Sponsoring a worker involves two connected questions: whether the role and your business qualify, and whether the individual can qualify for the visa. Both need to be right.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- Once you hold a licence, you can issue certificates of sponsorship for jobs that are suitable for sponsorship.
- For the Skilled Worker route, the job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the salary rules; the worker must also meet English language and other requirements.
- The worker applies for their visa using the certificate. Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants.
- Changing a sponsored worker’s role or salary can need a report to the Home Office, and may need the worker to update their permission.
- You must keep records and report certain changes. See sponsor management and compliance.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Occupation code for the real duties, and the salary rule that applies on the date the certificate is issued.
- The candidate’s current status and whether they can apply from inside or outside the UK.
- Any other conditions of the route, such as English language and the worker’s own eligibility.
- Timing: start dates, application deadlines and likely decision times.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
- Ongoing business immigration support. Continuing help for employers with sponsorship, reporting, record keeping and right-to-work compliance.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.