Does British Council (IAESTE Programme) sponsor visas?

Belfast, Antrim

Yes, British Council (IAESTE Programme) holds a UK sponsor licence

It is on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors for the Government Authorised Exchange route.

Status: On the register
First seen on the register: Before our records began
Register last checked: 3 November 2026

Licensed routes

Government Authorised Exchange
A ratingTemporary Worker
For approved work experience, research and exchange schemes.

What this means if you want to work here

To work for a UK sponsor you need a Certificate of Sponsorship from them before you can apply for your visa. A licence is what lets British Council (IAESTE Programme) assign one.
An A rating means British Council (IAESTE Programme) can assign Certificates of Sponsorship.
Being on the register does not mean British Council (IAESTE Programme) is hiring, or that it will sponsor a particular job. Sponsorship is decided role by role, so ask before you apply.
The job itself has to qualify too. Licences are granted per route, so a role has to fit a route listed here and meet that route's skill and salary rules.

Look for open roles

Indeed Reed LinkedIn

Other sponsors in Belfast

Source: Home Office register of licensed sponsors. UK Sponsors is independent and not affiliated with the UK government. This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice.