Sponsored Migrant Visa Application
Once a UK employer has a sponsor licence and has assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship, the sponsored worker must still make a valid visa application. This may be an entry clearance application from outside the UK, an in-country switching application, an extension application, or a change of employment application.
Submit a UK Immigration Enquiry
Expert Guidance, Every Step of the Way
Number of people assisted
Languages spoken
Average Client Review Rating
Years of experience
How to Apply for a Sponsored Migrant Vis
At A Glance
- A Certificate of Sponsorship allows the worker to apply for a sponsored work visa, but it does not guarantee visa approval.
- The worker must apply online and prove their identity as part of the application process.
- A CoS must normally be used within 3 months of assignment, and the worker must not apply more than 3 months before the job start date listed on the CoS.
- Entry clearance applications are made from outside the UK; in-country applications include switching, extension and change of employment applications.
- For Skilled Worker applications, the worker must normally have a confirmed job offer, a valid CoS, an eligible occupation, the required salary and English language ability.
- Sponsored workers may need to provide a TB test, criminal record certificate, ATAS certificate, maintenance evidence or dependant documents depending on their circumstances.
- Application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge and priority fees vary depending on the route, application location, duration and applicant category.
- Health and Care Worker applicants pay lower visa fees and are generally exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge if eligible.
- Sponsors must remain compliant after the worker is granted permission, including right to work checks, reporting duties and record keeping.
Table of Contents
What is a Sponsored Migrant Visa Application?
A sponsored migrant visa application is the worker’s immigration application after a UK sponsor has offered them an eligible job and assigned, or arranged approval for, a Certificate of Sponsorship.
The sponsor licence and CoS are employer-side requirements. The visa application is the worker-side stage. UKVI will assess whether the worker qualifies for permission to enter or stay in the UK under the relevant sponsored work route.
The application must be prepared carefully because UKVI will compare the worker’s personal details, immigration history, role details, salary, occupation code, sponsor licence details and supporting documents against the information entered on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Entry Clearance vs In-Country Applications
Entry Clearance Applications
An entry clearance application is made by a sponsored worker who is applying from outside the UK to come to the UK for work. For example, an overseas candidate applying for a Skilled Worker visa after receiving a defined Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
In-Country Visa Applications
An in-country application is made from inside the UK. This may include switching into a sponsored route, extending an existing sponsored work visa, or updating permission because the worker is changing employer or job.
The correct form and route must be selected. Applying under the wrong route or relying on the wrong CoS type can cause refusal or delay.
Who Needs a Sponsored Work Visa?
A sponsored work visa may be required where a person does not already have the right to work in the UK for the role and needs permission under a work route that requires employer sponsorship.
Sponsored work routes may include:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa
- UK Expansion Worker visa
- Graduate Trainee visa
- Minister of Religion visa
- International Sportsperson visa
- Scale-up Worker sponsorship stage
- Temporary Worker routes where sponsorship is required
The exact requirements depend on the visa route, the job, the sponsor licence held by the employer and the worker’s personal circumstances.
Role of the Sponsor Licence
A UK employer must hold the correct sponsor licence before it can sponsor most overseas workers. The sponsor licence confirms that UKVI has approved the organisation to sponsor workers under specific routes.
The sponsor must also comply with ongoing sponsorship duties, including record keeping, reporting changes, monitoring sponsored workers and only assigning Certificates of Sponsorship for genuine roles that meet the relevant requirements.
Role of the Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record assigned by a licensed sponsor. It is not a paper certificate. It contains a unique reference number that the worker uses in their visa application.
The CoS usually includes:
- worker name, nationality and passport details
- sponsor licence number
- job title and occupation code
- job description and duties
- salary and working hours
- work location
- start date and end date
- whether maintenance is certified
- route and type of sponsorship
The worker must normally use the CoS to apply within 3 months of assignment and must not apply more than 3 months before the job start date listed on the CoS.
Initial Entry Clearance Applications
An initial entry clearance application is made when the worker is outside the UK and needs permission to enter the UK for the sponsored role.
We can assist with:
- checking the CoS details before the worker applies
- reviewing the sponsor licence route and job information
- checking salary, occupation code and eligibility requirements
- preparing the worker’s visa application form
- checking identity, TB, English language and financial evidence
- advising on dependant applications
- preparing legal representations where useful
- reviewing uploaded documents before submission
- advising after a decision is received
For many sponsored work routes, applicants outside the UK must attend a visa application centre unless they can use a digital identity process. The applicant may also need a TB certificate if applying from a listed country.
In-Country Switching Applications
An in-country switching application is made where a person already in the UK under another immigration category wants to switch into a sponsored work route.
Switching is not available from every visa category. Before applying, the worker’s current immigration status must be checked carefully. Some applicants may need to leave the UK and apply from overseas if switching is not permitted under the rules.
Common switching scenarios include:
- Student visa to Skilled Worker visa
- Graduate visa to Skilled Worker visa
- Skilled Worker visa with one employer to Skilled Worker visa with another employer
- other eligible work or family routes into a sponsored work route
The worker should apply before their current permission expires. If the application is submitted in time, they may be protected by section 3C leave while the application is pending, depending on their circumstances.
Extension Applications
A sponsored worker may need to extend their visa if they are continuing in the same sponsored role and their current permission is due to expire.
The sponsor will usually need to assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship covering the extended period of employment. The worker must continue to meet the relevant eligibility requirements, including route-specific salary, occupation and sponsorship requirements.
Extension applications usually involve checking:
- current visa expiry date
- continuing employment and sponsor licence status
- new Certificate of Sponsorship details
- salary and occupation code
- work location and hours
- passport and identity evidence
- dependant status and applications
- whether the applicant may instead be eligible for settlement
A sponsored worker should apply before their current visa expires. Applying late can create immigration status problems and may affect the worker’s right to work.
Change of Employment Applications
A change of employment application may be required where a sponsored worker changes employer, changes job to a different occupation code, or moves into a role that is no longer covered by their existing permission.
The worker cannot simply start a new sponsored role without checking whether a new visa application is required. The new employer may need to assign a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship and the worker may need to wait for approval before starting the new role, depending on the circumstances.
A change of employment application may be needed if:
- the worker changes employer
- the worker changes to a different occupation code
- the worker changes from one sponsored route to another
- the role changes substantially
- the salary or work pattern changes in a way that affects eligibility
- the sponsor licence situation changes
Skilled Worker Visa Applications
The Skilled Worker route is one of the main sponsored work routes. To qualify, the worker must usually have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, an eligible occupation and the required salary for the role.
The worker must also normally prove knowledge of English and meet the maintenance requirement unless exempt.
Skilled Worker visa applications may be suitable for:
- overseas workers applying for entry clearance
- workers switching from another UK visa category
- existing Skilled Workers extending with the same employer
- workers changing employer or job
- dependants applying with or after the main applicant
Health and Care Worker Visa Applications
The Health and Care Worker route is a sponsored work route for eligible medical, health and adult social care roles with an approved sponsor. It is linked to the Skilled Worker route but has specific eligibility rules and lower visa fees.
Eligible Health and Care Worker applicants are generally exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, the role, sponsor and occupation code must all meet the Health and Care Worker requirements.
Care sector rules have changed significantly in recent years, so sponsors and applicants should check the current position before assigning a CoS or submitting a visa application.
Global Business Mobility Applications
Global Business Mobility routes are sponsored routes used for certain business mobility scenarios, including senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, UK expansion workers, service suppliers and secondment workers.
These routes are not the same as Skilled Worker visas and do not usually lead directly to settlement. The employer and worker must check the correct sub-route, overseas employment requirement, salary requirement, eligible occupation and maximum stay rules before applying.
Dependants of Sponsored Workers
A sponsored worker may be able to bring or be joined by their partner and children as dependants, depending on the route and the current rules.
Dependants usually need to submit separate applications, prove their relationship to the main applicant, provide identity documents and meet financial requirements unless exempt. In some routes or role categories, dependant restrictions may apply.
Dependants should not be treated as an afterthought. Errors in dependant applications can delay family travel, cause refusals or create separate immigration problems.
Eligibility Requirements
The exact eligibility requirements depend on the sponsored route. However, most sponsored migrant applications require careful checks of the following:
- valid sponsor licence
- valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- genuine vacancy
- eligible occupation code
- appropriate skill level
- minimum salary or going rate
- English language requirement where applicable
- financial maintenance requirement
- valid passport or identity document
- immigration history and suitability
- TB test where required
- criminal record certificate where required
- ATAS certificate where required
- dependant eligibility where applicable
Salary and Occupation Code Checks
Salary and occupation code checks are critical in sponsored work applications.
The occupation code must accurately reflect the job duties. The salary must meet the relevant threshold for the route, the worker, the role and the date of the Certificate of Sponsorship. Some roles have specific going rates and some applicants may be affected by transitional arrangements.
A mismatch between the job description, occupation code, salary and actual work can lead to visa refusal and may also create sponsor compliance risk.
Maintenance / Financial Requirement
Many sponsored workers must show that they have enough money to support themselves when they arrive in the UK, unless they are exempt or their sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
For Skilled Worker applications, the worker usually needs at least £1,270 available, unless they have been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months or the sponsor certifies maintenance. The funds usually need to be held for 28 consecutive days and the final day must be within 31 days of the application date.
Dependants may also need to meet financial requirements. The exact amount depends on the number of dependants and the route.
Documents Required
The documents required will depend on the worker’s route, country of residence, role, personal history and whether dependants are applying. However, common documents include:
Main Applicant Documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- valid passport or travel document
- proof of English language, where required
- job title and salary details
- occupation code
- sponsor name and sponsor licence number
- bank statements or maintenance evidence, where required
- TB certificate, where required
- criminal record certificate, where required
- ATAS certificate, where required
- PhD or Ecctis evidence, where relevant
- current BRP or eVisa/share code evidence for in-country applicants
- previous UK visa or immigration documents
- certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh
Dependant Documents
- passport or travel document
- relationship evidence
- marriage or civil partnership certificate where relevant
- birth certificates for children
- evidence of cohabitation where required
- financial evidence where required
- TB certificate where required
- immigration status documents if applying in-country
Application Fees and IHS
Sponsored work visa costs vary depending on the visa route, whether the applicant applies from inside or outside the UK, the length of the visa, whether the role is on a lower-fee category, and whether dependants apply.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees
For Skilled Worker applications, the standard visa fee currently ranges from £819 to £1,865 depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and whether the visa is for up to 3 years or more than 3 years.
Jobs on the Immigration Salary List may attract a lower application fee. Applicants are told the exact fee when they apply.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually £1,035 per year for most adult visa applicants. Some applicants, including eligible Health and Care Worker visa applicants, may be exempt.
Employer-Side Costs
Employers may also need to pay costs such as the Certificate of Sponsorship fee and, in relevant cases, the Immigration Skills Charge. These costs are separate from the worker’s visa application fee and should be checked before sponsorship begins.
Fees change regularly. Aspen Crown Solicitors can check the current fees before the application is submitted.
Processing Times
Processing times vary by route and application location. For Skilled Worker applications, UKVI usually gives a decision within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK, once the applicant has applied online, proved identity and provided documents.
Applications can take longer if documents need to be verified, an interview is required, there are criminality issues, or UKVI needs further information.
Priority or super priority services may be available in some cases, depending on the route, location and availability at the time of application.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Sponsored migrant visa applications may be refused for reasons including:
- incorrect Certificate of Sponsorship details
- wrong occupation code
- salary below the required threshold
- job does not appear genuine
- sponsor licence issue
- insufficient English language evidence
- maintenance evidence missing or defective
- incorrect application form or route selected
- TB certificate missing where required
- criminal record certificate missing where required
- ATAS certificate missing where required
- inconsistent job title, salary or work location
- applicant applied too early or after CoS expiry
- adverse immigration history or suitability concerns
- dependant relationship evidence not accepted
A refusal can cause delay, additional cost and disruption to employment plans. In some cases, the worker may be able to request an administrative review or submit a fresh application, depending on the refusal reason.
After Visa Approval
If the application is approved, the worker will receive confirmation of their immigration permission. Depending on the application type and nationality, they may receive digital immigration status, a visa vignette for travel, or instructions on how to access their eVisa.
Before the worker starts work, the sponsor must carry out a compliant right to work check. The sponsor must also keep records and report relevant changes during the sponsorship period.
Sponsored workers can usually:
- work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role
- study subject to route conditions
- bring eligible dependants where permitted
- travel outside the UK and return while permission is valid
- apply to extend where eligible
- apply for settlement where the route leads to ILR and the requirements are met
Sponsored workers usually cannot:
- access most public funds
- change employer without checking whether a new application is required
- take employment outside the conditions of their visa
- remain in the UK after permission expires without making a valid in-time application
How Aspen Crown Solicitors Can Help
Sponsored migrant visa applications involve both immigration rules and sponsor compliance issues. A successful application requires accurate coordination between the employer, worker and supporting documents.
Aspen Crown Solicitors can assist with:
- entry clearance applications for sponsored workers
- in-country switching applications
- Skilled Worker visa applications
- Health and Care Worker visa applications
- Global Business Mobility applications
- extension applications
- change of employment applications
- dependant applications
- CoS review before visa submission
- salary and occupation code checks
- maintenance and document checks
- application form preparation
- legal representations
- urgent applications and priority service advice
- visa refusal advice and administrative review
- post-approval sponsor compliance guidance
Our aim is to help employers and workers avoid preventable mistakes, reduce delay and prepare a clear application that matches the sponsor licence, CoS and immigration rules.
Sponsored Migrant Visa Legal Services
Our fees depend on the route, urgency, number of applicants, complexity of the role, evidence required and whether dependants are included.
Aspen Crown Solicitors can assist with:
- entry clearance applications for sponsored workers
- in-country switching applications
- Skilled Worker visa applications
- Health and Care Worker visa applications
- Global Business Mobility applications
- extension applications
- change of employment applications
- dependant applications
- CoS review before visa submission
- salary and occupation code checks
- maintenance and document checks
- application form preparation
- legal representations
- urgent applications and priority service advice
- visa refusal advice and administrative review
- post-approval sponsor compliance guidance
Our aim is to help employers and workers avoid preventable mistakes, reduce delay and prepare a clear application that matches the sponsor licence, CoS and immigration rules.
Initial Consultation
From £100-£200
For employers or workers who need advice before submitting a sponsored migrant visa application.
Entry Clearance Application
Fixed fee available after assessment
For sponsored workers applying from outside the UK after a Certificate of Sponsorship has been assigned.
In-Country Switching Application
Fixed fee available after assessment
For applicants already in the UK who want to switch into a sponsored work route.
Extension Application
Fixed fee available after assessment
For sponsored workers continuing with the same employer and requiring further permission to stay.
Change of Employment Application
Fixed fee available after assessment
For sponsored workers changing employer, changing role, or moving to a new sponsored job.
Dependant Applications
Fixed fee available after assessment
For partners and children applying with or after the main sponsored worker.
Additional Costs
- Home Office application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable
- priority or super priority service fee, where available
- visa application centre or UKVCAS appointment fee, where applicable
- translation costs
- TB test costs
- criminal record certificate costs
- ATAS application preparation support, if required
- courier or document handling costs, where applicable
Frequently Asked
Common questions, answered honestly.
Immigration law is rarely simple. Here are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn’t here — just ask.
What is a sponsored migrant visa application?
It is the worker’s visa application after a licensed UK sponsor has offered them an eligible role and assigned, or arranged approval for, a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Is a Certificate of Sponsorship enough to get a visa?
No. A CoS is required for many sponsored work routes, but the worker must still make a valid visa application and meet the full immigration requirements.
What is the difference between entry clearance and an in-country application?
Entry clearance is an application made from outside the UK. An in-country application is made from inside the UK and may involve switching, extending or updating visa permission.
How long is a Certificate of Sponsorship valid for?
A CoS must normally be used within 3 months of assignment. The worker must also not apply more than 3 months before the start date of the job listed on the CoS.
Can a worker apply before the job start date?
Yes, but they must not apply more than 3 months before the job start date listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
How long does a Skilled Worker visa decision take?
UKVI usually gives a decision within 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications from inside the UK, although some applications can take longer.
Can a sponsored worker switch employers?
Often yes, but they may need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new visa application before starting the new role. The position should be checked before any move is made.
Can sponsored workers bring family members?
In many sponsored routes, partners and children can apply as dependants, but restrictions can apply to some routes and role categories. Each dependant must meet the relevant requirements.
Does the worker need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Most adult sponsored workers pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, but eligible Health and Care Worker visa applicants are generally exempt.
Can Aspen Crown Solicitors help both the employer and worker?
Yes. We can assist with the employer-side sponsor licence and CoS issues, and the worker-side visa application. Where there is any conflict of interest, we will explain this clearly and advise on the appropriate arrangement.
Contact Details
Speak with us directly.
Reach out by phone, email, or use the form and we’ll be in touch promptly.
Get in Touch
Book a consultation.
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll arrange a call at a time that suits you — no obligation.
Contact Details
Speak with us directly.
Reach out by phone, email, or use the form, and we’ll be in touch promptly.
Phone
(+44) 01206 489077
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
Office
Aspen Crown Solicitors
The North Colchester Business Centre, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9AD
Office Hours
Mon – Fri
9:00am – 5:00pm
Urgent Matters
If you have an urgent or time-sensitive immigration issue, please call us directly or mark your enquiry as urgent.
Emergency Contact: (+44) 01206 489077