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What is the process that an employer has to go through at present to recruit and sponsor an EEA or a non-EEA worker for a visa?

Firstly, an employer needs to hold a sponsor licence with UK Visas & Immigration. This requires them to go through the application process so that UKVI is satisfied that it is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK and has the procedures and processes in place to take responsibility for workers that are sponsored.

Once a suitable candidate is identified the employer will need to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and assign this to the prospective employee.

Once the individual has the CoS, they will then be able to apply for their visa to work in the UK using their assigned CoS.

Read more about this and other questions in our

Sponsor licences section.

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Disclaimer

Given the fast pace of change, we would stress that this information is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

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