Definition
Sponsorship in immigration refers to a formal arrangement whereby an employer or organisation that holds a recognised sponsor licence vouches for a non-EU national worker, taking on legal responsibility for their immigration compliance. The sponsor is required to maintain records, report certain changes to the authorities, and ensure the worker complies with their visa conditions. In the UK, the Skilled Worker route requires employer sponsorship via a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Several EU member states also use sponsorship frameworks, particularly for employer-tied work permits, though the EU Blue Card and researcher permit use direct applicant pathways with lighter employer obligations.
Official sources
Related terms
Hosting Agreement
A formal contract between a recognised research organisation and a non-EU researcher, required to apply for a researcher residence permit in the EU.
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Labour Market Test
A requirement for employers to demonstrate they could not find a suitable EEA candidate before hiring a non-EU worker for a specific position.
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Single Permit
GVVA (Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid)
A combined work and residence permit issued by EU member states that replaces separate work and residence authorisations with one document.
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Work Permit
An official authorisation granting a non-citizen the legal right to be employed or self-employed in a country, usually issued alongside or embedded in a residence permit.
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