Support Secretary Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship

Support Secretary Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship Support Secretary roles (also known as administrative secretaries, medical secretaries, or executive support secretaries) are in demand in the UK, particularly in sectors like healthcare (e.g., NHS Trusts), corporate offices, and public services. These positions often involve administrative support, and many employers, especially in the NHS and larger organizations, offer visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa route for eligible international candidates.

Overview of Support Secretary Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship

Sponsorship is more common for roles meeting the UK’s occupation code requirements (e.g., SOC code 4112 for secretaries), with a minimum salary threshold of around £38,700 or the “going rate” for the role (whichever is higher, though some entry-level roles may qualify under exceptions). Availability is higher in cities like London, Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham, but opportunities exist nationwide. As of October 2025, job portals like Indeed, LinkedIn, and NHS Jobs show dozens of relevant listings, with demand driven by administrative backlogs and workforce shortages.

Requirements and Eligibility for Visa Sponsorship

To qualify for these jobs and sponsorship:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., verified via UK ENIC for foreign qualifications); a business administration or secretarial certificate is preferred.
Experience: 1-2 years in administrative/clerical roles; proficiency in MS Office is essential, with CRM/EHR experience a plus for healthcare positions.
Skills: Strong communication (written/spoken English at B1 level or higher, e.g., via IELTS), time management, multitasking, and ability to work under pressure. Teamwork and initiative are key.
Visa-Specific: Must secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor (check via UK government’s sponsor list). Provide proof of English proficiency, a criminal record certificate (if working with vulnerable people), and meet health/financial requirements. Sponsorship is via Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer, leading to a Skilled Worker Visa (up to 5 years, extendable to settlement).

Eligibility for Support Secretary Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship

As of October 2025, eligibility for Support Secretary roles (including administrative secretaries, personal assistants, or similar support positions) under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa has become significantly more restrictive due to immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025. These changes raised the required skill level from RQF Level 3+ to RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher), removed over 120 occupations from the eligible list, and increased the general salary threshold to £41,700 annually (or the occupation-specific “going rate,” whichever is higher)

Job Duties

Typical responsibilities for a Support Secretary include:

Managing diaries, scheduling meetings, and coordinating appointments.
Handling communications (e.g., emails, calls, correspondence) with staff, clients, and external parties.
Preparing reports, presentations, and documents using tools like MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Organizing records, filing, and data entry while maintaining confidentiality (especially in healthcare).
Providing administrative support, such as minuting meetings, audio-typing, booking travel, or processing referrals.

Benefits

Sponsored roles often come with comprehensive benefits to attract international talent:

Pension Contributions: Employer-matched schemes, e.g., NHS Pension Scheme.
Paid Leave: Minimum 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and sick pay.
Healthcare: Access to the free NHS system (GP visits, hospital care, emergency services, reduced-cost prescriptions/dental).
Other Perks: Health insurance, professional development (e.g., MS Office training), hybrid work options, relocation support, and family sponsorship (allowing spouses/partners and children under 18 to join, work/study without restrictions).

Skill Level and Qualifications:
- Role must be at RQF Level 6+ (degree-equivalent). Support Secretary duties (e.g., scheduling, correspondence) are usually RQF 3-5, so reclassification to a higher code (e.g., via advanced responsibilities like policy advising) is needed for eligibility.
- Relevant qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent (verified by UK ENIC for non-UK degrees). Experience alone may not suffice without formal quals.6 6 7
English Language Proficiency:
- CEFR Level B1 (intermediate) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Prove via:
  - UK degree (or equivalent).
  - Approved test (e.g., IELTS 4.0 overall, no sub-score below 4.0; valid for 2 years).
  - Nationality from majority-English country (e.g., USA, Australia).

Challenges for International Applicants

Limited Opportunities: With the 2025 changes, few pure Support Secretary roles qualify; focus on upskilled positions (e.g., executive support in government or NGOs under SOC 4111-4113). NHS Trusts may sponsor if the role supports clinical teams but isn’t purely admin.
Employer Burden: Sponsors face higher compliance (e.g., £1,000 fee per CoS, record-keeping).
Application Process: Submit online via GOV.UK within 3 months of job offer; fees £719-£1,552 (depending on length/location) + £1,035 Immigration Health Surcharge/year. Processing: 3 weeks (standard) or 5 days (priority). Decision in principle possible pre-CoS.

How To Apply

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Conclusion

Support Secretary jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship are largely ineligible for new applicants as of October 2025, primarily due to the July 2025 reforms restricting the Skilled Worker Visa to RQF Level 6+ occupations and removing lower-skilled admin roles like SOC 4215. While salaries for potentially qualifying codes (e.g., £33,400-£37,400 going rates) fall short of the £41,700 threshold, opportunities exist in specialized public sector or managerial admin roles with licensed sponsors like NHS Trusts or government bodies

FAQs

Here are common questions about eligibility for Support Secretary jobs with UK visa sponsorship, based on 2025 rules:

Question	Answer
Are standard Support Secretary roles eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship in 2025?	No, most are not, as they fall under ineligible SOC codes like 4215 (RQF 3-5). Only higher-skilled variants (e.g., SOC 4141) may qualify if meeting RQF 6+ and £41,700 salary.3 12
What is the minimum salary for visa eligibility?	£41,700 annually (or going rate if higher), pro-rated for part-time. Exceptions for new entrants (£30,960) or PhD holders, but role must still be eligible.5 13
Do I need a degree for these roles?	Yes, effectively—RQF 6+ equivalent (bachelor’s) is required. Foreign degrees must be verified by UK ENIC.6 6
How do I prove English proficiency?	Via IELTS (B1 level), a UK degree, or nationality from an English-speaking country. Dependants need A1.8
Can family members join me?	Yes, if sponsored (spouse/partner can work; children under 18 can study), but you must meet maintenance funds (£1,270 + £285/spouse + £315/child).