The offered job must fit
A qualifying offer needs an approved sponsor and eligible occupation code. The usual salary test is the higher of £41,700 per year and the going rate. Exceptions and transitions exist; medium-skilled jobs have additional restrictions. The former blanket RQF 3 claim is not an adequate current test.
Use the current English rule
The guidance normally requires B2. Specified holders from before 8 January 2026 extending or updating their visa retain a B1 provision. Other proof and exemption cases are explained on the official page; do not rely on the old generic score table.
Costs and documents
The current standard outside-UK fee is £819 for up to three years or £1,618 for longer. Other fee categories exist. The application documents cover sponsorship, identity, job and English evidence, with further requirements depending on the case.
Before accepting relocation terms
Ask who pays each application, travel and housing expense and put the agreement in writing. Distinguish evidence of maintenance from money spent on fees. A sponsored offer does not guarantee future settlement, citizenship, a processing date or permission for every family member. Build the plan around the actual contract and decision.
Questions before acting
Is £41,700 always enough?
No. The going rate may be higher and exceptions require their own conditions.
Is B1 the current general rule?
No. Current guidance normally uses B2, with specified exceptions and transitions.
Corrections in this revision
The previous version included statements without sufficient direct support. This revision removes or corrects:
- Universal RQF 3 and B1 rules
- Outdated fee and £1,500 maintenance figures
- Unsupported discounted salaries and automatic settlement timelines
Review scope: legal and financial statements in this revised article. Recheck on a provider, professional, immigration or tax-rule change; reuse of dated figures requires a new check.
See recorded sources
- GOV.UK: job and salary — United Kingdom. Official guidance read 26 September 2026; current rules and transitions
- GOV.UK: English evidence — United Kingdom. Official guidance read 26 September 2026; pre-8 January 2026 transition
- GOV.UK: costs — United Kingdom. Official fee guidance read 26 September 2026; recheck at submission
- GOV.UK: documents — United Kingdom. Official guidance read 26 September 2026
These primary references have the jurisdiction, product and scope stated above. A source link is not proof of personalised eligibility.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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