An employer sponsored visa is a type of work visa that allows a foreign national to live and work in a country based on a job offer from an approved employer. In countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, employer sponsorship is one of the primary pathways for skilled workers to obtain legal work authorization and, in some cases, permanent residency.
This guide explains what an employer sponsored visa means, eligibility requirements, employer obligations, the step-by-step process, costs, common mistakes, and frequently asked questions.
Contents
What Is an Employer Sponsored Visa?
An employer sponsored visa is issued when a licensed or approved employer agrees to sponsor a foreign worker for a specific job role. The employer typically must:
- Offer a genuine job opportunity
- Meet immigration compliance standards
- File sponsorship paperwork with government authorities
- Ensure the salary meets minimum legal thresholds
- Maintain ongoing reporting and recordkeeping obligations
The visa is usually tied to the sponsoring employer and specific job position.
Common Types of Employer Sponsored Visas
United States
- H1B specialty occupation visa
- L1 intracompany transfer visa
- EB2 and EB3 employment-based green cards
United Kingdom
- Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Global Business Mobility routes
Canada
- Employer-specific work permit
- Labour Market Impact Assessment based permit
- Provincial Nominee employer streams
Australia
- Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186
- Regional sponsored visas
Each country has unique rules, salary requirements, and processing timelines.
Eligibility Requirements for Employees
To qualify for an employer sponsored visa, applicants must generally meet both immigration and job-related criteria.
Typical Worker Requirements
- Valid job offer from an approved sponsor
- Relevant academic qualifications
- Required professional experience
- Occupation listed as eligible under immigration rules
- Salary meeting required threshold
- English language proficiency where required
- Medical and background checks
Meeting minimum salary and occupation eligibility requirements is critical for approval.
Employer Requirements for Sponsorship
Employers must satisfy regulatory standards before sponsoring a foreign worker.
- Be legally registered and actively operating
- Demonstrate a genuine vacancy
- Complete labour market testing where required
- Pay government sponsorship fees
- Maintain compliance records
- Adhere to employment and wage laws
Non-compliance can result in licence suspension, fines, or bans from future sponsorship.
Step-by-Step Employer Sponsored Visa Process
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
The process begins with obtaining a formal job offer from an employer authorized to sponsor foreign workers.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Sponsorship Approval
The employer submits required documentation to immigration authorities to nominate the position or register as a sponsor.
Step 3: Sponsorship Certificate Issued
Once approved, the employer issues a sponsorship certificate or equivalent authorization number.
Step 4: Visa Application Submission
The worker applies for the employer sponsored visa, submitting:
- Employment contract
- Proof of qualifications
- Identity documents
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
Step 5: Visa Approval and Entry
If approved, the applicant receives authorization to enter and work under the conditions specified.
Costs of an Employer Sponsored Visa
Employer Costs
- Sponsor licence application fee
- Nomination or petition filing fee
- Immigration skills or training levy
- Legal and compliance costs
Employee Costs
- Visa application fee
- Biometric enrolment fee
- Medical examination costs
- Language testing fees
- Relocation expenses
Some countries prohibit employers from transferring mandatory sponsorship costs to the employee.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many employer sponsored visas provide a route to permanent residency after meeting certain work duration and eligibility conditions. Examples include:
- Employment-based green cards in the United States
- Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom
- Permanent residency through Canadian provincial programs
- Australian Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visas
Eligibility depends on maintaining lawful employment and meeting residency requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for roles that do not offer sponsorship
- Ignoring occupation eligibility lists
- Failing to meet salary thresholds
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Assuming sponsorship guarantees permanent residence
Understanding country-specific immigration rules is essential before applying.
FAQs About Employer Sponsored Visas
Can I apply for an employer sponsored visa without a job offer?
No. A valid job offer from an approved sponsor is typically required.
Can I change employers after receiving the visa?
In most cases, a new employer must obtain sponsorship approval before you can change jobs.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary by country, visa type, and government workload.
Do employer sponsored visas always lead to permanent residency?
No. Some visas are temporary, though many provide pathways to long-term residence.
Is sponsorship available for all occupations?
No. Only occupations listed as eligible under immigration regulations qualify for sponsorship.
Final Thoughts
An employer sponsored visa remains one of the most reliable pathways for skilled professionals seeking international employment opportunities. It enables businesses to address skill shortages while offering foreign workers access to structured and lawful work authorization.
Success depends on targeting licensed sponsors, meeting salary and occupation requirements, and ensuring full compliance with immigration regulations. For many professionals, employer sponsorship can serve as both a career opportunity and a potential route to permanent residency.