You need a confirmed job offer
You must have a confirmed offer for an eligible job from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. Appearing on the sponsor register means an organisation holds a sponsor licence; it does not mean every vacancy it advertises is eligible or that it will sponsor every applicant.
The employer must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship
The employer gives you an electronic Certificate of Sponsorship, usually called a CoS, containing details about the job. You will need its reference number for your application. A job advert, offer letter or sponsor-register entry is not a substitute for a valid CoS.
The occupation must be eligible
Ask the employer for the four-digit occupation code and check it against the current eligible-occupations table. Eligibility follows the duties and occupation code, not simply the job title. Some medium-skilled occupations qualify only through a specific list or transitional provision.
The salary must meet the applicable rules
The salary must normally meet both the general threshold and the going rate for the occupation code. Different rules can apply to healthcare and education roles, eligible new entrants, certain PhD-level roles, jobs on specified lists and some people extending or updating an existing visa.
You must meet the other application requirements
You will usually need to prove your knowledge of English and provide identity and job information. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need evidence of savings, a tuberculosis test, a criminal-record certificate, an ATAS certificate or evidence relating to dependants. Check the current document list for your situation before applying.
Use SponsorRoles as a starting point
SponsorRoles can help you find register-matched employers and adverts. It does not decide visa eligibility. Confirm the legal employer, occupation code, salary, sponsorship decision and CoS directly with the employer, then verify the current rules on GOV.UK.
Official sources
This guide supports your research and is not individual immigration advice.
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