Visa requirements for applicants and who to contact

What this article is about
This article explains how visa and sponsorship issues may affect recruitment and starting a training post.

Who this is for
Applicants and new starters who need immigration permission or sponsorship to take up a training post.

What you need to know

• You must make sure you have the right to work and meet any immigration requirements for the post.
• Visa and sponsorship requirements can affect whether and when you can start training.
• Some recruitment or onboarding processes may require evidence of visa status or right to work.
• If you require sponsorship, you must follow the instructions provided by the recruitment or sponsoring team.
• Visa issues may also affect deferral, start date, placement arrangements or employer onboarding.
• HET cannot provide immigration advice.

What to do

1. Read the applicant guidance and offer information carefully.
2. Check whether you need a visa or sponsorship to start the post.
3. Provide right to work or visa information when requested.
4. Respond promptly to any sponsorship or onboarding queries.
5. Tell the relevant team immediately if your visa status changes.
6. Contact the correct sponsorship, recruitment or employer route if you are unsure.
7. Do not assume you can start until all required checks and permissions are confirmed.

If this does not work
If your visa or sponsorship position may delay your start date, raise this as soon as possible. Do not wait until the planned start date.

Who to contact
Use the recruitment support route for recruitment-stage queries. Contact the sponsoring team or employer where instructed. Use the PGMDE Support Portal for HET local process queries where applicable.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Directing you to the correct sponsorship or recruitment route.
• Recording relevant training information once appointment details are received.
• Advising whether a training start date or deferral process may need review.

HET cannot help with

• Providing immigration advice.
• Guaranteeing visa sponsorship.
• Confirming right to work on behalf of an employer unless this sits within a defined process.
• Allowing a start date where required checks or permissions are incomplete.

Related articles

• Deferring your training start date: eligibility and how to apply
• New starter registration: what happens after you accept an offer
• Reporting a change of circumstances 

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026