Most international job seekers start with certain beliefs about the UK Skilled Worker visa that are simply outdated or incorrect. Relying on these myths will waste months of your job search time. Here is the reality regarding the rules.
Myth 1: The Official Sponsor List is the Only Tool You Need
The government's PDF lists over 100,000 companies. While it confirms who has a license, it provides zero context. It does not tell you if the company is hiring today, if they are facing a hiring freeze, or if they have only ever sponsored senior executives.
- The Reality: You can spend weeks applying to companies that haven't hired a sponsored candidate in three years.
- Actionable Tip: You must cross-reference that static list with active job market data and listings that explicitly welcome international candidates.
Myth 2: You Must Earn Over £38,700 to Qualify
The minimum salary threshold often seems daunting, but there are vital exceptions that can make certain roles accessible, even if the base salary is lower than the general threshold.
- New Entrant Rate: If you are under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training, you can qualify for a lower "new entrant" salary rate (often 70% of the going rate).
- Going Rate Rule: Your salary must meet the Home Office's "going rate" for your specific job code (SOC code), which can sometimes be lower than the general minimum threshold depending on the sector.
Myth 3: Small Companies Do Not Sponsor
Many candidates believe only massive corporations like Deloitte or NHS Trusts sponsor visas. This is false. Thousands of startups and Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hold active licenses because they cannot find specific talent locally.
Small companies are often faster at processing visas because they have less bureaucracy than giant multinational firms. Do not ignore them.
Myth 4: You Must Have a University Degree
The Skilled Worker Visa does not require a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The requirement is that the *job* must be at "RQF Level 3" or above.
RQF Level 3 is roughly equivalent to UK A-Levels (high school graduation). Skilled trades, administrative roles, and technical support jobs are often eligible for sponsorship, provided you have the relevant skills, even without a university degree.
Myth 5: It Is Normal to Pay the Employer
This is the most dangerous myth. Under UK law, the employer must pay the "Immigration Skills Charge" and the cost of assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship.
If an employer asks you to pay these fees yourself, or asks for money to "secure" the job, it is likely illegal or a scam. You should only ever pay your own visa application fee and health surcharge to the UK government.
By understanding these facts, you can narrow your search to companies that are actively and successfully sponsoring candidates right now.