Sponsored work visas — employer-tied routes across 10 destinations
Employer-sponsored work visas are the largest visa family globally. They require an offer of employment from a government-licensed sponsor, a minimum skill level (typically RQF 3–6 or equivalent), and a salary threshold set by the destination. Examples include the UK Skilled Worker visa, the US H-1B, Germany's EU Blue Card, Australia's subclass 482, and Canada's TFWP permits.
Typical characteristics
- Requires an employer offer before you can apply.
- Sponsor must usually be on a public register of licensed employers.
- Often tied to a specific role and employer; changing jobs typically requires a new application.
- Most lead to settlement after a defined qualifying period of 3–5 years.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland(3 routes)
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Scale-up visa
Sponsored route for workers joining qualifying fast-growing UK scale-up businesses, with faster settlement timelines.
Republic of Ireland(2 routes)
Federal Republic of Germany(3 routes)
EU Blue Card (Germany)
Work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a qualifying German job offer.
Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG)
General sponsored work residence permit for qualified non-EU workers with a German job offer.
Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)
Residence permit allowing skilled workers to complete their qualification recognition while living and working in Germany.
Portuguese Republic(1 route)
Kingdom of Spain(1 route)
Kingdom of the Netherlands(2 routes)
United Arab Emirates(1 route)
Commonwealth of Australia(2 routes)
United States of America(3 routes)
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.