Does this letter replace the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

No. For a Skilled Worker Visa, the Certificate of Sponsorship is the primary document issued through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). This employer support letter is a supplementary document that provides additional context and can strengthen the application. The CoS is mandatory; this letter is optional but recommended.

Must the letter be on company headed paper?

Yes, it is strongly recommended that the letter is printed on official company headed paper with the company logo, address, and registration number. This adds credibility and makes it easier for UKVI to verify the employer's identity. The letter should be signed in wet ink by an authorised representative.

Can a small business with no HR department write this letter?

Yes. The letter can be written and signed by a company director, managing director, or any authorised representative. There is no requirement for a dedicated HR department. The signatory should state their name, job title, and authority to write on behalf of the company.

Is the employer responsible if the visa is refused?

The employer is not legally liable for a visa refusal. However, if the employer has provided false or misleading information, this could constitute an offence under section 26(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1971. Additionally, the Home Office may take compliance action against the employer's sponsor licence if irregularities are discovered.

Do I need to explain why the role cannot be filled by a UK worker?

The formal Resident Labour Market Test was abolished in December 2020 for the Skilled Worker route. However, providing context about why the applicant was selected — particularly their specialist skills or qualifications — can strengthen the application. For certain routes or where the salary is below the standard threshold, additional justification may be helpful.

Free Employer Visa Support Letter Template

An employer visa support letter is a formal letter written by a UK employer to support an employee's or prospective employee's visa application.

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company-details

Company Name*

Company Address*

Company Registration Number*

Sponsor Licence Number (if applicable)

HR Contact / Signatory Name*

HR Contact Email

HR Contact Phone

applicant-details

Employee / Applicant Name*

role-details

Job Title*

Annual Salary*

Employment Start Date*

Duration of Employment / Contract*

Why This Role Cannot Be Filled Locally (if Skilled Worker)

Required for Skilled Worker visa applications. Explain recruitment efforts and why the applicant was selected.

letter

Date of Letter*

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[companyName] [companyAddress] Company Registration: [companyRegNumber] [date] To: The Entry Clearance Officer / Caseworker UK Visas and Immigration Dear Sir or Madam, Re: Employer Support Letter for [applicantName] — Visa Application I am writing on behalf of [companyName] (Company Registration Number: [companyRegNumber]) to support the visa application of [applicantName]. Company Overview [companyName] is a UK-registered company based at the address above. I am [hrContactName] and I am authorised to write this letter on behalf of the company. Employment Details We confirm that [applicantName] has been offered / is employed in the position of [jobTitle] with an annual salary of [salary]. The employment is [employmentDuration], with a start date of [startDate]. We confirm that this role is genuine and that [applicantName] has the qualifications, skills, and experience required to perform the duties of this position. We are fully committed to complying with all UK immigration laws and our obligations as a sponsor. We will ensure that [applicantName] works only in the capacity described and at the salary stated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or clarification. Yours faithfully, ___________________________ [hrContactName] [companyName]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

Under Part 2 of the Immigration Rules and Appendix Skilled Worker, employers must hold a valid sponsor licence to sponsor workers under the Skilled Worker route. The Immigration Rules set minimum salary thresholds (currently £38,700 general threshold or the going rate for the SOC code, whichever is higher, subject to tradeable points and new entrant rates). Employers must comply with their sponsor duties under the Immigration Rules and the Points-Based System guidance, including record-keeping and reporting obligations. Failure to comply with sponsor duties can result in revocation of the sponsor licence under Tier 2/5 sponsor guidance. The Companies Act 2006 requires the company registration number to be displayed on official correspondence.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Templates

Visa Sponsorship Letter Visa Invitation Letter Financial Support Letter Proof of Accommodation Letter