✈️ Immigration RightsUK Work Visas and Sponsorship Rules — Your Rights Explained
Learn your rights under UK work visa sponsorship rules. Clear guidance on visas, employer duties, and what to do if things go wrong.
Last verified: April 2026
Moving to the UK to work? Understanding work visas and sponsorship rules is essential to protect your rights and avoid legal issues. This guide explains your entitlements, employer responsibilities, and what to do if your visa or job is at risk.
⚖️ Your Key Rights
- ✓You have the right to work only for the employer and in the job role listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- ✓Your employer must pay you at least the minimum salary required for your visa type and role, as stated by the Home Office.
- ✓You have the right to fair treatment and cannot be dismissed or penalised for raising concerns about your visa or working conditions.
- ✓You can change jobs, but your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue you a new CoS before you can start.
- ✓You have the right to access healthcare through the NHS if you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- ✓You cannot be forced to work more hours than allowed by your visa conditions, unless your visa permits it.
- ✓You have the right to appeal or challenge a visa refusal or revocation decision through official UK government processes.
📋 Common Situations Explained
Your employer stops sponsoring your visa
If your employer withdraws sponsorship, your visa becomes invalid. You may have 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK. In some cases, you can switch to a different visa type if eligible.
You’re asked to work in a different role or location
Changing your job role or workplace without updating your CoS is illegal. Your employer must apply to change your sponsorship details. If they don’t, you could be working illegally.
Your visa application is refused
A refusal doesn’t always mean you can’t reapply. You may be able to address the issue (e.g., missing documents) and reapply, or challenge the decision through an administrative review.
You’re paid below the required salary for your visa
Employers must pay the minimum salary set by the Home Office for your role and visa type. If you’re underpaid, you can report this to the Home Office or seek legal advice.
You want to change jobs but your new employer isn’t a sponsor
You cannot start a new job unless your new employer has a sponsor licence and issues you a CoS. Without this, you risk overstaying your visa. Consider roles with approved sponsors or other visa options.
🚀 What To Do
- 1Check if your job and employer are eligible for a work visa by visiting the GOV.UK ‘Check if you can work in the UK’ tool.
- 2Ask your employer for a copy of your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and confirm your role and salary match the details on your visa.
- 3Keep records of your payslips, employment contract, and any communication about your visa or job changes.
- 4If your employer stops sponsoring you, act quickly—seek a new sponsor or explore other visa options within 60 days.
- 5Report any issues (e.g., underpayment, unsafe conditions) to the Home Office or a relevant body like ACAS or the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
- 6If your visa is refused, review the refusal notice carefully and consider reapplying with correct documents or requesting an administrative review.
👨⚖️ When to Get a Lawyer
If your visa is refused, revoked, or you face unfair treatment at work related to your immigration status, speak to an immigration solicitor. They can help challenge decisions or explore legal options.
🔗 Official Resources
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