Which Visa Route Is Right For You?
Overview: UK Sponsorship Visa Routes (2026)
Check our database to see which companies are licensed.
The UK offers several visa routes for sponsored workers. Each has different requirements, costs, and paths to settlement. Understanding which route applies to your situation is critical for success.
- Salary increased to £41,700 (from £38,700) for Skilled Worker
- English requirement raised to B2 level (from B1) for new applicants
- Skill level now RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree equivalent) from July 2025
- Settlement path extending from 5 to 10 years (expected April 2026)
- Care worker recruitment ended (July 22, 2025) for SOC 6135/6136
1. Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker Visa
The main route for most sponsored jobs in the UK
Who It’s For
This is the standard long-term work visa for professionals including software engineers, accountants, marketing managers, teachers, architects, and most other skilled roles.
2026 Key Requirements
- Job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer
- Minimum salary: £41,700 or the going rate for your occupation (whichever is higher)
- Skill level: RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree equivalent) – Changed July 2025
- English: B2 level for new applicants (B1 for extensions) – Changed January 2026
- £1,270 savings (unless your sponsor certifies maintenance)
Path to Settlement (ILR)
Currently: 5 years → Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
From April 2026: Expected to extend to 10 years under the new “earned settlement” model
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Path to permanent settlement
- Can bring dependants
- Can switch employers
- Covers most professions
Cons
- High salary threshold (£41,700)
- Strict skill level requirement
- Expensive visa fees + IHS
- Settlement now takes 10 years
2. Health & Care Worker Visa
Health & Care Worker Visa
Fast-track route for healthcare professionals
Who It’s For
Qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals (physiotherapists, radiographers, etc.), and adult social care workers employed by the NHS, NHS suppliers, or UK adult social care sector.
2026 Key Requirements
- Job in eligible health/care role (NHS, NHS supplier, adult social care)
- Minimum salary: £25,000 or going rate/NHS pay band (whichever higher)
- English proficiency demonstrated through test or degree
- Criminal record certificate for care and medical roles
Special Benefits
- Reduced visa fee: Lower application costs than Skilled Worker
- Fast-tracked processing: Usually within 3 weeks
- NO Immigration Health Surcharge: Save £1,035+ per year
Path to Settlement
5 years to ILR (may extend to 10 years from April 2026 under new rules)
3. Global Business Mobility Routes
Global Business Mobility
For overseas employees transferring to UK branch
This route has two main sub-categories for international companies operating in the UK:
A. UK Expansion Worker
Purpose: For senior managers and specialist employees to establish a new UK branch or subsidiary
- Duration: Maximum 12 months
- Salary: £48,500 minimum
- Skill level: RQF Level 6 or higher
- Experience: Must have worked for overseas company for 12+ months
- Settlement: ❌ No path to ILR
B. Senior or Specialist Worker
Purpose: For transfers to an existing UK branch of an overseas company
- Duration: 5 years maximum (if earning under £73,900) or 9 years (if earning £73,900+)
- Salary: £48,500 minimum or going rate (whichever higher)
- Experience: Must have worked for overseas employer for 12+ months (unless earning £73,900+ or Japanese national)
- Settlement: ❌ No direct path to ILR
4. Graduate Visa
Graduate Visa
2-3 years to find sponsored work after UK study
Who It’s For
Recent graduates of UK universities who want time to find a sponsored job without needing immediate sponsorship.
Key Features
- No sponsor needed initially: You can work for any employer
- Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
- No salary minimum: Work in any role at any pay level
- Cannot extend: Must switch to Skilled Worker or another visa before expiry
⚠️ Important: The Graduate Visa does NOT have a path to settlement. You MUST switch to Skilled Worker visa (which requires sponsorship) before your Graduate Visa expires if you want to stay long-term.
Why It Matters
This visa is a strategic stepping stone. It’s much easier to get sponsored when you’re already in the UK, have UK work experience, and can interview in person. About 60% of current Skilled Worker visa holders used a pathway like this.
5. Scale-up Visa
Scale-up Visa
For jobs at high-growth UK companies
Who It’s For
Workers joining fast-growing UK businesses that meet specific growth criteria (20%+ annual revenue/employee growth over 3 years).
Key Requirements
- Sponsor needed: Only for first 6 months
- Salary: £37,700 minimum
- Skill level: RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree)
- English: B1 level
Unique Advantage
🚀 Job Flexibility: After 6 months, you can change jobs WITHOUT needing a new sponsor, as long as:
- Your new job still meets the salary requirement (£37,700+)
- The role is at the same skill level (RQF 6)
Path to Settlement
5 years → Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Visa Route Comparison Table
* Expected to change from 5 to 10 years in April 2026
** Not permitted for care workers (SOC 6135/6136) after March 11, 2024
