Securing a job in the UK as an overseas worker often requires employer sponsorship—a route that allows skilled individuals from abroad to live and work in the UK legally. As of 2025, employer sponsorship remains one of the most viable pathways to enter the UK job market, particularly under the Skilled Worker visa.
In this comprehensive guide, we at UK Bloom explain everything employers and overseas applicants need to know about UK employer sponsorship, from sponsorship licence requirements to how to find jobs with licensed sponsors.
What Is Employer Sponsorship in the UK?
Employer sponsorship is a formal process where a UK-based company (the sponsor) agrees to employ and support a foreign worker (the sponsored worker) under a UK visa category, most commonly the Skilled Worker visa. The sponsor must hold a Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office.
Once licensed, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker, who can then apply for a visa.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Employer Sponsorship
- Legal work authorization for foreign nationals
- Faster immigration process via priority services
- Right to bring dependants
- Clear path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Opportunity to settle in the UK permanently
Employer Sponsorship Categories in 2025
| Visa Route | Purpose | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | For long-term employment in eligible roles | Healthcare, IT, Engineering, Teaching |
| Global Business Mobility | For overseas firms transferring staff | Senior/specialist employees |
| Seasonal Worker | For short-term agricultural work | Farming, fruit picking |
| Scale-up Worker | For high-growth UK businesses | Tech, finance, marketing |
| Minister of Religion | For faith-based institutions | Religious leaders |
See the Full List of Visa Routes
Step-by-Step: How to Become a UK Sponsor
1. Check Eligibility
A UK company must:
- Be registered and operating in the UK
- Prove genuine need for foreign workers
- Have appropriate HR systems in place
- Be financially stable and compliant with UK laws
2. Apply for a Sponsor Licence
Apply online via the Home Office portal. Submit supporting documents such as:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Proof of PAYE registration
- VAT registration (if applicable)
- Lease or ownership documents for business premises
3. Pay Licence Fee
| Company Size | Fee for Skilled Worker Licence |
|---|---|
| Small business/charity | £536 |
| Medium/large business | £1,476 |
4. Wait for Approval
Processing time is usually 8 weeks, or 10 working days with the priority service (£500 extra).
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once licensed, the employer can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant. This digital certificate contains details like:
- Job title and salary
- Occupation code
- Duration of employment
- Employer reference number
There are two types of CoS:
- Defined CoS – For applicants applying from outside the UK
- Undefined CoS – For applicants switching inside the UK
Sponsor Duties & Compliance
Employers must:
- Keep accurate HR records (attendance, absences, right to work checks)
- Report major changes (role, salary, employee status) via the SMS system
- Cooperate with UKVI inspections
- Renew sponsorship licence before it expires
Failing to comply can result in penalties, licence revocation, or criminal sanctions.
Finding UK Employers with Sponsorship Licence
As a foreign job seeker, you need to target UK employers with active sponsorship licences.
Where to Find Licensed Sponsors:
- UK Government List of Sponsors
View Sponsor Licence List (Updated) - NHS Jobs (for healthcare roles)
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk - Tier 2 Jobs Boards
https://www.tier2jobs.co.uk - LinkedIn – Filter by “Visa Sponsorship Available”
Employer Sponsorship Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa (2025)
To successfully sponsor a Skilled Worker, employers must offer:
| Requirement | Detail (2025 Rules) |
|---|---|
| Salary Threshold | £38,700 (or £15.88/hour) |
| Job Must Be Eligible | Must be on the Skilled Occupation List |
| English Language Requirement | CEFR level B1 or higher |
| Shortage Occupation Exemption | Reduced salary threshold applies |
| Genuine Vacancy | Job must be real, not created for visa |
🔗 Learn More: Skilled Worker Visa Changes July 2025
Costs for Employers
| Cost Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Licence | £536–£1,476 |
| Immigration Skills Charge | £364–£1,000 per year |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £239 |
These are in addition to the employee’s visa and IHS fees, though some employers choose to cover part or all of the costs.
How Can Foreign Workers Apply for Sponsored Jobs?
1. Check Eligibility
Ensure your role and qualifications meet the visa and employer requirements.
2. Update CV and Prepare Documents
Include UK-style CV, degree certificates, proof of English language, and ID.
3. Apply to Licensed Employers
Use job boards, LinkedIn, and direct applications.
4. Attend Interviews
Prepare for competency-based interviews and technical assessments.
5. Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Once you get a job offer, the employer will issue your CoS.
6. Apply for Visa
Apply online for the Skilled Worker visa using your CoS number.
UKBloom’s Employer Sponsorship Resources
We’ve prepared more resources to help job seekers and employers navigate this process:
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Thresholds – 2025
- Care Worker Sponsorship Ending July 2025 – What It Means
- UK CV Templates for International Applicants
Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid
- Sponsoring ineligible roles or unapproved salaries
- Failing to monitor employees post-visa issuance
- Delaying sponsor licence renewal
- Not reporting changes in a timely manner
FAQs About UK Employer Sponsorship (2025)
Can a small business become a UK sponsor?
Yes, small businesses and even sole traders can apply for a sponsor licence, provided they meet all Home Office requirements.
How long does a sponsor licence last?
A sponsorship licence is valid for 4 years. It must be renewed before expiry.
Do all UK jobs offer sponsorship?
No. Only jobs on the Skilled Occupation List and with approved salary thresholds are eligible.
Can an employer revoke sponsorship?
Yes. Employers may withdraw sponsorship if the employee breaches contract, leaves the role, or visa compliance rules are broken.
Is it legal to pay for your own CoS or sponsorship?
The CoS must be assigned by the employer. While it’s not illegal for an employee to reimburse fees, the Home Office discourages coercion.
Final Thoughts
The UK employer sponsorship system offers a pathway to legal employment and long-term residency for skilled foreign nationals. Whether you’re an employer navigating compliance or a job seeker aiming to enter the UK labour market, understanding the sponsorship process is key to success.
We at UK Bloom are committed to helping individuals and organisations stay informed and compliant. Explore our library of immigration tools, visa guides, and templates to help you succeed in the UK.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For the latest official guidelines and eligibility criteria, please refer to gov.uk or consult a registered UK immigration adviser.
