part of the sponsor’s compliance file.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Useful questions
before you begin.

How do we know whether a job is eligible?

Eligibility depends on the duties and the correct occupation code, not the job title alone. The code must appear in the applicable occupation table, and medium-skilled roles generally require an additional qualifying basis or transitional provision.

What is the minimum Skilled Worker salary?

There is no single figure that safely answers every case. The relevant general threshold, occupation going rate, weekly hours, sponsorship date and any permitted discount or transitional rule must be considered together.

What is the difference between a Defined and Undefined CoS?

A Defined Certificate of Sponsorship is normally required for a Skilled Worker applying from outside the UK. An Undefined Certificate is used for eligible Skilled Worker applications made inside the UK and is managed through the sponsor’s annual allocation.

Who must pay the sponsorship costs?

The sponsor must pay costs that the rules place on it, including the Certificate of Sponsorship fee and any applicable Immigration Skills Charge, and must not pass prohibited sponsorship costs to the worker. Visa fees and the immigration health surcharge are separate applicant costs, although an employer may choose to assist.

Can anyone already in the UK switch to Skilled Worker?

No. Switching is restricted from certain immigration categories, and additional conditions can apply to Students and other applicants. The worker’s current permission should be checked before a certificate is assigned.

Can the worker bring family and later settle?

The route can lead to settlement where the qualifying requirements are met. Partners and children may be eligible as dependants, but restrictions apply to some sponsored occupations and each family member needs a separate immigration assessment.

General guidance

This page provides general introductory information, not advice on an individual matter. Immigration requirements and Home Office practice can change. Please contact the team for advice on your circumstances.

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