Powergirl...
I was working in the UK on a working holiday and my employer wanted to sponsor me from there.. my application was a tier 2 (out of country) based on experience not and not on any academic references. So mine may be a little different.
In saying that I have over 5 years experience in the role (Home Office states a min of 3 required) of which was backed up with supporting documentation from previous employers. Additionally, my employer satified the advertisement criteria. As I worked for a gov body, I have never seen such as drawn out recruitment process. Anyway the home office stated that i did not have the experience to do the job (even though I had been doing it for over a year).
But that aside, you potential employer should have asked for you academic records and work experience. The working in the uk website can handy as it provides all the information required. THe guidance notes are particularily handy to infd out what you potential employer should be doing.
cheers

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