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If you are an overseas job seeker looking to work in the UK or a recruiter you would be familiar with the term ‘Right to Work’ but how important is it? 

The short answer is extremely important.

It is a legal requirement for all UK companies to be able to provide proof that their employees have the right to work in the UK, failure to do so can result in penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker. 

What does this mean for Job Seekers?

Well, many employers prioritise candidates with verified work rights to mitigate legal risks, meaning that if you don’t currently hold the right to work, it is extremely unlikely that your application will even get a look in.

The rise of automation has only made this worse with an example feature being LinkedIn's Recruiter tool, where candidates applying from a different country are "not a fit," potentially sidelining qualified candidates without manual intervention from recruiters.

Can you blame recruiters though? In an interview we did with Reed, we were told that “it’s not uncommon for large companies in the Care Sector to get 50,000 applications a month for which only 500 are viable applicants.”

All this to say, it’s extremely hard for job seekers to get their foot in the door and land a job.

What does this mean for recruiters?

Well if they choose to filter out (pre-screen) any job seekers that don’t currently hold the ‘Right to Work’ their talent pool suffers as they will most certainly be losing out on some great-fit applicants. 

Even more concerning, 72% of overseas job seekers already abandon applications due to complex visa rules. Do we really want to add to this challenge?

For companies that consider overseas job seekers without the Right to Work, the hiring process takes 25% longer. This delay is due to the extra time required for pre-screening and compliance checks.

Ultimately, it’s not a very efficient process for them.

But what if there was another way that could help both job seekers and applicants?

Well until now, navigating the UK’s skilled worker visa process can be confusing, whether you’re a business trying to hire international talent or a job seeker wondering if you qualify for sponsorship.

That’s why we built the ‘Route to Work’ Check - Passportia’s latest tool designed to instantly assess skilled worker visa eligibility for both employers and candidates.

For recruiters, it simplifies sponsorship decisions and improves the quality of talent pools while removing compliance risks.

For job seekers, it provides clarity, confidence, and proof of work visa eligibility, without the need for expensive legal consultations.

What is a ‘Route to Work’ Check?

‘Route to Work’ Check is an automated assessment tool that quickly determines if a candidate meets the UK Skilled Worker visa criteria.

For Job Seekers

• Know Your Work Visa Eligibility - Instantly check if you qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

• Get a Certificate of Proof - Receive a verified document that you can present to potential employers.

• A Low-Cost Alternative to Immigration Lawyers - Avoid expensive legal fees while ensuring all your paperwork is in order.

For Recruiters

• Instant Sponsorship Assessment -Quickly verify if a role and candidate qualify for visa sponsorship.

• Reduce Compliance Risks - Ensure every hire meets UKVI standards.

• Save Time & Costs - No need for lengthy legal consultations or manual checks.

How It Works

Whether you’re an employer or a job seeker, Route to Work Check makes visa eligibility simple:

1. Enter Details – Provide key information such as job role (provides a job code), salary, and qualifications.
2. Get Instant Results – The tool evaluates the data against UKVI requirements.
3. Receive a Certificate of Proof – Job seekers can download a compliance certificate to share with employers, while businesses receive clear sponsorship guidance.

Why This Matters

For Job Seekers: Stand Out & Save Money

• Get clarity on your UK work visa options - without needing a lawyer.

• Increase your employability - by proving your eligibility upfront.

• Avoid wasted applications - apply only for roles that meet sponsorship criteria.

For Recruiters: Faster Hiring, Lower Risk

• No more second-guessing visa rules - make confident hiring decisions instantly.

• Avoid compliance pitfalls - that could delay sponsorship or lead to legal issues.

• Attract top international talent - with a smoother hiring process.

Who is Route to Work Check For?

• Job Seekers - Professionals looking to work in the UK who want to confirm eligibility and strengthen job applications.

• Recruiters - HR teams, recruiters, and hiring managers needing a fast and compliant way to assess skilled worker visa sponsorship.

• Global Talent Mobility Experts - Consultants and advisors helping businesses and candidates navigate UK immigration rules.

Try Route to Work Check Today

• Job Seekers - Get your work visa eligibility certificate now. Check Your Status.

• Recruiters/Employers - Ensure compliance and speed up hiring. Book a Demo.

This is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way to navigate UK visa sponsorship - whether you’re hiring or job hunting.

Try Route to Work Check today!