Scam protection
Overseas workers are a common target for job for fee and sponsorship fee scams. Here is how to spot the red flags and protect yourself.
Warning signs
- !You are asked to pay a fee to be sponsored, or a fee for a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is a major warning sign.
- !A large upfront payment is demanded in exchange for a guaranteed job or a guaranteed visa. No one can guarantee an outcome.
- !You are told to pay quickly, in cash, in cryptocurrency, or to a personal account, or to keep the arrangement secret.
- !The employer or adviser cannot be found on any official register, or their details do not match the public record.
- !You are pressured to sign documents you do not understand, or to hand over original documents to someone you cannot verify.
Know who pays for sponsorship
A legitimate employer pays for the Certificate of Sponsorship and the associated sponsor fees. An employer must never charge the worker a sponsorship fee. If someone asks you to pay to be sponsored, treat it as a red flag.
Check the employer on the public sponsor register
The UK government publishes a register of licensed sponsors. You can look up whether an organisation appears on it before you engage. An entry on the register does not guarantee that a specific role comes with sponsorship, but it is a basic check worth doing.
Verify any immigration adviser
Immigration advice in the UK is regulated. You can check whether an adviser is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), or is a qualified solicitor. Be cautious of anyone giving paid advice who cannot show they are authorised.
Be wary of guarantees and upfront fees
Large upfront fees in exchange for a guaranteed job or visa are a classic warning sign. Genuine services do not guarantee outcomes, and they are transparent about what you are paying for.