Tech jobs abroad: UK and Ireland

Sefism.

Chapter 03

UK and Irish work routes

The Skilled Worker visa and Irish employment permits, as the official pages described them in October 2026.

Sponsor licence

What
Permission from the UK Home Office for an organisation to sponsor workers; licensed employers appear on the public register of licensed sponsors.
Why
Without one, a UK employer cannot hire you on a Skilled Worker visa.

Watch out

Applying to UK companies without checking the register first.

Certificate of sponsorship

Also called CoS

What
An electronic record with a reference number that a licensed UK sponsor assigns to you for a specific job.
Why
You need its reference number to apply for the Skilled Worker visa.

Watch out

Paying anyone for it; sponsors may not pass sponsorship costs on to you.

Skilled Worker visa

What
The main UK work visa: a job with a licensed sponsor, at the required skill level, paying at least the threshold, with English at B2 for new applicants since 8 January 2026.
Why
As of October 2026 the general threshold is 41,700 pounds or the going rate if higher, with a lower new entrant rate for under-26s and recent graduates.

Watch out

Forgetting the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually 1,035 pounds a year, in the budget.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Also called CSEP

What
Ireland's permit for roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List or very well paid roles, with no labour market test.
Why
As of October 2026: 40,904 euros with a relevant degree (36,848 euros for recent graduates) or above 68,911 euros for any eligible job, on an offer of at least two years.

Watch out

Assuming every tech role is on the list.

General Employment Permit

What
Ireland's permit for eligible roles not covered by Critical Skills, generally from 36,605 euros, after the employer advertises the job to EU candidates.
Why
It covers roles outside the critical list, with slower routes to long-term residence.

Watch out

Accepting an offer before the employer has done the required advertising.

Stamp 4

What
An Irish immigration permission that lets you live and work without an employment permit; Critical Skills holders apply to the Department of Justice when the permit period ends.
Why
It frees you from being tied to one employer and is a step towards long-term residence.

Watch out

Letting the permit and registration lapse before applying.

UK and Ireland visa table

What
The main work routes for the UK and Ireland, with the official sites, as read in October 2026.
Why
One place to check thresholds and where the rules live before you trust a summary.
Code
UK Skilled Worker: licensed sponsor + CoS
  41,700 GBP or going rate if higher; English B2
  new entrant: 70% of going rate, min 33,400 GBP
  gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
  sponsors: gov.uk register of licensed sponsors
IE Critical Skills: 40,904 EUR with degree
  (36,848 recent grads); over 68,911 EUR any role
IE General Permit: generally from 36,605 EUR
  enterprise.gov.ie
Read: October 2026. Check again before you act.

Watch out

Applying to an employer that is not on the sponsor register.

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