Transport for London Visa Sponsorship Changes: Latest News in 2026

Discussions arising on Transport for London visa sponsorship changes have resonated highly while the UK is still amidst comprehensive immigration reforms. Recent policy changes have had an impact on skilled workers, public sector employers and settlement routes, and prospective migrants want to know if Transport for London (TfL) sponsors visas in 2026 and the recent immigration changes.

This article contains the latest UK-based information for 2026, including immigation changes, sponsorship payment rules, government consultations and whether you can apply for visas through TfL or the department for Transport.

What Are the Changes in Immigration in the UK in 2026?

The UK immigration system in 2026 is still changing, heavily focusing on skills, salary limits and protection of the domestic workforce. Key changes for sponsored workers The most salient changes which will impact sponsored workers are:

More Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds than were in place before 2024
Further scrutiny of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) allocations
Stricter compliance rules for licensed sponsors
Greater clarity on settlement eligibility and integration

Public bodies such as transport authorities have been forced to defend foreign recruitment by citing significant skills shortage. These changes to immigration impact organisations such as Transport for London who previously looked globally to source specialist skills.

Despite what some applicants are looking for with regards to Transport for London visa sponsorship changes sponsowship decisions are, in stand of fact, becoming more role specific than organisation specific.

What Are the New Rules for Sponsorship Visa UK 2026?

These laws, which were introduced in 2025, will still be fully in action during 2026 and continue to define the sponsorship world we live in. Some of the important requirements for sponsorship visas are:

Increased minimum salary requirement, particularly for Skilled Worker visas
Removal or reduction of some shortage occupation salary discounts
More frequent Home Office audits of sponsor licence holders
Stricter checks on genuine vacancy requirements

For UK public sector employers such as TfL, these changes mean fewer sponsored roles and a preference for UK-based recruitment first. Visa sponsorship is now mainly reserved for highly technical or safety-critical positions.

Is Consultation Open on Proposed Changes to UK Settlement Rules Until February 2026?

Yes. As of early 2026, the consultations on the proposed settlement and ILR changes by the UK government has been extended until February 2026.

The consultation focuses on:

Increasing the period of time that an individual must work before they become eligible to apply for settlement
Tougher English and integration criteria
Closing off pathways from temporary to permanent visas

For skilled sponsored employees such as those sponsored by Transport for London or similar bodies, these changes may have enefits even though their initial visa can be supported.

Prospective applicants are advised to keep abreast of Home Office updates as final policy decisions could be made in late 2026.

Does Transport for London Offer Visa Sponsorship?

Visa sponsorship is available with Transport for London, although it is rare and often on a case by case basis.

TfL is a UK-based public authority and may sponsor overseas workers when:

The role cannot be filled by the UK labour market
The position meets Skilled Worker visa eligibility
The role aligns with TfL’s operational or safety needs

In 2026, TfL prioritises sponsorship for specialist roles such as:

Transport engineers
Digital infrastructure specialists
Safety and signalling experts

Administrative, customer service other administrative positions are generally not covered by a visa.

Does TfL Give CoS?

Yes, TfL can sponsor a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) but not as a given.

Important points to note:

TfL must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence
The role must meet salary, skill, and compliance thresholds
CoS issuance is subject to Home Office allocation limits

Even if a job advertisement exists, it does not mean that TfL will sponsor a CoS. Granby Any potential recruits are advised to read the job description thoroughly for any mention of sponsorship.

As a result of new Transport for London visa sponsorship rules, the awarding of CoS has been fiercely competitive in 2026.

Does Department for Transport Sponsor Visas?

The Department for Transport (DfT) generally does not sponsor visas for most roles.

As a central government department, DfT typically recruits:

UK citizens
Individuals with existing right to work in the UK

Visa sponsorship may only be considered in exceptional cases, such as:

Highly specialised advisory roles
Fixed-term technical projects

Unlike TfL, which is semi-independent, the Department for Transport is particularly bound by civil service recruitment processes and visa sponsorship is relatively rare.

Final Thoughts on Transport for London Visa Sponsorship Changes

The Transport for Londonvisa sponsorship in London changes from 2026 are consistent for UK immigration trends and the emphasis on skills, compliance and settlement control. Sponsorship is still available but it’s much more specific and harder to come by than in the past.

Key takeaways:

TfL does sponsor visas, but only for specialist roles
CoS issuance is limited and role-specific
UK immigration changes in 2026 affect salary thresholds and settlement routes
The Department for Transport rarely sponsors visas

If you are considering applying to TfL from overseas, ensure your role meets sponsorship criteria and stay updated with Home Office announcements throughout 2026.