General information
UK sponsorship guidance, explained clearly
Plain English guidance for international skilled workers who want to understand sponsor licences, Skilled Worker jobs, salary checks, occupation codes and safe applications before they apply.
Start here
Understand sponsorship
Learn what a sponsor licence is and why the employer must be approved.
Check your occupation
Find the closest occupation code and understand whether the role is eligible.
Check salary rules
Compare the offered salary with the general threshold and the going rate.
Apply safely
Avoid job for fee scams, false promises and unverified advisers.
Featured guidance
How the Skilled Worker route works
A plain English overview of the main sponsored work route, used across every sector from IT and engineering to healthcare and finance, and how sponsorship fits in.
Read more →Salary thresholds and the going rate concept
How the general salary threshold and the occupation specific going rate work together, in general terms.
Read more →Skill level and occupation codes
What skill classification means, how occupation codes are grouped and why eligibility must be checked against the current Home Office list.
Read more →The B2 English language requirement
A general explanation of the English language standard and common ways to meet it.
Read more →The care worker route closure and in country switching
Why new overseas recruitment of care workers closed in July 2025, and what in country switching means during the transition.
Read more →How credential recognition works (UK ENIC, formerly NARIC)
How to get your overseas qualifications compared with UK standards, and where to apply.
Read more →Why salary and occupation code checks matter
A Skilled Worker role must match an eligible occupation code and meet the relevant salary rule. Each occupation code can have its own going rate, and healthcare or education roles may follow different salary treatment.
- Find the closest occupation code
- Check whether it is eligible
- Check the standard salary threshold
- Check the going rate
- Check healthcare or education rules where relevant
- Check the sponsor and job details before applying
Please read
Important note for care worker applicants
Care worker and senior care worker rules have changed. If you are outside the UK, check the current Home Office position before applying for a care worker route. If you are already in the UK, in country switching or extension rules may be different.
Read care worker guidanceGeneral information
This guidance helps you understand the system, in plain English, across every sponsored sector.
Not immigration advice
It is not advice about your personal case. For your circumstances, speak to an IAA registered adviser or qualified solicitor.
Rules can change
Thresholds, occupation lists and routes change over time. Always check the current Home Office position.
Use guidance before you apply
Check the sponsor, salary, occupation code and route before spending time on applications.
This is general information, not immigration advice. Thresholds and rules change and depend on your specific circumstances. For advice on your own case, consult an adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or a qualified solicitor.