Offer RealityThe offer needs an immigration route behind it.
A candidate may have a strong role and a willing employer, but the route still depends on sponsor licence status, CoS availability, role eligibility, salary, working hours, start date and the candidate’s current permission.
The review should happen before resignation, relocation planning, family decisions or relying on a start date.
OfferSponsorTiming
Core ChecksWhat should be checked before relying on the offer.
| Check | Question | Risk if ignored | UKIMMI focus |
|---|
| Sponsor licence | Does the employer hold the right licence and category? | The role may not be sponsorable on the planned timeline | Licence and employer readiness snapshot |
| CoS position | Is a defined or undefined CoS needed, and when can it be assigned? | Candidate start date or visa expiry may not align | CoS timing map |
| Occupation code | Do duties match the selected code and skill level? | Wrong code can undermine eligibility and salary logic | Role and code issue list |
| Salary and hours | Does salary meet the relevant threshold and going-rate logic? | An attractive offer can still fail salary requirements | Salary pressure review |
| Candidate status | Can the candidate switch in-country, and are dependants affected? | Status, timing or family issues can disrupt the move | Candidate route impact note |
SalarySalary is not just the headline number.
Salary should be checked with working hours, occupation code, going-rate logic, any applicable tradeable points and the actual duties. Candidates and employers often look only at the annual figure, while the route depends on how the role is classified and structured.
Going rateHoursRole dutiesThreshold
TimingCoS and start-date timing can make or break the plan.
Timing matters most for Graduate visa holders, candidates changing sponsor, overseas hires, notice periods and roles with urgent start dates. A viable role can still become difficult if the licence, CoS, application window and work start date do not align.
GraduateVisa expiry is close
Employer sponsorship should be checked before the final months.
SwitchChanging employer
Current work rights and start date should be treated carefully.
OverseasRelocation planning
Travel, dependants and application timing should be mapped early.
Candidate ImpactThe route affects family, travel and settlement planning.
A Skilled Worker route can be part of a long-term UK plan, but dependants, sponsor continuity, salary changes, job changes, absences and future ILR timing should be considered before the candidate relies on the offer as a permanent strategy.
Next StepWhat to book before relying on the offer.
If the employer is ready and the role is straightforward, a focused work route review may be enough. If the employer has never sponsored before, use employer sponsor triage. If the candidate is choosing between Skilled Worker, Graduate, family or another route, use a strategy session.