Simple Methods for Finding Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK in 2024
Securing employment in the UK as a foreign visitor involves navigating a complex process that requires careful planning and understanding of visa regulations. One of the primary hurdles is obtaining a Skilled Worker visa, which necessitates having a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. This licence, granted by the UK Home Office, allows businesses to hire non-UK citizens and is essential for any visa application.
The process can be intricate, with requirements including a minimum skill level for the job, adherence to salary thresholds and obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer. Additionally, the costs associated with sponsorship, such as application fees, the Immigration Skills Charge and the Immigration Health Surcharge, can be substantial. Despite these challenges, the opportunity to work in the UK is attainable with the right resources and preparation.
To increase the chances of securing a sponsored position, foreign applicants need to strategically approach their job search. This involves utilizing job search engines, industry-specific job boards and platforms that list licensed sponsors. Identifying high-demand sectors, such as engineering, finance and legal services, can also enhance prospects, as these fields often have greater shortages of skilled workers.
Understanding the visa application process and requirements, including meeting English language standards and ensuring the job offer aligns with visa criteria, is crucial. By leveraging available tools and resources effectively and demonstrating value to potential employers, foreign visitors can successfully navigate the UK job market and achieve their career goals.
This guide provides comprehensive advice on navigating the UK job market as a foreign student, locating sponsors, understanding the costs involved and more.
Understanding the Basics
1. What is a Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence is issued by the UK Home Office to businesses and organizations, permitting them to hire non-UK citizens who are authorized to work in the UK. These licences are valid for four years, after which they need to be renewed. For small businesses or charities, the application fee is £536, whereas for large sponsors, the cost is £1,484.
2 Knowing Visa Types
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common UK work visas. To qualify, you need to accumulate 70 points, which include having a genuine job offer from an approved sponsor and a job at a skill level of RQ3 or above. Additionally, the job must meet minimum salary requirements.
Other visa options include the Innovator Founder visa, the Global Talent visa and UK Global Business Mobility visas, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker visa and the UK Expansion Worker visa.
3 What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued by the sponsoring company and is required for applying for a Skilled Worker visa. The cost to issue a CoS is £199.
Finding Sponsored Employment
Where to Look for Sponsored Jobs
There are various platforms where you can find employers willing to sponsor visas. These include job search engines, websites like UKHired and the Home Office’s database of licensed sponsors. Conducting searches on popular search engines like Google, Bing or utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard can also be beneficial.
Identifying High-Demand Jobs
Certain sectors in the UK have a higher demand for skilled foreign workers. These include fields such as law, engineering, finance and professional services like investment banking. The UK Shortage Occupation List provides an extensive list of professions where there is a high demand and a shortage of available skilled workers in the UK.
Exploring Your Options
While the Skilled Worker visa is a popular choice due to its pathway to indefinite leave to remain, alternative options like the Global Talent visa and the Innovator Founder visa could be worth considering, especially for business individuals. However, obtaining sponsorship for these visas can be challenging.
Understanding the Application Process
Job Qualification Requirements
Securing a sponsor is just one part of the process. The job offered must meet the criteria of the visa category you are applying for. For the Skilled Worker visa, the role must require a skill level of RQ3 or higher, meet the minimum salary threshold, be listed on the eligible occupation list and you must fulfill specific English language requirements.
Applying for a Sponsorship Visa
Applying for a UK sponsorship visa involves adhering to the application procedures and meeting the visa requirements. You will need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, which includes a unique reference number.
Costs Associated with Sponsorship
Funding a foreign worker involves several expenses, which can amount to thousands of pounds.
Immigration Skills Charge
The Immigration Skills Charge is a levy paid by employers for hiring foreign workers. For small or charitable sponsors, the charge is £364 for the first year and £182 for each additional six months. For medium or large sponsors, it is £1,000 for the first year and £500 for each subsequent six-month period.
Visa Application Fee
The cost of the visa application varies based on the visa’s duration and whether the job falls under the shortage occupation category. The exact fee can differ depending on whether the applicant is applying from within the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge
In addition to the application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee required for visa applications. It amounts to £624 per year of the visa’s validity and must be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa.
Common Challenges
Difficulty in Finding a Sponsor
The cost and complexity associated with sponsoring a foreign worker make many companies reluctant to offer sponsorship. To improve your chances, it is crucial to demonstrate your value and capabilities to potential employers.
Meeting English Language Requirements
Many visa applicants must meet English language proficiency standards. This can be achieved if you are from an English-speaking country, have a degree equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s or higher that was taught in English, have passed a recognized English language test or have previously met the English language requirements during a UK visa grant. Degrees taught in English may need to be evaluated by Ecctis.
Case Study
The costs associated with sponsoring an employee can vary depending on the size of the sponsoring company and whether the employee has accompanying family members. If the employer already holds a sponsor licence, the initial cost for the licence is not applicable. This case study illustrates the expenses involved in sponsoring one employee for five years:
- Sponsor Licence: £1,476 for a large business or £536 for a smaller one
- Certificate of Sponsorship: £199
- Immigration Skills Charge: £1,820 for a large business or £5,000
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £3,120
- Visa Application Fee: £1,235
For a smaller company, the total cost amounts to £6,910. If the sponsored employee has a partner, the additional costs for Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application will be around £4,355.
Final Thoughts
While finding a job in the UK with sponsorship is challenging, it is possible with the right approach and resources. To enhance your chances of success, understand all available options, be aware of the associated costs and utilize the resources at your disposal effectively.
Further Reading:
- How to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK
- Work Permit for UK Sponsorship: How to Get a Work Permit in the UK
- Unskilled Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
- UK Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa Jobs for Foreigners
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of visas are available for foreign workers in the UK?
The main visa types include the Skilled Worker visa, which is suitable for most skilled jobs and the Global Talent visa, which is for individuals with exceptional talent. Other visas include the Innovator Founder visa for those starting a business and various UK Global Business Mobility visas, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker visa and the UK Expansion Worker visa.
What are the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must score 70 points based on factors such as having a genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor, a job at a skill level of RQ3 or higher and meeting the minimum salary requirements. Additionally, you must meet English language proficiency standards and the job must be on the eligible occupation list.
How can I find employers who are willing to sponsor me?
You can find potential sponsors by searching job boards that list visa sponsorship opportunities, using platforms like UKHired and checking the Home Office database of licensed sponsors. Networking in your industry and utilizing search engines and AI tools can also help identify employers willing to offer sponsorship.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how much does it cost?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document issued by an employer with a sponsor licence that allows you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. It contains a unique reference number and details of the job offer. The cost to issue a CoS is £199.
What are the costs involved in obtaining a visa and sponsorship?
The costs include the sponsor licence fee (ranging from £536 for small businesses to £1,484 for large ones), the Immigration Skills Charge (£364 for the first year and £182 for each additional six months for small sponsors), the visa application fee (which varies based on the job and visa type) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£624 per year of the visa).
What are the English language requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?
To meet the English language requirement, you must be from an English-speaking country, hold a degree equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree or higher taught in English, have passed an approved English language test or have previously met the English language requirement during a UK visa grant. Degrees taught in English may need to be evaluated by Ecctis.
