Protect yourself from fake UK sponsorship offers
International workers are often targeted by people selling fake jobs, fake sponsorship and false visa promises. Learn what to check before you pay, sign or send documents.
Major warning signs
You are asked to pay for sponsorship
A genuine employer should not sell you a Certificate of Sponsorship or charge you a fee for being sponsored.
You are promised a guaranteed visa
No recruiter, employer or adviser can guarantee a visa decision.
You are rushed to pay quickly
Be careful if someone asks for urgent payment by cash, money transfer, crypto or a personal bank account.
The employer cannot be verified
Check the employer name against the Home Office sponsor register and make sure the details match.
The adviser is not regulated
Immigration advice in the UK must come from an IAA registered adviser or a qualified legal professional.
You are asked to send original documents
Do not hand over original passports, certificates or identity documents to anyone you cannot verify.
Your safe search checklist
- Check the employer on the sponsor register
- Check the job title, salary and SOC code
- Check whether the job is really open to sponsorship
- Check any adviser on the IAA register
- Never pay for a guaranteed job or visa
- Keep copies of all messages, receipts and job adverts
How we help
What Global Talent Network helps you do
Global Talent Network helps you search sponsor focused listings, check employers, understand basic salary rules and avoid job for fee schemes. You still apply directly to employers yourself.
Please read
Be careful with sponsorship fees
Some costs are part of the official visa process, but a worker should be very careful if someone asks them to pay for being sponsored, pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship or repay employer sponsor costs. Employers must pay certain sponsor costs themselves, including the Immigration Skills Charge.
If you are unsure, pause before paying and get independent advice from a regulated adviser or qualified solicitor.
If you think you have been targeted
Stop payment if possible
If you have been asked to pay, do not send money. If you already paid by card or bank, contact your bank straight away.
Save evidence
Keep the job advert, messages, names, payment requests and receipts. They help any report you make.
Report visa scams
You can report immigration and visa scams to the authorities. You will never be asked to pay for a visa using cash or money transfer.
Check a regulated adviser
Immigration advice must come from an IAA registered adviser or an approved professional body member. Verify before you trust anyone.
Information and listings service
We provide sponsor focused job listings, guidance and tools.
Not a recruitment agency
We do not represent, shortlist, submit, pitch or place candidates.
Not an immigration adviser
We provide general information only. For advice about your case, speak to an IAA registered adviser or qualified solicitor.
Search safely before you apply
Start with sponsor focused listings, salary checks and plain English guidance before spending time or money on a UK job application.
This is general information, not immigration advice. A legitimate employer never charges a worker a fee for sponsorship. For advice on your own case, consult an adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or a qualified solicitor.