Is British Council (IAESTE Programme) a UK Visa Sponsor?
Yes — British Council (IAESTE Programme) is a A rating licensed UK Skilled Worker visa sponsor based in Belfast, authorised by the Home Office to issue Certificates of Sponsorship under the Government Authorised Exchange route.
TL;DRBritish Council (IAESTE Programme) can sponsor your UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026. Roles must pay at least £41,700 (or the SOC going rate, whichever is higher), sit at RQF Level 6+, and you must meet the new CEFR B2 English requirement (effective 8 January 2026).
Sponsor licence
A rating
Route
Government Authorised Exchange
Registered town
Belfast
Sector
Public sector
Last verified
15 May 2026
Salary thresholds for typical roles at British Council (IAESTE Programme)
Based on the public sector sector, these are the most common SOC 2020 codes used in sponsored hires. Pay must be the higher of the SOC going rate and the general £41,700 threshold.
Indicative SOC codes — public sector
SOC
Occupation
Going rate
Effective minimum
4112
National government administrative occupations
£41,700
£41,700
Effective minimum is the higher of the SOC going rate and the £41,700 general threshold (2026).
How to apply for sponsored roles at British Council (IAESTE Programme)
Confirm British Council (IAESTE Programme)'s licence is current. Check the live Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors. British Council (IAESTE Programme) is listed as A rating under the Government Authorised Exchange route as of 15 May 2026.
Find an eligible role. Look for roles at British Council (IAESTE Programme) that fall under SOC 2020 codes at RQF Level 6 or above and meet the £41,700 minimum (2026).
Apply directly. Apply through British Council (IAESTE Programme)'s careers page or aggregated on Tarve, which only lists roles from licensed sponsors.
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If hired, British Council (IAESTE Programme) will issue you a CoS. You then have 3 months to apply for your Skilled Worker visa with the CoS reference number.