Tier 2 visa sponsorship lets skilled workers from outside the UK work for approved employers who hold a sponsor licence.

This process is crucial for many international professionals hoping to build a career in the United Kingdom. The Skilled Worker visa route has now replaced the old Tier 2 (General) system, but the basics remain similar.

The programme is set up to help UK employers fill roles that require specific skills by bringing in qualified talent from around the world.

Companies have to meet certain conditions to sponsor workers, and applicants need to follow requirements to secure a job and legal right to work.

For a list of employers currently sponsoring Tier 2 visas and sector insights, you can check the Tier 2 Sponsor List or review the official UK government overview.

Understanding Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

Tier 2 visa sponsorship helps skilled workers from abroad fill key roles in the UK.

It requires UK employers to have a licence so they can lawfully employ non-resident talent in jobs that meet certain skills and salary rules.

What Is Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

Tier 2 visa sponsorship is a process that lets firms in the UK hire workers from outside the country if a job can't be filled by a UK resident.

This route is now called the Skilled Worker visa, but plenty of people still use the old term “tier 2 sponsorship”.

To sponsor a worker, a company needs a sponsor licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which is run by the Home Office.

This authorisation is only given if the business can prove it’s genuine and has the right processes to monitor the workers it brings in.

Jobs have to be at a certain skill level and meet minimum salary limits set by UKVI.

Sponsorship also means the worker must meet English language requirements and not fall under any immigration bans.

The employer gives a certificate of sponsorship, which is an electronic record—not a paper document, just to be clear.

How Tier 2 Sponsorship Works

A business must first apply for a sponsor licence if it wants to bring in skilled workers.

This involves checks to show the firm can follow the law and manage the sponsorship responsibly.

Once a licence is granted, the company can assign a certificate of sponsorship to each overseas worker it wants to employ.

The certificate includes unique details about the worker, the job, and the salary.

The worker uses this certificate to apply for a skilled worker visa. The Home Office checks all details before granting the visa.

If the licence is misused or rules are broken, the Home Office can suspend or revoke it.

Regular monitoring and reporting duties, like confirming start dates or reporting absences, are required throughout the worker’s employment.

Roles of UK Employers and Sponsors

UK employers play a central part in the sponsorship process.

They’re responsible for applying for the sponsor licence, keeping it up-to-date, and following all legal duties.

This includes checking that positions offered meet the skill and pay standards needed for Skilled Worker visa eligibility.

Employers need to keep clear records on their sponsored employees and report changes—like when a worker leaves, or if job details change.

Skipping these duties can lead to serious penalties, like fines or losing the sponsor licence.

The sponsor has to act in line with guidance set by UK Visas and Immigration.

This helps make sure the visa process runs fairly and that only qualified workers can work in the UK.

Eligibility and Requirements

The Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa lets non-EEA nationals work in the UK if they have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.

Applicants and their employers must meet strict criteria about the type of job, salary, and eligibility to legally work in the country.

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers

Individuals applying for a Tier 2 visa must meet several eligibility requirements.

They must be at least 18 years old and applying from outside the UK.

The key requirement is having a confirmed job offer from an employer who holds a valid sponsor licence.

Applicants also need to show they can communicate in English to the required standard.

This can be proved with an approved English language test or by holding a degree taught in English.

They must also meet financial requirements, like having enough personal savings unless their sponsor certifies their maintenance.

Migrant workers need to provide the right documents for their application. This usually means a certificate of sponsorship reference number, proof of English language skills, a valid passport, and evidence of financial means.

For more details, see the official Skilled Worker visa overview.

Job Offer and Eligible Occupations

To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, a job offer has to come from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office as a sponsor.

The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, which are assessed against an occupation code.

Eligible roles generally require at least RQF level 3 qualifications (A-level equivalent).

The job must meet the criteria for a skilled role, and the employer has to provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.

Jobs in fields like healthcare, engineering, or IT are common, but the list covers plenty of industries.

Switzerland and other non-EEA nationals who want to work in the UK have to follow these rules too.

The UK government updates the eligible occupations regularly, so employers and workers should check the latest info before applying.

Salary Thresholds and Minimum Salary

Each eligible occupation has a minimum salary, also called the "going rate".

For most roles, the minimum salary threshold is £26,200 per year or the specific going rate for that job—whichever is higher.

Some jobs may have a lower salary threshold, like those on the shortage occupation list or for recent graduates entering the workforce.

Still, all workers must get at least the minimum salary specified in the immigration rules to qualify for sponsorship.

Salary requirements are strict, and employers can’t offer less than the required amount, even if their internal bands are lower.

The salary threshold aims to protect migrant workers and ensure they're fairly compensated. More details are on the Skilled Worker visa: Overview.

Sponsorship Process for Employers

Employers in the UK have to follow strict steps to legally sponsor skilled workers on a Tier 2 visa.

These steps involve applying for a sponsorship licence, issuing Certificates of Sponsorship, and meeting ongoing record keeping and compliance duties.

Obtaining a Sponsor Licence

To sponsor skilled workers, an employer must apply for a valid sponsorship licence.

This licence allows the organisation to offer employment to foreign nationals under the Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) visa route.

Before applying, the business should check that it meets all eligibility requirements and has the right systems in place for managing sponsorship.

Key requirements include being a genuine business in the UK, proving the need to hire skilled staff, and showing the ability to monitor sponsored employees.

The application process involves submitting several documents and paying the relevant fee.

Upon approval, the employer receives a licence rating. Most new sponsors get an “A” rating.

This rating is important as it affects the ability to assign certificates and manage the sponsorship process. Employers need to make sure all info provided is accurate, since the Home Office might audit the business at any time.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Allocation

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record that an employer issues to each skilled worker they want to sponsor.

Each certificate has a unique reference number, which the employee uses when applying for their visa.

Employers must request an allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship once their sponsor licence is approved.

The number of certificates given will depend on the business’s needs and the job roles to be filled.

When assigning a CoS, employers must confirm that the job meets salary and skill requirements for the Skilled Worker route.

Assigning a certificate to a worker who doesn’t meet these requirements can result in penalties or loss of the sponsorship licence.

Employers need to keep an updated record of all certificates issued.

Record Keeping and Compliance

Employers must keep detailed records related to every sponsored worker. This includes copies of passports, right to work checks, job descriptions, salary, and up-to-date contact details.

Keeping current and accurate data is critical for compliance.

Regular internal audits and spot checks should be carried out to make sure Home Office rules are being followed.

Employers also need to report changes, like if a worker leaves or changes position, through the Sponsor Management System.

Failure to meet record keeping and compliance obligations can lead to a downgrade in licence rating, suspension, or even withdrawal of the sponsorship licence.

The Home Office may inspect records at any time, so ongoing vigilance is essential for all licenced sponsors.

Visa Application Process and Settling in the UK

Applying for a Tier 2 visa involves steps like submitting documents online, meeting eligibility criteria, paying fees, and planning for life in the UK.

It’s important to follow the specific requirements set by the UK Home Office and gather all needed information before starting the process.

How to Apply for a Tier 2 Visa

The Tier 2 visa—now called the Skilled Worker visa—is for people who’ve got a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. First step: get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with the job details.

Next, you’ll need to fill out an online application, pay the fee, and book a biometric appointment. You also have to prove you meet the English language requirement, usually by taking an approved test or showing a qualifying degree.

It’s important to show you’ve got enough maintenance funds, unless your employer covers this for you. Processing can take a few weeks, so honestly, applying early just makes sense.

Required Documents and Fees

Before you apply, gather your documents. You’ll need a valid passport, your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, proof of English, and bank statements if maintenance funds are required.

A criminal record certificate is needed for certain roles, like in education or healthcare. If you’re coming from a listed country, you’ll also need tuberculosis test results.

The application fee depends on your situation—how long you’ll stay and whether your job’s on the shortage occupation list. You’ll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gets you NHS access.

Each document should be clear and up-to-date. If anything’s not in English, you’ll need an official translation.

Dependants and Family Members

Tier 2 visa holders can bring some family members—dependants—like a spouse or partner and kids under 18. Each dependant fills out their own application and pays the fee.

Dependants need to show they can support themselves, usually with bank statements, unless the sponsor covers costs. Kids born in the UK don’t automatically get citizenship, but they can apply for permission to stay.

Family members can work and study, though there might be some restrictions, especially for younger kids. It’s smart to collect all required documents for each person before you apply.

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain

Once you meet the conditions, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—basically, settlement. Usually, you need five years in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.

You’ll have to show you haven’t broken immigration laws and still have a job with a licensed sponsor. There’s a cooling-off period if you leave the UK and want to return later under a new Tier 2 visa.

Applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement again, unless you already did. If you get ILR, you can stay long-term without time limits, and maybe even apply for British citizenship later.

More details are on the official UK government page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tier 2 Visa sponsorship comes with its own set of rules, popular job sectors, and a formal application process. There are changes to the rules and steps for switching employers that you’ll want to know about.

How do I find a list of companies that offer Tier 2 Visa sponsorship in the UK?

The UK Home Office keeps an updated register of licensed sponsors. This list shows all employers allowed to sponsor Skilled Worker Visas (previously Tier 2).

You can search by sector or company name—super handy if you already have a field in mind.

What are the requirements for obtaining a UK Tier 2 Visa?

You’ll need a job offer from a licensed UK employer. The job has to meet the skill and minimum salary requirements set by the government.

Proof of English is a must, and you’ll need enough money to support yourself, plus all the right documents.

Which sectors typically have jobs with Tier 2 Visa sponsorship?

Sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and finance are pretty popular for sponsorship. The NHS and lots of private hospitals regularly sponsor healthcare professionals.

Many tech and engineering firms also hire international workers this way.

Are there any changes to Tier 2 Visa sponsorship rules for 2025?

The Tier 2 Visa is now called the Skilled Worker Visa. Some rules might change—salary thresholds, eligible jobs—so keep an eye on the official updates.

How can I switch employers if I'm on a Tier 2 Visa?

If you want to change employers, you’ll need to update your Skilled Worker Visa. The new employer must be a licensed sponsor, and you’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

Your application should be approved before you start the new job. It’s a bit of paperwork, but it’s doable.

What is the process for applying for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

First, you'll need a job offer from a licensed sponsor. The employer then provides you with a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Gather your documents—think proof of English skills and evidence you can support yourself financially. Once you're set, head over to the Home Office website and submit your application online. Don't forget the fees; those aren't going anywhere.

You might have to attend a visa appointment, depending on your situation. After that, it's just a waiting game for a decision.

If you want all the nitty-gritty details, check out the official government visa page.