How sponsorship works (in brief)
- The employer must be on the UK government's register of licensed sponsors.
- The role must be an eligible occupation (since July 2025, normally graduate level) and meet the salary threshold for that visa route.
- The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, and you apply for the visa.
- Always check current rules on GOV.UK — thresholds and eligible roles change.
Finding sponsors
- Search the licensed sponsor list for employers in your field.
- Turn on the “UK visa sponsors” filter in Find Jobs to see only roles at licensed employers.
- Prioritise larger employers, NHS trusts, universities and tech companies, which sponsor more often.
- Apply with a UK-format CV and state your sponsorship need honestly in the application form.
Avoid visa scams
Legitimate employers do not sell Certificates of Sponsorship or jobs. Be very careful with agents who charge large fees for a “guaranteed” UK job.