On our jobs explorer, each sample listing shows a line about work authorization. Job boards use similar wording, and it is easy to read it as more than it says.
What the wording usually means#
- Sponsorship available. The employer says it is willing to support a work permit application for the right candidate. It is not a promise to you.
- No sponsorship. The employer says it will not support one. You would need your own right to work.
- Work authorization required. You need the right to work before you apply.
- Not stated. The listing says nothing, which is itself a question to ask.
What it does not tell you#
Eligibility turns on the role, your qualifications, your nationality, the destination's rules and often a limited number of places. A listing cannot tell you any of those things about you, and neither can we.
Questions to ask the employer#
- Have you supported this kind of application before, for this role?
- Who pays the fees and who handles the paperwork?
- How long does it usually take, and what happens to my start date if it is slower?
- Is the offer conditional on approval?
- What happens to my partner and children's permissions?
Keep your own record#
Note the date you asked, who answered and what they said. If plans change, a written answer is worth far more than a recollection.
Where we can help, and where we cannot#
We can help you compare the money and the life around an offer. We cannot assess your eligibility or tell you what to apply for. For that, find an authorized adviser in the destination or your home country.