Why Construction Businesses Work With Us
Infrastructure projects, housebuilding targets and commercial pipelines all share the same problem: not enough qualified engineers and project professionals in the domestic market to deliver them. The industry has known this for years. International recruitment through a sponsor licence is increasingly the practical answer.
Construction sponsorship has sector-specific characteristics that matter. Project-based employment, multi-site operations, subcontractor structures and professional body requirements all interact with UKVI rules in ways that need careful handling. We ensure your application reflects the realities of how your business operates.
Roles Typically Sponsored in Construction
SOC code accuracy matters more than most people realise. Incorrect classification is one of the most common reasons a Certificate of Sponsorship gets refused or flagged at audit.
Civil and Structural Engineer
Site, design and project engineers across civil, structural and geotechnical disciplines.
Project Manager
Construction project managers, programme managers and site directors.
Quantity Surveyor
Commercial and contracts management across main contractors and developers.
BIM and CAD Technician
BIM coordinators, CAD technicians and digital construction specialists.
Site Manager
Contracts managers and senior site supervisors who meet the salary threshold.
M and E Engineer
Mechanical and electrical engineers across commercial and infrastructure projects.
Health and Safety Manager
NEBOSH or IOSH qualified professionals for principal contractor roles.
Architect
ARB-registered architects and architectural technologists.
Which Immigration Routes Apply
We confirm the correct route and applicable threshold on your free assessment call. Figures below reflect 2026 thresholds.
| Route | Minimum Salary 2026 | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | £38,700 general / going rate | The primary route for engineers, surveyors and project managers. Professional body membership strengthens senior role applications. |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | £48,500 or going rate | For international construction groups and consultancies transferring specialist staff to UK projects. |
| Global Talent | No salary threshold | Relevant for internationally recognised architects or specialist engineers with a significant published portfolio. |
What Construction Sponsors Get Wrong
These are the areas UKVI focuses on most when visiting construction businesses. Getting them right before you start is considerably easier than fixing them after a visit.
- 📋Project-Based Work and Site MobilityConstruction workers move between sites throughout their assignment and the CoS must reflect the primary employer address. UKVI guidance on sponsored workers at third-party sites must be followed carefully.
- ⚠️Subcontractor and Labour Supply StructuresSponsored workers must be employed directly by the sponsor. Labour supply arrangements and subcontracting models where the worker is not on your payroll are non-compliant and risk licence revocation.
- 🏛️Professional Body RegistrationFor chartered engineering and surveying roles, professional body membership should be confirmed and documented. Roles misclassified at a higher SOC code than the candidate's qualifications support will fail the genuine vacancy test.
- ⏰Fixed-Term and Project ContractsFixed-term employment is permitted but must be accurately reflected on the CoS. If a project ends early, UKVI must be notified within ten days. CoS validity must align with the contract term.
Construction businesses using subcontractor labour supply models alongside Skilled Worker sponsorship face serious compliance exposure. UKVI treats the placement of sponsored workers with third-party contractors as a potential breach. Take advice before structuring your workforce this way.
What Clients Say About Working With Us
"The compliance audit uncovered two issues we had no idea about. Everything was fixed before the Home Office visit. The peace of mind alone was worth every penny."
"Clear advice, straightforward pricing and a genuinely fast turnaround. We have used ACG for three separate sponsor licence matters now and would not go anywhere else."
"We had a refusal from another firm. ACG identified the exact issue, rebuilt the application from scratch and got us approved within 5 days."