| Offer & Sponsorship |
Secure employment with licensed sponsor; obtain Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
| Application |
Apply online with documents; pay visa & health surcharge |
| Processing |
Decision typically in 3–8 weeks after biometric appointment |
| Work & Rights |
Live and work legally; NHS care; bring family; supplementary work allowed |
| Switching Jobs |
Allowed if new employer is licensed and issues new CoS |
| ILR Eligibility |
After 5 years of qualifying stay; fixed criteria and application fee apply |
| Citizenship |
Possible after ILR status for one year |
| Policy Changes |
New rules effective July 2025 may impact thresholds and settlement timelines |