From 22 July 2025, the UK changed the Skilled Worker visa system. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — the essential document that allows you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa — is now harder to get.
If you’re a Nigerian in the UK and want to stay legal, work, and build your future, you’ll need a strategic approach to secure a qualifying job first and then get sponsored.
This guide walks you through the new rules, job search strategy, industries hiring, and exact steps to land a CoS.
🆕 Key Changes You Must Understand
- Only RQF Level 6+ roles (degree-level jobs) now qualify for a Skilled Worker CoS — unless the role is on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
- Minimum salary threshold: £41,700/year (slightly lower for “new entrants” and certain STEM/shortage jobs).
- Care worker sponsorship for overseas applicants is closed. In‑UK transitions allowed only in limited cases until July 2028.
- TSL roles: Lower salary allowed, but no dependants and no ILR route.
- CoS assigned before 22 July 2025 still follow the old rules.
📌 Step-by-Step: How to Secure a Job That Will Give You a CoS
1️⃣ Identify Your Eligible Roles
- Check your RQF Level — use the UK government’s SOC codes to see if your role is RQF 6 or above.
- If it’s not, check if it’s listed on the Temporary Shortage List.
- If your current role doesn’t qualify, plan to upskill into one that does.
2️⃣ Target Licensed Sponsors Only
- Use the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Filter by your industry and apply only to employers who can legally issue CoS.
3️⃣ Optimise Your CV for UK Standards
- Keep it max 2 pages and match your job title to SOC codes.
- Use UK keywords from job ads.
- Clearly state: “Eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship”.
4️⃣ Search for the Right Jobs
- Use Indeed, Reed, CV-Library, TotalJobs — filter for “visa sponsorship”.
- Join Nigerian and African diaspora job groups on LinkedIn.
- Apply directly on company websites where possible.
5️⃣ Nail the Application & Interview
- Tailor every CV and cover letter.
- Use the STAR method for competency-based interview questions.
- Show knowledge of the company and industry.
6️⃣ Secure the CoS
- Employer applies for CoS.
- You get your CoS number (valid for 3 months).
- Apply for Skilled Worker visa.
📍 WHERE ARE THE JOBS?
- Business Consulting and Support
- Construction
- Education
- Engineering
- Finance and Insurance
- Health and Social Care
- Information Technology (IT)
- Manufacturing, Transport and Storage
- Professional and Technical Roles
- Retail
💡 TIPS FOR LANDING YOUR DREAM JOB
- Research the top 50–70 companies related to your field and past experience.
- Attend job fairs and network inside and outside your community.
- Invest in upskilling for the role you want.
- Build your personal brand — polish your CV, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and sign up on platforms like CV-Library, JobServe, etc.
- Connect directly with recruiters, hiring managers, and companies.
- Visit the career pages of companies you’ve identified.
🏆 SOME OF THE TOP COMPANIES OFFERING SPONSORSHIP
NHS, Barclays, Ernst & Young (EY), HSBC, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, Deloitte, Aldi, Google, GSK, Amazon, and more.
🌐 WHERE TO LOOK
- GOV UK – www.gov.uk/find-a-job
- Total Jobs – www.totaljobs.com
- Indeed – www.uk.indeed.com
- CV Library – www.cvlibrary.co.uk
- Hays UK – www.hays.co.uk
- Randstad – www.randstad.co.uk
- Reed – www.reed.co.uk
- Monster – www.monster.co.uk
- LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com
- JobServe – www.jobserve.com
🔍 Final Word
The July 2025 rules make CoS sponsorship tougher — but not impossible. Nigerians in the UK who choose the right roles, focus on licensed sponsors, network, and upskill can still secure a great job and stay legal.
Naija UK Connect will keep bringing you job leads, sponsor lists, and insider tips to help you navigate your UK journey. 🇳🇬🇬🇧
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