Sponsoring Workers Solicitors with Offices Across Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire
Sponsoring a non‑UK national to work in your business requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the Home Office’s eligibility criteria. Even with a Sponsor Licence in place, not every role qualifies for sponsorship and immigration rules change frequently, meaning employers must regularly review roles to ensure they remain compliant.
At Trethowans, we provide clear, practical advice to help employers assess whether a role can be sponsored and guide them through each stage of sponsoring a worker.
What do our Sponsoring Worker solicitors do?
Before a business can sponsor an individual to work in the UK, the role must meet three key Home Office criteria. It is essential for employers to assess these requirements before starting the sponsorship process.
1. Is the role at the right skill level?
Only roles included on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations can be sponsored. If a role does not appear on the list, it may not be possible to employ someone on a Skilled Worker visa.
A small number of roles may qualify for a temporary short-term visa through the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, but these are subject to changes at short notice and are subject to additional conditions.
2. Is the role a genuine vacancy?
Businesses must be able to show that there is a real and legitimate need for the role. Roles cannot be created solely to facilitate someone’s entry to the UK. The Home Office may request evidence demonstrating the role’s authenticity.
3. Does the salary meet the minimum threshold?
Salaries must meet:
- The general Skilled Worker salary level, and
- the occupation-specific minimum salary stated in Home Office guidance
Only in limited circumstances can reduced salary thresholds apply.
Applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
If a role meets all these requirements, a business must then apply for a certificate of sponsorship to give permission to sponsor a specific role. There are different processes depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the UK when they apply.
Once a certificate of sponsorship has been granted, the individual will apply for their Skilled Worker visa. This application has to be submitted by the individual but many businesses chose to support individuals with their application to ensure a successful outcome.
The individual is only able to work for the business as a Skilled Worker once this application has been granted. There are strict rules on travelling to the UK until a visa is granted.
Our expertise in sponsoring workers
Our experienced Immigration team can support with:
- Assessing whether a role is eligible for sponsorship
- Identifying SOC codes and determining skill and salary requirements
- Advising on risks associated with proposed arrangements
- Applying for Certificates of Sponsorship
- Supporting applicants through the Skilled Worker visa process
- Advising on dependants’ applications
- Ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules
For tailored support at any stage of the sponsorship process, contact us on 0800 2800 421.
Why choose Trethowans for sponsoring workers?
Employing overseas talent can be transformative for your business, but only if the sponsorship process is compliant, timely and clearly understood. Our team offers:
- Practical, commercially‑focused advice
- Clear assessments of role eligibility
- Meticulous preparation of sponsorship documentation
- Guidance on Skilled Worker visa requirements
- Support for both employers and sponsored individuals
- Integrated employment law expertise where needed
We help employers reduce risk, avoid delays and make confident hiring decisions.
More about sponsoring workers
Sponsorship is a partnership between the employer and the Home Office. Businesses must not only ensure the role meets the eligibility criteria but also remain compliant with reporting duties, salary updates and changes to working arrangements.
Our team can advise on:
- Linking roles to the correct SOC code
- Reviewing job descriptions for accuracy
- Salary benchmarking against Home Office thresholds
- Understanding switching rules for applicants already in the UK
- Coordinating timelines for CoS assignment and visa applications
For further information, see our pages on Applying for a Sponsor Licence, Skilled Worker visas, and Right to Work checks.
Contact Trethowans Sponsoring Worker solicitors today
For specialist advice on sponsoring workers or Skilled Worker visa applications, contact our team on 0800 2800 421.
