Get Paid in Pounds to Relocate to the UK Through the Construction Visa Sponsorship Program

If you’ve ever dreamed of relocating to the UK and earning a stable income, working in the construction industry might be your ticket. The UK has skilled labour shortages in construction and is offering visa sponsorship programs for eligible foreign workers in roles such as bricklayers, roofers, plumbers, carpenters, and site managers. Through a Skilled Worker Visa route (formerly Tier 2), UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can hire overseas construction talent and pay them in pounds sterling.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How the UK visa sponsorship system works for construction jobs
• Which roles qualify for sponsorship
• What salary you can expect
• Step-by-step process to apply
• Tips for boosting your chances
• Pitfalls to avoid
• Realistic timelines and expectations

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to get paid in pounds and relocate legally to the UK under the construction visa sponsorship program.

What Is UK Visa Sponsorship and Why Construction?

What Does “Visa Sponsorship” Mean?

Visa sponsorship in the UK context means that a UK employer agrees to “sponsor” (i.e. support) an overseas applicant by issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that lets the applicant apply for a work visa. The employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). (GOV.UK)

For roles in construction, this most commonly happens under the Skilled Worker Visa route. (Localyze)

Why the UK Needs Construction Workers

The UK construction industry is facing labour shortages, especially for skilled trades like bricklayers, roofers, electricians, carpenters, and site supervisors. (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk) This imbalance makes it feasible for UK employers to look abroad for workers and to sponsor visas to fill such gaps. (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)

Also, some construction roles are recognized on the Immigration Salary List or Shortage Occupation list, which may ease visa approvals or lower salary thresholds for applicants. (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)

Hence, if you have valid skills in construction and meet the criteria, it’s possible to have a UK employer pay you in pounds and relocate you under visa sponsorship.

Eligible Construction Roles Under the Skilled Worker Visa

Not every job in construction qualifies. UKVI (the UK immigration authority) restricts sponsorship to roles that meet certain skill-level and salary criteria. (GOV.UK)

Here are some commonly eligible roles:

Construction Role	Typical Skill Level / Criteria	Notes / Challenges
Bricklayer	RQF Level 3 or equivalent	On the Immigration Salary List (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)
Carpenter / Joiner	Skilled trade level	Recognized by UKVI in many cases (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)
Roofer	Skilled trade level	May be on shortage list in certain years (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)
Electrician	Skilled trade or engineer level	If meets required standards and salary (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)
Plumbing / Pipefitting	Skilled trade	Often qualifies under construction trades (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)
Site Manager / Supervisors / Project Managers	Higher skilled level	Must meet higher salary and experience thresholds (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)

To check fully whether your specific trade is eligible, you need to consult the Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations and codes list published by the UK government. (GOV.UK)

If your role is not already eligible, you may have to pivot to a slightly different role or level that meets the criteria. Employers also sometimes bundle similar trades with recognized roles for visa purposes.

Salary Expectations & What “Paid in Pounds” Really Means

To get a Skilled Worker visa, your job must meet certain salary thresholds. (GOV.UK)

Basic Salary Requirements

• The general minimum salary threshold is £38,700 per year or the “going rate” for that role, whichever is higher. (Immigration Advice Service)
• In some cases, you can qualify with a lower salary (around £33,400) if you don’t meet the usual salary requirement, but only under a limited set of conditions. (GOV.UK)
• The employer must also comply with UK minimum wage laws and working time regulations. (GOV.UK)

What “Paid in Pounds Sterling” Means

Once your visa is approved and you begin working, you will be paid in GBP (pounds sterling), under standard UK employment terms (Payslip, National Insurance, income tax, etc.). The employer must pay you via PAYE (Pay As You Earn) as per UK laws.

Thus, your salary (say £38,700 or higher) will be disbursed in pounds, and you’ll also benefit from UK employee protections like pension contributions, holiday pay, sick pay, etc.

Because the rates in pounds tend to be higher for skilled work compared to many countries, the conversion into your home currency (if you remit or compare) can look attractive. But it’s crucial to factor in UK cost-of-living, tax deductions, and remittance costs.

Real-World Job Listings

In fact, real job postings with visa sponsorship in UK construction cite salaries such as:

• £35,000–£42,000/year for floorers / wall tilers roles in London. (Find a Job)
• £33,000–£42,000 for bricklayer roles. (Find a Job)
• Various overseas construction roles in the UK are already recruiting with visa sponsorship for roles as managers, foremen, etc. (naijaukconnect.co.uk)

These salaries are often well above the lower skilled wage benchmarks in many home countries, making relocation financially appealing.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started with Construction Visa Sponsorship

Relocating via a construction sponsorship scheme involves multiple steps. Here is a general roadmap:

1. Identify Eligible Employers & Roles

• Look for UK construction firms that explicitly state “visa sponsorship”. Job boards often filter for “construction visa sponsorship UK.” (Indeed)
• Focus on reputable employers who currently hold or advertise that they hold a UK Sponsor Licence.

2. Check Your Qualifications & Credentials

• Verify that your trade qualification (certificate, apprenticeship, diploma) is roughly equivalent to the required UK level (e.g. RQF Level 3 or above).
• Prepare detailed CVs showing prior projects, references, licenses, certifications, etc.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (often IELTS or equivalent) — it’s a requirement of the Skilled Worker visa.
• Submit any required criminal record checks or clearances. (GOV.UK)

3. Receive a Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Once an employer decides to sponsor you, they will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is not a physical document but an electronic reference you will use when applying for your visa. (GOV.UK)
• The job offering must meet all visa conditions (skill level, salary, working hours, etc.) and be a genuine vacancy. (Immigration Advice Service)

4. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

• Within 3 months of being given the CoS, apply for your visa. (GOV.UK)
• Provide documentation such as proof of finances, English language test results, your CoS reference number, identity documents, and criminal record certificate if needed. (GOV.UK)
• Pay applicable fees (visa application fee, healthcare surcharge, etc.).
• Wait for UKVI decision. Processing time can vary (a few weeks to a few months).

5. Relocate and Begin Work in the UK

• Once the visa is granted, move to the UK by the start date on your CoS.
• The employer should onboard you legally — set you up with taxes (National Insurance), payroll, health & safety training, site-specific induction, etc.
• You may have probation periods, site certification requirements (e.g. CSCS card), and compliance with UK construction standards. (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)

6. Renewals and Path to Settlement

• A Skilled Worker visa is usually granted for up to 5 years initially (or depends on contract). (ccr-mag.com)
• After living and working in the UK for certain periods (commonly 5 years), you may become eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settlement. (ccr-mag.com)
• You may change employer later, but you’ll need a new CoS and visa update. (GOV.UK)

Tips & Strategies to Increase Your Chances

Aim for “Shortage Occupation” Roles

Jobs on the Shortage Occupation list (for which there aren’t enough local workers) often enjoy easier rules (lower salary requirement or relaxed criteria). Some construction roles like bricklayer are sometimes included. (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)

Get Professional Certifications Recognized in the UK

Acquire internationally recognized or UK-recognized credentials (NVQ, CSCS cards, health & safety certifications). Showing familiarity with UK safety and building standards will boost your appeal.

Partner with a Recruiting Agency

Some UK recruitment agencies specialize in overseas hires with sponsorship. They can help match you with employers who already have sponsor licences and assist with documentation.

Negotiate Relocation Packages

Ask the employer to cover visa fees, relocation costs, initial accommodation, or airfare. Some postings already offer 3 months free housing or full relocation support. (naijaukconnect.co.uk)

Keep Your Documents Spotless

Any discrepancies or missing documents can lead to visa refusals. Always be honest, consistent, and meticulous with paperwork.

Be Wary of Scams

• Never pay large sums upfront for “visa guarantee” or “job offer.”
• Always verify the employer’s legitimacy and that they truly hold a Sponsor Licence.
• Use official job portals and direct company websites rather than shady third-party intermediaries.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Pitfall	Consequence	Mitigation
Employer does not have or loses Sponsor Licence	Your visa will be refused	Confirm licence status via UK government registers before committing
Job doesn’t meet visa skill or salary criteria	Visa rejection	Check the UK Skilled Worker equivalent lists ahead
Subcontracting / agency arrangements	Violation of UKVI rules	Employer must directly supervise and employ you (no labor supply models) (sponsorlicenceandvisas.co.uk)
Missing or incorrect paperwork	Delays or refusal	Double-check all forms, references, certificates
Late visa application (beyond 3 months after CoS)	Ineligible to apply	Always apply within the time window (GOV.UK)

What You Can Earn (Hypothetical Scenario)

Let’s run a sample scenario:

• Suppose you secure a bricklayer role in London, £38,700/year salary, fully sponsored
• After UK deductions (tax, National Insurance, etc.), your take-home might be ~£30,000–£32,000
• If you convert that to your home currency (e.g. Nigerian Naira) at, say, 1 GBP = 1,900 NGN, you’d have ≈ 57–61 million NGN net per year
• Even after UK living costs, remittances home could still yield meaningful surplus

While this is illustrative, many real job listings suggest similar ranges in mid-£30k to low £40k territory for skilled construction roles in the UK. (Find a Job)

Timeline & Realistic Expectations

Stage	Time Estimate
Job application & employer interest	Weeks to 2 months
Employer sponsor licence check / verification	2–8 weeks
Assignment of CoS & internal processing	A few days to a couple of weeks
Visa decision (once applied)	2–8 weeks (could be longer depending on workload)
Relocation logistics (flights, visa stamping)	1–4 weeks

So from start to finish, expect 3 to 6 months in many cases, possibly more depending on complications or backlog.

• The UK’s Skilled Worker visa route allows foreign construction workers to be sponsored by UK employers to work legally in the UK.
• Only eligible roles (skilled trades) that meet salary, skill, and job criteria qualify.
• Salaries tend to be in the £30,000–£45,000+ range (or higher, depending on location) for skilled trades, and you will be paid in pounds sterling under UK employment terms.
• You must secure a job offer, receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, and submit a visa application with supporting documents.
• Employers must hold a valid Sponsor Licence and truly employ you (not act as a labor supplier).
• Avoid scams, verify credentials, and aim for roles where sponsorship is clearly offered.
• The process typically takes several months from start to finish.

If you follow the steps and apply precisely, it is entirely possible to relocate to the UK, get paid in pounds, and build a stable career in the construction sector.