Start with the employer’s offer and your own work rights. A sponsorship label helps you find relevant roles; it does not confirm that you qualify for a visa.

The Skilled Worker route requires an eligible job offer from an approved sponsor. The employer supplies a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference for your application. A sponsor licence alone does not mean every vacancy is eligible or that the employer will sponsor you.

The usual minimum is the higher of £41,700 per year and the occupation’s going rate. Different salary rules apply in defined cases, including some healthcare and education jobs. Ask for the occupation code and check the official requirements for your offer; a similar job title is not enough.

New applicants generally need B2 English. Exemptions and rules for previous visa holders can change what you must provide. Check the accepted qualifications or tests before paying for a course, assessment or exam.

Agree who pays each cost before accepting. Budget for the application, any healthcare surcharge, documents and moving costs. Check each family member’s eligibility and costs separately: restrictions apply to some occupations and visa histories. Settlement is a separate application, not a guaranteed result of sponsorship.

Changing employer usually requires a visa update and a new CoS. A different job with the same employer needs an update if its occupation code changes. Check the official rules before starting the new role.

Ask for written confirmation of sponsorship support, duties, salary, start-date flexibility and who handles the application. Read any repayment clauses and ask for unclear terms to be explained. Compare housing and travel costs with your expected take-home pay. Use Global Sponsor Hub to find jobs and independent specialists; viewing a profile does not send a request or establish eligibility.