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How do I sponsor a migrant?

An interview panel

Codes of practice for the sponsored skilled workers tier

This page explains the codes of practice that you must use to check the skill level and appropriate rate for the job you want to employ the migrant for, in tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system, and advice on where to advertise the job.

Changes to sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5

Changes to sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5

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This section is under development and we will be adding to the content in the coming weeks. The current content is provisional and may change before the launch of the sponsored skilled worker tier. If you think any information in the codes of practice is wrong, use the email address below to tell us. 

Sponsoring skilled workers

Before you can sponsor a skilled migrant, you need to check that the job you are sponsoring them to do meets the conditions of the sponsored skilled worker tier.

  • the job must be skilled at N/SVQ level 3 or above; and
  • the job must be paid at the appropriate rate or above; and
  • you must normally have carried out a resident labour market test for the job before sponsoring a migrant.

If the job does not meet the conditions of the code of practice, you cannot issue a certificate of sponsorship.

See the resident labour market test for more information about the types of application where you do not have to carry out the test. Even if you do not have to carry out the test, you need to check the codes of practice to check that the job is skilled and that it is paid at the appropriate rate.

The migrant will still need to score enough points to qualify under the skilled migrant tier. If the job meets the conditions above, this does not necessarily mean that the migrant's application will be approved.

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What each code includes

Each code includes the following:

  • the skilled jobs at National or Scottish Vocational Qualification (NVQ or SVQ) level 3 or above in each occupation that sponsors are allowed to issue a certificate of sponsorship for;
  • the minimum appropriate salary rates, as defined by the 25th percentile of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) or by an alternative code of practice;
  • the acceptable media and methods for meeting the resident labour market test.

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How the codes have been developed

These codes of practice have been drawn up based on advice from industry experts and the Migration Advisory Committee. They are the official guidance for sponsors and caseworkers.

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How to tell us if you think the information in the code is wrong

If you feel that any of the information in these codes of practice is wrong, please contact us at PBSOperationalPolicy@ukba.gsi.gov.uk. Please send as much information and evidence as you can to support any changes you are asking for. We will look at your suggestions and update the codes of practice if necessary.

You must not act against the code of practice while we are considering your update.

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Creative sector codes

Codes of practice have agreed with the sector for:

  • dance;
  • theatre;
  • film and television.

If you want to bring migrants to the United Kingdom in these areas through tier 2 or the creative and sporting category of tier 5, you will need to meet the requirements in these codes.

The creative sector codes are:

 

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The codes

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Terms explained

  • Resident labour market test

    This is the process an employer must follow before employing a person who is not a permanent resident of the United Kingdom if he/she is first required to show that no resident worker could be found to take a job.

All glossary terms

Policy & Law

Related documents

Internet links