UK Worker Visa Sponsor DirectoryUK Visa SponsorsA comprehensive guide to UK immigration and visa sponsorship terminology. Find definitions for common terms used in visa applications and sponsor licence management.
The standard licence rating given to sponsors who meet all compliance requirements. Sponsors with an A-rating can assign Certificates of Sponsorship without restrictions.
A senior and competent person within a sponsor organisation who is ultimately responsible for the sponsor licence and ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements. Must be based in the UK.
A downgraded licence rating given to sponsors who have failed to meet certain compliance requirements. Sponsors receive an action plan to address issues and restore their A-rating.
An identity document issued to people granted permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. Contains the holder's biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and immigration status. Being phased out in favour of eVisas.
An international standard for describing language ability. UK visa applications typically require English language ability at level B1 (intermediate) or above.
An electronic record, not a physical document, that sponsors assign to workers they want to employ. Each CoS has a unique reference number used in visa applications. There are two types: Defined CoS (for applicants outside UK) and Undefined CoS (for applicants inside UK).
The ongoing obligations sponsors must meet to maintain their licence, including record-keeping, reporting duties, and preventing illegal working. Non-compliance can result in licence downgrade, suspension, or revocation.
A requirement for settlement applications where the applicant must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during their qualifying period.
A Certificate of Sponsorship used for workers applying for a visa from outside the UK. Sponsors have an annual allocation and must request more if needed.
A family member (typically partner and/or children under 18) who can apply to join or accompany a visa holder in the UK. Dependants of Skilled Workers can work and study freely in the UK.
The EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Since Brexit, EEA nationals generally need a visa to work in the UK unless they have settled or pre-settled status.
Permission to travel to the UK, granted before arrival. For visa nationals, this takes the form of a visa vignette in the passport. Also called a 'visa' in common usage.
A scheme allowing EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who lived in the UK before Brexit to continue living and working in the UK. Grants either settled status (ILR equivalent) or pre-settled status.
A digital proof of immigration status that is replacing physical documents like BRP cards. Linked to the passport and can be viewed and shared online through a government portal.
A visa route for leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology. Does not require employer sponsorship but needs endorsement from an approved body.
The minimum salary for a specific occupation as defined by the Home Office. Skilled Worker applicants must be paid at least the going rate for their job or the general salary threshold, whichever is higher.
A visa allowing international students who completed a UK degree to work or look for work for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). Does not require sponsorship.
A specialised visa route for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care professionals with job offers from the NHS or approved UK health and care providers. Has lower fees and is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order. Processes visa applications and grants sponsor licences.
A fee paid by visa applicants to access the National Health Service during their stay. Currently £1,035 per year for most applicants, £776 for students and under-18s. Some categories are exempt.
Permanent residence status in the UK, allowing the holder to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions. Most Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence.
A fee paid by sponsors for each year they sponsor a worker on certain visa routes. £1,000 per year for large sponsors, £364 per year for small/charitable sponsors. Exemptions apply in some cases.
The person designated by a sponsor to be the main point of contact with the Home Office for day-to-day matters. Receives official correspondence. May be the same as the Authorising Officer in smaller organisations.
Permission granted to enter the UK, usually at the border or through entry clearance. Specifies the conditions and duration of stay.
Permission to stay in the UK, granted to those already in the country who wish to extend their stay or switch to a different visa category.
A user with full access to the Sponsor Management System who can assign Certificates of Sponsorship and manage the licence. Must be based in the UK.
A user with limited access to the Sponsor Management System who can perform specific delegated tasks. Used by larger organisations to spread administrative workload.
A computer-based test about British traditions and customs that must be passed as part of settlement (ILR) and citizenship applications. Covers topics like history, government, and society.
Money an applicant must show they have available to support themselves in the UK. For Skilled Worker visas, this is £1,270 that must have been held for 28 consecutive days. Can be waived if sponsor certifies maintenance.
The process of becoming a British citizen. Generally requires ILR and 12 months residence, passing the Life in the UK test, and meeting English language requirements.
A category of Skilled Worker applicant eligible for reduced salary requirements. Includes those under 26, switching from a Student visa, or in a postdoctoral position. Minimum salary is 70% of the going rate (at least £30,960).
The UK's publicly funded healthcare system. NHS trusts are major sponsors of overseas workers, particularly doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
The UK's immigration framework where applicants must score enough points across categories like qualifications, salary, English language, and sponsorship to qualify for a visa.
A temporary immigration status granted to EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who hadn't lived in the UK for 5 years before Brexit. Allows them to continue living in the UK and apply for settled status later.
Legal permission to work in the UK. Employers must check that all employees have the right to work before employment begins. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties.
A check employers must conduct on all employees before they start work to ensure they have permission to work in the UK. Involves verifying original documents and keeping copies.
The system for comparing qualifications in England. Skilled Worker visa jobs must be at RQF level 3 or above (equivalent to A-Levels), meaning the role requires post-16 education or training.
The minimum salary required for sponsored worker visas. For Skilled Workers, this is £38,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds exist for some categories.
A visa route for workers joining fast-growing UK businesses. Requires sponsorship only for the first 6 months, after which the holder has full work flexibility. The sponsoring company must meet specific growth criteria.
An approved test to prove English language ability for visa applications. Tests like IELTS for UKVI are commonly used. Results must come from an approved test centre.
Permanent immigration status in the UK, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Allows the holder to live and work in the UK indefinitely and is a pathway to British citizenship.
A list of occupations where there is a recognised shortage of workers in the UK. Jobs on the list may have reduced salary requirements and other benefits for visa applications.
The main visa route for skilled workers coming to the UK. Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meeting salary and skill level requirements, and English language ability. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
The online portal used by sponsors to manage their licence, assign Certificates of Sponsorship, and report changes to the Home Office.
A code that classifies jobs by their skill level and type of work. Each sponsored job must have an appropriate SOC code, which determines the going rate and skill level requirements.
A licence granted by the Home Office that allows UK employers to sponsor workers from outside the UK. There are two main types: Worker (for Skilled Workers) and Temporary Worker licences.
The process by which a UK employer supports a worker's visa application by assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship and taking responsibility for monitoring their employment and immigration compliance.
A visa for international students studying at UK educational institutions. Allows limited work during studies. Graduates may switch to a Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa after completing their course.
A category of visas for short-term work arrangements including Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Religious Worker, and Seasonal Worker routes. Generally shorter duration with limited or no path to settlement.
The former name for the main skilled worker visa route before it was renamed to 'Skilled Worker' in December 2020. Still commonly used colloquially.
A government body that funds research and innovation in the UK. One of the endorsing bodies for the Global Talent visa in academia and research.
The part of the Home Office responsible for processing visa and immigration applications.
A Certificate of Sponsorship used for workers who are already in the UK and switching visa category. Created on demand without allocation limits.
A sticker placed in a passport granting entry clearance. Initially valid for 90 days to travel to the UK, after which the visa holder receives their BRP or eVisa.
Now that you understand the terminology, search our database of UK employers licensed to sponsor work visas.