As an employer, the University has a responsibility to prevent illegal working in the UK. It is a criminal offence to knowingly employ a person who requires but lacks immigration permission. There is a maximum prison sentence of 2 years and an unlimited fine for employers caught in breach. Employers must carry out document checks to confirm if a person has right to work in the UK. Copies of original, acceptable documents are taken and retained, or an online right to work check is conducted. The government’s guidance for employers on preventing illegal working sets out what is required.
Overseas nationals can apply to come to the UK utilising the points-based immigration system using the Skilled Worker visa route. This involves determining if a role is sponsorable and the applicant meeting specific criteria with non-tradeable and tradeable points for the University to make an application for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) so the individual can then make a visa application.
The Staff Immigration Team can provide guidance on whether a role is sponsorable at recruiting stage. As a recruiting manager it is advisable to consult with the Staff Immigration Team at the start of any recruitment process.
Where a job applicant has confirmed on their application that they would require permission to work in the UK, the recruiting manager should work closely with the Staff Immigration Team prior to a verbal offer being made to establish if visa sponsorship is required and co-ordinate the process of obtaining the required permission to work.
Further information on overseas nationals and obtaining permission to work in the UK can be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/hr/resourcing/additionalguidance/overseas/.
Last updated: 14th April 2026
