How Teachers Get Sponsored to Work in the UK
Teaching is one of the most accessible routes to UK visa sponsorship. Here's exactly what you need to know â salary thresholds, QTS routes, which schools can sponsor, and where to find them.
4 years
You can teach without QTS
while working towards it125K+
Verified sponsors on VisaPath
In this guide
Why teaching is one of the best sponsorship routes
The UK has a well-documented teacher shortage, particularly in secondary schools and STEM subjects. Many schools actively recruit internationally and the visa rules reflect this.
Many teaching roles in state-maintained schools qualify for salary thresholds based on the national teachers' pay scale rather than the standard ÂŖ41,700 Skilled Worker minimum. This applies specifically to roles under occupation codes SOC 2314, 2315 and 2316 in state schools. Independent schools may need to satisfy standard Skilled Worker salary rules. Always verify the applicable threshold for your specific role at gov.uk.
Subjects in highest demand
Salary thresholds for teachers in 2026
Salary requirements depend on your occupation code, school type, and location. Figures below are based on the 2025 pay uplift in the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). Always verify current rates at gov.uk before applying.
Verify before you apply
Salary thresholds depend on your specific occupation code and school type. Independent schools must meet standard Skilled Worker requirements and are not bound by the STPCD. Check the going rates table on gov.uk for your specific occupation code.
QTS â what it is and how to get it
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required to teach in state-maintained schools in England. As an international teacher you have several routes â and you can start working for up to 4 years without it.
Direct QTS application
Fastest routeAlready a qualified teacher in your home country? You may apply directly for QTS. Requirements include a recognised teaching qualification at level 6 or above, at least 9 months post-qualification experience, and full registration in your home country.
iQTS â train from your home country
International QTS lets you train where you currently live, through English teacher training providers with partner schools worldwide. On completion you automatically receive QTS. Requires minimum 24 weeks of practical experience.
Learn about iQTSAssessment Only QTS
Experienced teachersFor teachers with at least 2 years of full-time experience. A school employs you, assesses your practice against the Teachers' Standards, and awards QTS â typically within 12 weeks. No additional training required.
Assessment only route on gov.ukYou can teach for up to 4 years without QTS
As a non-UK citizen you can teach in England for up to 4 years without QTS. Many schools sponsor international teachers during this period while they work towards qualification.
English language requirement
From 8 January 2026 new Skilled Worker visa applicants are required to demonstrate English at CEFR B2 level â an increase from the previous B1 requirement. Verify current requirements at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa before applying.
Which school types can sponsor you
The school must hold a licence on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors. Here is how each type breaks down.
State-maintained schools
Funded by local authorities. Many hold sponsor licences. Must pay national pay scale rates.
Academies and free schools
State-funded but independently run. Many hold licences. Must meet visa salary thresholds.
Independent schools
Many are licensed sponsors but not bound by the national pay scale. Must meet standard Skilled Worker salary thresholds. Search the register to check individual schools.
Further education colleges
Post-16 teaching. QTS not required in FE. Many colleges are licensed sponsors.
Schools without a sponsor licence
A school without a licence would need to apply for one first â possible but adds time.
How the sponsorship process works
Check which schools can sponsor
Use VisaPath to search for schools in your preferred city or region on the Home Office sponsor register. Filter by Education sector.
Apply for teaching roles with visa sponsorship
Use the official Teaching Vacancies service and filter by "Visa sponsorship available". Also check TES and Eteach for specialist listings.
Teaching Vacancies â gov.ukReceive a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Once a school offers you the role, they assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) â a reference number for your visa application, not a physical document.
Apply for your Skilled Worker visa
Submit your application online using the CoS reference. You will need your passport, English language evidence (B2 level from January 2026), proof of qualifications, and financial evidence.
Work towards QTS if you don't have it yet
Once in the UK you can apply for QTS through the direct application or assessment only route. QTS unlocks progression on the national pay scale and improves job security.
Find schools that can sponsor you
Search the Home Office register filtered to the Education sector. Check whether a specific school can sponsor before you apply.
Search Education Sponsors
Browse all schools and colleges on the Home Office register
Browse Teaching Jobs
Live teaching vacancies with visa sponsorship via Adzuna
Where to find sponsored teaching roles
Cross-reference any employer with VisaPath to confirm they hold a valid sponsor licence before applying.
Check the salary threshold for your teaching role
Use our salary checker to confirm what you need to earn to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa as a teacher.
Open Salary CheckerImportant disclaimer
The information on this page is based on publicly available Home Office immigration rules, DfE guidance, and the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. It is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Salary thresholds, visa rules, and QTS requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa and gov.uk/guidance/qualified-teacher-status-qts, or consult a qualified immigration solicitor before making any visa-related decisions. VisaPath Solutions Ltd is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.