Requirements for candidates
A sponsored work visa is decided on the job, the sponsor, and the evidence you can show. These are the checks that come up on the main routes.
A licensed sponsor and a certificate
For Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Scale-up, and most temporary work visas, the UK employer must hold a sponsor licence. They assign a Certificate of Sponsorship with the job title, pay, work address, and start date. You apply with that certificate. You cannot use a certificate from an employer who is not licensed for that route.
Skill level
The job must be in an eligible occupation code. On the Skilled Worker route the role is normally at or above RQF level 3, which is about A-level skill. The Home Office publishes the list of eligible codes. A job title on its own is not enough if the duties do not match the code.
Salary
You must be paid at least the general threshold for the route and at least the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Lower rates can apply in published cases, for example a new entrant, a listed PhD role, or a health and education post. The numbers are set by the Home Office and change. Use the figure on the certificate and the current official table, not an old advert.
English language
On Skilled Worker and several other work routes you need English at level B1 on the CEFR in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You can meet this with:
- an approved Secure English Language Test
- a degree taught in English, if Ecctis or the Home Office accepts it
- being a national of a majority English speaking country on the official list
The Graduate visa does not ask for a new English test, because the Student route already required English.
Money to support yourself
You usually need to show you can support yourself, unless you have lived in the UK with permission for at least 12 months or your sponsor certifies maintenance on the certificate. The amount is a fixed sum for you and a further sum for each dependant. It must have been held for a continuous period, normally 28 days, ending shortly before you apply.
Other checks
| Check | What you need |
|---|---|
| Identity | A valid passport or travel document. You prove identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre. |
| Tuberculosis | A TB test from an approved clinic if you have lived in a listed country for 6 months or more. |
| Criminal record | A certificate from countries you have lived in, for some jobs such as education and health. |
| ATAS | An Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate for some research and PhD roles. |
| Dependants | Evidence of the relationship, and maintenance funds unless an exemption applies. Some jobs cannot bring dependants. |
A complete document set is not a guarantee. The Home Office can refuse an application if the job is not genuine, the sponsor rating is a problem, or the evidence does not match the certificate.