Teacher Visa Sponsorship UK: Eligibility & Process

Teacher visa sponsorship in the UK is possible under the Skilled Worker route, allowing UK schools to recruit qualified teachers from overseas. Schools must be licensed sponsors to hire non-UK teachers, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements set by the Home Office.

To sponsor a teacher, the school must offer a role that meets the skill level and salary threshold requirements. Teachers must also demonstrate English language proficiency and meet any financial or health-related criteria. The school assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which the teacher uses to apply for their visa.

Sponsoring a teacher brings several responsibilities for employers. Schools must keep accurate records, track attendance and report any changes in employment status to the Home Office. Failure to comply with sponsorship duties can result in licence suspension or revocation, preventing the school from hiring overseas staff in the future.

For teachers, visa sponsorship provides a route to work in the UK but comes with conditions. Those who do not meet ongoing visa requirements, such as employment status or salary levels, may have their permission curtailed. Schools considering sponsorship should ensure they fully understand the financial, legal and administrative obligations before proceeding with applications.

In this guide, we set out the rules on visa sponsorship for teachers, with practical advice for employers and teachers.

 

Can a UK school sponsor a teacher from overseas?

 

UK schools can sponsor teachers from overseas under the Skilled Worker visa route. To do this, the school must hold a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. This licence allows them to employ non-UK teachers in eligible teaching roles that meet the required skill and salary thresholds.

The process begins with the school applying for a sponsor licence if they do not already have one. This involves demonstrating that the institution is a legitimate employer with the ability to comply with sponsorship duties, including monitoring and reporting the employment status of sponsored workers. The school must also ensure that the teaching role being offered qualifies under the Skilled Worker visa requirements, including minimum salary thresholds and subject eligibility.

Once the school is a licensed sponsor, it can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a qualified teacher from overseas. The teacher then uses this certificate to apply for their Skilled Worker visa. If successful, they can come to the UK and work for the school under the conditions of their visa.

Sponsoring a teacher comes with ongoing responsibilities. Schools must report any significant changes, such as absences, contract changes, or termination of employment, to the Home Office. Failure to comply with these duties can lead to the suspension or revocation of the school’s sponsor licence, affecting their ability to recruit international staff in the future.

While sponsorship enables schools to address teacher shortages, it requires a clear understanding of the financial, administrative, and legal commitments involved. Schools should ensure they have the necessary resources to manage the process effectively and remain compliant with Home Office regulations.

 

Skilled Worker visa salary requirements for teachers

 

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, overseas teachers must be paid a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office. As of the latest guidelines, the minimum salary requirement for teachers is £23,200 per year or £11.31 per hour. However, for many teachers, the salary threshold is aligned with the national pay scale for teachers in England.

The required salary varies depending on the teacher’s subject, location, and level of experience. In some cases, teachers in shortage subjects, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry, and certain modern foreign languages, may be eligible for slightly lower salary thresholds.

Schools must ensure that they offer salaries that meet these requirements; otherwise, the teacher’s visa application may be refused. If a school offers a salary below the required threshold, they may not be able to sponsor the teacher under the Skilled Worker route.

Schools also have to maintain compliance with the relevant salary requirements throughout the teacher’s employment. If a sponsored teacher’s salary falls below the minimum threshold at any point, this could lead to visa curtailment and potential loss of sponsorship rights for the school. Therefore, schools should carefully review salary structures before applying for a sponsor licence and issuing a CoS.

 

English language requirements for teachers applying for a Skilled Worker visa

 

Teachers applying for a Skilled Worker visa must demonstrate proficiency in English. The required level is CEFR level B1, which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 4.0 to 5.0 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Applicants can meet the English language requirement in one of the following ways:

 

• Passing an approved English language test from an accredited provider.
• Holding a degree that was taught in English and is recognised as equivalent to a UK degree.
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.

 

For teachers from non-English speaking countries, taking an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) is often the most common way to meet this requirement. The test must be taken at an approved centre, and the results must be included with the visa application.

Schools sponsoring overseas teachers should ensure that candidates meet the English language requirements before issuing a CoS. If a teacher fails to meet the English language requirement, their visa application will be refused, delaying the recruitment process.

 

Requirements on the sponsoring school

 

Schools that sponsor overseas teachers under the Skilled Worker visa route have significant responsibilities. They must ensure compliance with Home Office regulations to maintain their sponsor licence and avoid penalties.

One of the primary responsibilities is record-keeping and reporting. Schools must keep up-to-date records of all sponsored teachers, including their employment details, contact information, and right-to-work documentation. They must also report any significant changes, such as:

 

• If the teacher does not start work as expected.
• If the teacher is absent from work for an extended period without permission.
• If the teacher’s contract changes, including salary reductions or working hours.
• If the teacher resigns or is dismissed.

 

Failure to report these changes within the required timeframe can result in sponsor licence suspension or revocation.

Schools must also ensure that sponsored teachers continue to meet the visa conditions. This includes maintaining the required salary levels and ensuring that the teacher works only in the role specified in their sponsorship application. If a school no longer wishes to sponsor a teacher, they must inform the Home Office immediately.

Regular compliance checks may be conducted by the Home Office to ensure that schools are adhering to sponsorship duties. If a school is found to be in breach of the rules, they could face penalties, including fines and a ban on hiring overseas workers in the future.

Because of these responsibilities, schools must carefully assess whether they have the resources and expertise to manage sponsorship effectively. Many institutions seek professional guidance to ensure compliance and avoid risks.

 

Can academy trusts sponsor teachers?

 

Multi-academy trusts (MATs) in the UK can sponsor teachers under the Skilled Worker visa route. According to the UK government’s guidance, an MAT is charged a single fee for each Skilled Worker licence, rather than a fee per individual school within the trust. This means that once a MAT obtains a sponsor licence, it can sponsor overseas teachers across any of its constituent schools.

 

What happens if a school loses its sponsor licence?

 

If a school loses its sponsor licence, it will no longer be able to sponsor teachers from overseas. This can have serious consequences for both the school and any teachers currently employed under sponsorship.

When a sponsor licence is revoked, all sponsored teachers lose their right to work in the UK. The Home Office typically curtails the visas of affected employees, giving them 60 days to either find a new sponsor or leave the country.

For schools, the loss of a sponsor licence can impact recruitment strategies and limit access to international talent. It may also damage the school’s reputation and make it more difficult to secure a sponsor licence in the future.

To avoid losing a sponsor licence, schools must comply with all sponsorship duties, including accurate record-keeping, prompt reporting of changes, and adherence to salary thresholds. If a school is at risk of non-compliance, seeking professional advice can help address potential issues before they escalate.

If a school wishes to reinstate its sponsor licence, it may need to submit a fresh application after a cooling-off period and demonstrate improved compliance measures. However, reapplying does not guarantee approval, so maintaining compliance is the best way to avoid complications.

 

How to find UK schools sponsoring foreign teachers?

 

Finding a UK school that sponsors foreign teachers under the Skilled Worker visa route requires research and an understanding of the sponsorship process. Many schools in the UK actively seek to recruit overseas teachers to address shortages, particularly in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. Below are the key steps to help identify schools that can sponsor foreign teachers.

 

Check the Official Register of Licensed Sponsors

 

The UK government maintains an official list of licensed sponsors, which includes employers who are authorised to sponsor workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. Schools that sponsor foreign teachers will be listed here.

Visit the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors (gov.uk). Use the search function to look for schools by name, location, or industry category. Filter for educational institutions or schools that are actively registered to sponsor Skilled Worker visa holders. This list is regularly updated, so it is advisable to check back periodically for any changes.

 

Search for Teaching Jobs with Sponsorship

 

Many schools that sponsor overseas teachers advertise vacancies on job boards and recruitment websites that specialise in education roles. Some useful platforms include:

 

• TES (Times Educational Supplement) – (www.tes.com) – One of the largest online platforms for teaching vacancies in the UK.
• Department for Education Teaching Vacancies – (teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk) – The UK government’s official job site for teaching roles.
• Education Recruitment Agencies – Many recruitment agencies, such as Teach In, Hourglass Education, and Engage Education, work with schools that offer visa sponsorship.
• General Job Boards – Websites such as Indeed, Reed, and Guardian Jobs also list teaching roles, including those offering sponsorship.

 

When searching, include keywords such as “visa sponsorship,” “Skilled Worker visa,” or “international teacher sponsorship” to find relevant listings.

 

Contact Local Education Authorities (LEAs)

 

Local Education Authorities (LEAs) oversee state-funded schools in different regions of the UK. Some LEAs actively sponsor overseas teachers and may provide guidance on which schools within their jurisdiction are hiring international staff. This approach is particularly useful for teachers looking for opportunities in state-funded schools, which are increasingly turning to international recruitment to fill teacher shortages.

Visit the websites of LEAs in your preferred UK locations. Contact their HR departments or recruitment teams to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Ask whether they have a list of schools currently hiring foreign teachers.

 

Network with Other International Teachers

 

Networking can be an effective way to find schools that offer visa sponsorship. Many foreign teachers who have successfully secured jobs in the UK can provide valuable advice and recommendations. Some useful ways to network include:

 

• Joining Online Teaching Communities – Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and teaching forums often have discussions about schools that sponsor foreign teachers.
• Attending Education Recruitment Fairs – Some teaching job fairs, particularly those focused on international recruitment, provide direct access to UK schools offering sponsorship.
• Reaching Out to Schools Directly – If you find a school you are interested in, contact them directly via email or phone to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

 

Explore Government-Supported Teacher Recruitment Programmes

 

The UK government and educational organisations run specific programmes to recruit overseas teachers. These initiatives often connect qualified international candidates with UK schools that provide visa sponsorship. Some key programmes include:

 

• International Relocation Payment (IRP) – A programme offering financial incentives to eligible overseas teachers.
• Now Teach – A career change programme for experienced professionals who want to teach in the UK.
• Department for Education International Teacher Recruitment – The UK government partners with recruitment agencies to help schools hire overseas teachers.

 

 

Need assistance?

 

For specialist guidance on sponsoring teachers from overseas, or if you are a teacher with a UK-based job offer requireing visa application support, speak to our immigration specialists.

 

Teacher visa sponsorship in the UK FAQs

 

Do individual schools need their own sponsor licence to hire foreign teachers?

If a school is not part of a MAT with a sponsor licence, it must apply for its own licence to legally employ teachers from overseas under the Skilled Worker visa route.

 

What is the minimum salary requirement for a sponsored teacher?

The minimum salary is £23,200 or the national pay scale rate for teachers in England, whichever is higher. Shortage subjects may qualify for lower salary thresholds.

 

What are the English language requirements for a teacher applying for sponsorship?

Teachers must meet CEFR level B1, typically demonstrated through an approved English language test, a degree taught in English, or being from a majority English-speaking country.

 

Can a school lose its sponsor licence?

Schools can lose their licence due to non-compliance, such as failing to report absences or paying below salary thresholds, leading to visa curtailments for sponsored teachers.

 

How can I find UK schools that offer visa sponsorship?

Check the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors, job boards like TES, and recruitment agencies specialising in international teacher placements to find sponsoring schools.

 

Can a teacher switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa?

Teachers can switch from a Student visa if they meet the job and salary requirements and secure sponsorship from a licensed UK school or MAT.

 

What happens if a sponsored teacher leaves their job?

The school must notify the Home Office, and the teacher’s visa may be curtailed, giving them 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK.

 

Do academy groups pay a single sponsor licence fee?

Multi-academy trusts pay a single fee for their sponsor licence, covering all schools within the trust, instead of requiring individual licences for each school.

 

Can a teacher apply for settlement under the Skilled Worker visa?

After five years of continuous residence under the Skilled Worker route, teachers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the eligibility criteria.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Skilled Worker Visa	A visa that allows overseas workers, including teachers, to work in the UK if sponsored by a licensed employer.
Sponsor Licence	A licence issued by the UK Home Office that allows employers, including schools, to sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker visa route.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)	A reference number assigned by a licensed sponsor to an overseas worker, allowing them to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Minimum Salary Threshold	The minimum salary that must be paid to a Skilled Worker visa holder, currently set at £23,200 per year for teachers.
Shortage Occupation List	A list of job roles experiencing worker shortages in the UK. Teachers in certain subjects may qualify for lower salary thresholds.
English Language Requirement	A requirement for Skilled Worker visa applicants to prove English proficiency, typically through a language test, a UK degree, or nationality.
Compliance Duties	Legal obligations placed on sponsor licence holders, including reporting employment changes and maintaining up-to-date employee records.
Licence Suspension	A temporary restriction imposed on a sponsor licence due to non-compliance, preventing further sponsorship of overseas workers.
Licence Revocation	The removal of a sponsor licence by the Home Office, resulting in the inability to sponsor workers and potential visa curtailments.
Visa Curtailment	A process where a Skilled Worker visa is shortened or cancelled, often due to the loss of sponsorship or non-compliance with visa conditions.
Cooling-Off Period	A period of time before a revoked sponsor can reapply for a new sponsor licence.
Home Office Compliance Visit	An inspection carried out by the Home Office to check if a sponsor is meeting its obligations under the sponsor licence system.
Right to Work Checks	The legal requirement for employers to verify that an employee has permission to work in the UK before employment begins.
Administrative Review	A process where a visa applicant can request a review of a decision if they believe there was an error.