Visa Sponsorship in the UK (United Kingdom)

Visa Sponsorship in the United Kingdom



Citygate.com.ng If you are a foreign national looking to work in the UK, you may require a visa to do so. To obtain a visa, you will need a sponsor who is a UK-based employer licensed by the Home Office to employ foreign workers.


  • The process for obtaining a UK work visa can be complex and there are different types of visas available depending on your circumstances. Some of the most common types of visas include the Tier 2 (General) visa, which is for skilled workers with a job offer in the UK, and the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa, which is for individuals coming to the UK to do temporary work or participate in a government authorized exchange program.

  • To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Tier 2 sponsorship license. Your employer will need to provide you with a certificate of sponsorship to apply for the visa. You will also need to meet certain other eligibility criteria, such as meeting the English language requirements and having enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

  • It's worth noting that visa sponsorship is a competitive process and not all UK employers are able or willing to sponsor foreign workers. You may want to consider seeking advice from an immigration lawyer or consultant to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success.


Citygate.com.ng gives you additional information about visa sponsorship in the United Kingdom


  • - The UK government has a list of eligible occupations for Tier 2 visas, known as the Shortage Occupation List. If your job falls under this list, it may be easier to obtain a visa as you will not have to pass the Resident Labour Market Test, which requires employers to advertise the job to UK workers before offering it to a foreign worker.

  • - In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria for the specific visa you are applying for, you will also need to pass a points-based system. This system takes into account factors such as your qualifications, work experience, and English language ability.

  • - If you are already in the UK on a different type of visa, such as a student visa, you may be able to switch to a work visa. However, you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria for the work visa you are applying for.

  • - There are different types of Tier 2 visas available, including the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa, which allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to the UK branch of their company. There is also a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa for elite athletes, coaches, and support staff.

  • - The process for obtaining a visa can take several weeks or even months, so it's important to plan and leave plenty of time for the application process.

  • - If you are granted a Tier 2 visa, you will be able to bring your family members with you to the UK, provided you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

  • - It's important to note that there are fees associated with applying for a visa, which can vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances.

  • - Employers who want to sponsor foreign workers must hold a valid Tier 2 sponsor license. To obtain a license, the employer must meet certain requirements and demonstrate that they are a genuine organization operating legally in the UK. The employer will also need to pay a fee and provide certain documentation to the Home Office.

  • - Employers are required to carry out the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) in most cases, which means they must advertise the job to UK and EU workers before offering it to a foreign worker. The job must be advertised in specific ways and for a certain period. If there are no suitable UK or EU applicants for the job, the employer can then offer the job to a foreign worker.

  • - The Tier 2 (General) visa is typically granted for a maximum of 5 years and 14 days, after which it may be possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a form of permanent residency. However, to be eligible for ILR, you will need to meet certain criteria, such as passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the English language requirements.

  • - If you are in the UK on a Tier 2 visa and you lose your job, you will have a grace period of 60 days to find another job or make other arrangements to leave the UK. If you are unable to find a new job within this time frame, you may need to leave the UK.

  • - The UK government periodically reviews and updates its immigration policies, so it's important to keep up to date with any changes that may affect your visa status.

  • - If you are seeking employment in a specific field or industry, you may want to consider networking with UK-based professionals or attending job fairs or industry events to increase your chances of finding a sponsor.

  • - It's important to have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of your employment before accepting a job offer in the UK. This includes understanding your salary, benefits, and any other relevant details.

  • - If you are applying for a Tier 2 visa, your employer must pay you a salary that meets the minimum salary requirements for your occupation. The minimum salary thresholds vary depending on the occupation and the level of experience required.

  • - Some employers may also be able to offer you a Tier 2 (ICT) visa, which allows multinational companies to transfer their employees from overseas to the UK. This type of visa has different eligibility criteria and salary requirements compared to the Tier 2 (General) visa.

  • - If you are applying for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa, you will need to have a job offer from a UK-based employer who is licensed to sponsor Tier 5 workers. This type of visa is typically granted for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the type of work you will be doing in the UK.

  • - The UK government also offers a Global Talent visa for individuals who are recognized as leaders or potential leaders in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, arts, and culture. This visa has its eligibility criteria and does not require a sponsor.

  • - It's important to carefully review and understand the terms of your visa, including any restrictions on your ability to work or travel. Violating the terms of your visa can result in serious consequences, including deportation.

  • - If you are bringing family members with you to the UK, they will also need to apply for visas and meet the relevant eligibility criteria. This includes passing the English language requirements and having sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

  • - If you are applying for a visa from outside the UK, you may need to attend an interview at a UK visa application center in your home country.

  • - Finally, it's important to work with a reputable immigration lawyer or consultant who can help you navigate the visa application process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.


Overall, obtaining a work visa in the UK can be a complex process, but with the right support and guidance, it's possible to successfully secure visa sponsorship and begin working in the UK.


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