Sponsorship

Updates on sponsor licenses, guidance changes, and compliance requirements for employers.

4 Articles

A professional desk setting with UK immigration documents and a globe, symbolising international HR and compliance.

Sponsorship•23 Feb 2026·6 min

Compassionate Leave Policy Updated for Sponsors on UK Visas

The Home Office has updated rules on compassionate leave for sponsored workers in the UK. This article reports the changes affecting employers, sponsored staff, and compliance.

Digital concept of the modernised Certificate of Sponsorship system for UK visa sponsors

Sponsorship•23 Feb 2026·5 min

Modernised Certificate of Sponsorship for UK Visa Sponsors

The Home Office has launched a modernised digital Certificate of Sponsorship system for UK visa sponsors, with significant changes to application workflows and compliance.

A professional desk with a UK sponsor licence document, a passport, and a laptop showing workforce management.

Sponsorship•23 Feb 2026·6 min

UK Implements Strict New Rules for Skilled Worker Sponsorship

Home Office introduces stricter Skilled Worker visa sponsorship rules for sponsors. Changes affect recruitment, CoS allocation, and compliance requirements.

Medical stethoscope and visa document illustration

Sponsorship•12 Mar 2025·4 min

New Rules to Prioritise Recruiting Care Workers in England

Care providers must distinctively prove domestic recruitment efforts before sponsoring overseas workers.

Key Figures 2026

Verified from gov.uk

£41,700

Skilled Worker Threshold

General minimum salary

£1,035

Health Surcharge (IHS)

Per year (standard)

£33,400

New Entrant Minimum

Under 26 / recent grads

£25,000

Health & Care Minimum

NHS & social care roles

Full salary breakdown

Quick Tools

Official gov.uk services

Key Dates

1 Feb 2026

ETA mandatory enforcement begins

Apr 2026

Expected IHS annual review

6 Apr 2026

New tax year - salary recalculations

Processing Times

Typical decision timeframes

Visa Type	Standard	Priority
Skilled Worker	3 weeks	5 days
Health & Care	3 weeks	5 days
Student	3 weeks	5 days
ETA	3 days	—

Times are estimates. Priority/Super Priority services available for additional fees (£500/£1,000).