How to Get a UK Skilled Worker Visa With Employer Sponsorship

How to Get a UK Skilled Worker Visa With Employer Sponsorship

From the very start, getting an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to get a UK Skilled Worker Visa with employer sponsorship positions you ahead of the curve when planning your move to the UK.

You’ll want to dive right into the benefits, eligibility, process and expert tips that ensure your application soars. Let’s break it down in a storytelling, conversational style – packed with actionable advice and seasoned insights.

Picture this: Jane, a software engineer in Lagos, received an exciting job offer from a London-based fintech startup. She didn’t just land a job – she secured employer sponsorship and fast-tracked her visa to the UK.

That’s the magic of a sponsored route.

With employer sponsorship:

• You get a clear path to living and working in the UK.

• You unlock routes to permanent residence (aka Indefinite Leave to Remain).

• You tap into perks like bringing dependents and accessing public healthcare.

• It significantly minimizes visa risk compared to self-sponsored routes.

If you’re dreaming of waking up in London and working somewhere that values your expertise – this is your route. But there are conditions, paperwork, some timing elements and yes – fees.

Let’s unpack them all.

The Key Benefits

Work in Your Field Without Hassle

With official sponsorship from your employer, you don’t need to find a UK employer on your own later. Once they’re licensed, they guide the way.

Bring Your Family Along

Married? Got kids? You can include your spouse, partner and children in your application. That means a smoother move and family life from day one.

Access National Health Service (NHS)

With visa approval, you gain access to the NHS – saving thousands on private health insurance.

Transition to Permanent Residency

5 years in and you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Unlike other visa paths, the employer-sponsored route gives clear longevity.

Work Flexibility

Work and change roles within your sponsoring company; you can even work part-time or do a second job under certain rules.

Clear the Hurdles: What You’ll Need

To secure this visa, you must cross four key checkpoints:

1. You must be sponsored by a licensed employer

That means they need a valid sponsorship license and must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without a CoS, no visa.

2. Your job must meet minimum skill and salary thresholds

Your work typically must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly A-levels). And salaries? Most roles need at least £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for that occupation – whichever is higher.

3. English language proficiency

You need to prove your English ability – usually by passing a Secure English Language Test (e.g., IELTS) at level B1 or higher – or via a degree taught in English.

4. Maintenance funds or employer guarantee

You must show ~£1,270 in your account for 28 days or your sponsor can guarantee they’ll cover your first month’s living costs.

Your Step by Step Roadmap To Achieving This Milestone

Step 1: Get that job offer – and sponsorship

Start actively applying to UK-based companies with sponsor licenses. Top job platforms often allow filtering by “licensed sponsor.” Once hired, your employer issues you a CoS with details of your role, salary and employment dates.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Ensure:

• You’re 18 or older (there’s no upper age limit).

• Your CoS is valid.

• You tick off the skill level, salary, English language and maintenance fund boxes.

Step 3: Choose your application route

You can apply either from outside the UK or inside. For most applicants, it’s easiest to apply online from your current country of residence – simply fill the online form, upload documents and book a biometric appointment.

Step 4: Pay the fees

You’ll need to budget for:

• Visa application fee: £716 (if applying from outside) or £704 (if switching inside).

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Roughly £624/year per applicant.

• Test fees (e.g. IELTS) and any legal or translation costs.

Step 5: Submit your documents

Digital upload or physical submission includes:

• CoS reference number.

• Passport & previous travel documents.

• Proof of English ability.

• Bank statements or proof of maintenance guarantee.

• TB test results (if you’re from a country where required).

Step 6: Attend biometrics & interview (if required)

You’ll generally need fingerprints and a photo at a local visa center. Rarely, a short interview may follow.

Step 7: Get your decision

Processing times vary – average is 3 weeks from outside the UK; same-day “priority” options exist at extra cost. If approved, you’ll receive a biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.

Deeper Dive Into The Requirements

Skill Requirements – What’s RQF Level 3?

Think of roles requiring:

• A-level education or higher.

• Professions like IT specialist, engineer, nurse, financial analyst.

The UK’s official “SOC codes” list relevant occupations and their eligibility.

Salary Teams – The Numbers Game

You’ll need at least:

• £26,200 per year if your occupation’s going rate is below that.

• Or the specific going rate – this could range from £20,960 to £60,000+ depending on job type.

Some exceptional cases include shortage occupations, new entrants or PhD holders, which may allow for lower salary thresholds.

English Proof – How to Succeed

Accepted tests include:

• IELTS (B1+).

• Trinity ISE certificate.

• UK degree-level qualification or academic postgraduate education taught in English.

Maintenance – Your Money or Theirs?

Show at least £1,270 in your account for 28 consecutive days before applying or get your sponsor to take this on via a maintenance certificate.

Handling Common Issues

Job doesn’t meet skill/ salary threshold?

You might need to negotiate with your employer for a different role or delay the visa until the conditions are met.

Application refused?

Appeals are rare; better to reapply promptly after correcting issues – within 14 days if it was submitted inside the UK, longer from outside.

Change of job during visa?

Yes, but your new employer must assign a new CoS. Apply to update your visa before starting the new job.

Want to bring dependents later?

You can apply to bring your spouse or children later under the “dependent visa” scheme, provided you meet the main applicant requirements and can support them financially.

Top Tips From Applicants

“Make sure your bank statements are clean – no unexplained deposits.”
– recent applicant

“Don’t leave it until the last minute – IELTS slots can be booked weeks ahead.”
– visa agent

Consistency, preparation and starting early often make the difference between success and delay.

Smart Prep Checklist

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I switch to this visa if I’m already in the UK on another visa?

Yes. If your current visa allows, you can switch to the Skilled Worker route by getting a CoS, meeting requirements and applying before your current visa expires.

2. How long does the application take?

Standard outside UK takes ~3 weeks; priority service shortens to days (for extra fee). Inside UK, switching takes ~8 weeks standard or 5 days fast track.

3. Can I extend under the same visa?

Yes! Your visa is valid up to 5 years. Before expiry, your sponsor can issue a new CoS and you can apply to extend.

4. When can I apply for permanent residency?

You become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years under this visa – provided you meet all conditions, including absence limits.

5. What if my employer loses sponsorship status?

You’d need to find another licensed employer willing to sponsor you – or leave the UK briefly. Switch quickly to avoid overstaying.

6. Are there restricted occupations?

Yes. Medical, journalism and social work roles require additional authorization. Always check your occupation’s specific rules first.

7. How many hours can I work?

You can work full-time in your sponsored role. You can take a second job up to 20 hours/week if it’s on the approved secondary occupation list and you meet conditions.

8. Can my spouse work?

Yes! Spouses on a dependent visa can work in almost any role – self-employed or employed, full or part-time.

9. Do I need to prove UK accommodation?

Not usually. As long as you have a sponsor guarantee or meet the maintenance funds rule, you don’t need rental contracts or utility bills at application time.

10. What if I need to travel after I apply?

If applying outside the UK, keep your visa decision letter and arrival slot ready. If applying inside, travel before receiving a decision is risky – your application may be voided.

Securing the UK Skilled Worker visa under employer sponsorship is a journey worth taking. From applying to final approval, your roadmap is clear – land a sponsoring job, meet the skill, salary, English and funds thresholds, apply early and prepare meticulously.

This route offers clarity, family inclusion, NHS access and a route to permanent settlement. Just remember: start early, stay organized, verify each step and line up backup plans where possible.

Your UK adventure – with career growth, cultural experiences and global mobility – is closer than you think.