UK visa sponsorship is a process where an employer or a family member sponsors an individual to live and work in the UK. Whether applying for a work visa or family sponsorship, it is essential to meet specific eligibility requirements.
1. What is UK Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship is when a UK-based employer or an eligible family member takes responsibility for a foreign national’s stay in the UK. The sponsor must meet UK Home Office requirements and provide necessary documentation to support the visa application.
2. Types of UK Visa Sponsorship
A. Work Visa Sponsorship
Employers in the UK can sponsor skilled foreign workers under the Skilled Worker visa and other work visa categories. To qualify, the employer must have a sponsorship licence from the UK Home Office.
B. Family Visa Sponsorship
UK citizens or settled residents can sponsor family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, under family visa routes like the Spouse Visa, Parent Visa, or Adult Dependent Visa.
3. Requirements for Work Visa Sponsorship
A. Employer Requirements
- Must be a UK-registered business with a sponsorship licence
- Must offer a job that meets the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List (if applicable)
- Must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the applicant
- Must pay the required salary threshold (£26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour for most jobs)
B. Employee Requirements
- Must have a job offer from a licensed UK employer
- Must meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS or equivalent)
- Must provide proof of qualifications and experience
- Must show proof of sufficient funds (£1,270 in personal savings if required)
4. Requirements for Family Visa Sponsorship
A. Sponsor Requirements
- Must be a UK citizen or a person with settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Must meet the financial requirement (£18,600 annual income for spouse visa)
- Must provide suitable accommodation for the applicant
- Must submit proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
B. Applicant Requirements
- Must be a genuine family member of the sponsor
- Must provide biometric details and pass a tuberculosis (TB) test (if applicable)
- Must meet the English language requirement (for spouses and partners)
5. How to Obtain a UK Sponsorship Licence (For Employers)
Employers looking to sponsor workers must apply for a sponsorship licence through the UK Home Office. The steps include:
- Checking eligibility and ensuring the business meets Home Office requirements
- Submitting an online application and paying the required fee (£536 for small businesses, £1,476 for large businesses)
- Providing supporting documents, such as business registration and financial records
- Passing a compliance check from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
6. How to Apply for a UK Visa with Sponsorship
- Secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer or a sponsorship from a family member
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
- Prepare and submit the visa application online via the UK government website
- Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center
- Wait for processing and decision (usually 3-8 weeks depending on visa type)
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for a job with an employer who does not have a sponsorship licence
- Not meeting the minimum salary or financial requirements
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
- Not meeting the English language requirements
