UK Employment of International Skilled Workers
Hiring Overseas Workers – What UK Employers Should Know
Bringing workers from overseas enables UK businesses to tap into global expertise, especially when local talent is in short supply. However, UK employers must obtain a valid sponsor licence before they can legally hire and employ international workers.
Support with Skilled Worker Visa Applications
Hiring skilled workers from abroad involves several key steps: securing a sponsor licence, issuing Certificates of Sponsorship, meeting salary requirements, and maintaining strict compliance. This process can be complex and time-consuming for employers.
Our team provides comprehensive support with Skilled Worker visa applications. We assist employers throughout the entire process, helping ensure that sponsored workers’ visa submissions are accurate, complete, and more likely to succeed.
Sponsor Licence Guidance & Compliance Support
To employ overseas workers, UK businesses must hold a sponsor licence and follow detailed compliance responsibilities. These include:
- Reporting any changes in employee circumstances
- Maintaining accurate HR and record-keeping processes
- Ensuring job roles meet minimum skill and salary thresholds
Non-compliance can lead to fines, licence downgrades, or even suspension. We help employers navigate these obligations with ease. Our experts provide guidance on sponsor duties and ongoing compliance so businesses can recruit and retain international talent without risk.
Documents Required to Become a Skilled Worker Sponsor
To apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, employers must provide key documents proving their business is genuine and compliant with UK regulations. These typically include:
- Proof of business registration
- Financial records
- Employer’s liability insurance
- VAT certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of a UK corporate bank account
Additional documents may be required depending on the type of business. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or even lead to refusal of your application. We can help you prepare accurate, complete documents to improve your chances of securing a sponsor licence and hiring overseas workers successfully.
Responsibilities for Employing Overseas Skilled Workers
To hire skilled workers from outside the UK or Ireland, employers must hold an active sponsor licence and maintain ongoing compliance. This includes reporting any changes to the organisation or to sponsored employees throughout the licence period.
Employers must also prove that the job offered is genuine, meets the required skill level, and is paid at the correct salary threshold.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship Fees
Employers are required to pay fees for:
- Applying for a sponsor licence
- Renewing or extending the licence
- Issuing individual Certificates of Sponsorship
Current Home Office application fees are £574 for small sponsors and £1,579 for large sponsors.
Our Charges
Our fees vary depending on the organisation and the specific services required:
- Sponsor licence application support:
• £2,500 for small organisations
• £3,500 for large organisations - Major changes to sponsor licence / adding a category: £400
- Reporting SMS changes (non-subscribers): £250–£800
- Annual Sponsor Licence Compliance Support:
• £720 for small organisations
• £1,200 for large organisations - Documents check & trial UKVI audit (online): £1,200
- Documents check & trial UKVI audit (on-site): £1,500
- Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship: £1,000
In addition to these fees, employers may need to pay the Immigration Skills Charge for each Skilled Worker they sponsor. This applies to workers applying from overseas for stays of 6 months or more, or applying from within the UK. The amount varies by company size and length of employment. Employers should refer to the latest government guidance for current fee levels.
Requirements
Key Requirements for Becoming a Skilled Worker Sponsor
Submit the Online Sponsor Licence Application
Complete the application through the Home Office system with accurate business details.
Pay the Required Fees
This includes the sponsor licence application fee and, where relevant, the Immigration Skills Charge for sponsored workers.
Prove Your Business Is Operating and Trading in the UK
You must provide at least four documents that confirm your business is genuine and active.
Provide Financial and Compliance Documents
Evidence may include a corporate bank account, audited annual accounts, VAT certificate, or a company tax return—showing the business is financially compliant and legally operating.
Provide Regulatory and Legal Documents
These may include employer’s liability insurance, registration with HMRC, or proof of listing with the FCA/London Stock Exchange to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Why Choose UK Visas?
Duties and Obligations of a Skilled Worker Sponsor
Once an organisation is granted a sponsor licence, it must meet a set of ongoing duties defined by the Home Office. These include:
- Maintaining accurate records of sponsored workers, including passports, immigration status documents, and evidence of digital right-to-work checks.
- Keeping recruitment documentation, such as job advertisements and interview records, to show the role is genuine.
- Tracking and recording worker attendance and reporting any changes in their employment, such as job role, salary, or work location.
- Monitoring employee activities to ensure compliance with visa conditions and eligibility requirements.
- Cooperating with Home Office checks, including compliance audits and unannounced site visits.
Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Processing Time
Applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence can be a complex and time-consuming process. Many organisations underestimate the time needed to gather and prepare all the required documentation, which can include proof of business legitimacy, financial records, recruitment records, and evidence of compliance with Home Office requirements.
We recommend that businesses allow 2 to 3 months to collate, review, and submit all necessary documents to ensure the application is complete and accurate. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application can lead to delays or even refusal.
Once the application is submitted, the processing time depends on the service chosen:- Priority service: If you opt for priority processing, the Home Office usually makes a decision within 10 working days of receiving the complete application and supporting evidence.
- Standard service: For standard applications, the decision may take up to 8 weeks.
Proper preparation and guidance can help streamline the process and reduce the risk of delays, ensuring a smoother experience when applying for a sponsor licence.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship
Guide for UK Employers
The Home Office can refuse a sponsor licence application if supporting evidence is incomplete, incorrect, or misleading. There is no right of appeal for a rejected application, which can result in wasted time and resources, especially for employers unfamiliar with the process. Working with immigration experts like UK Visas ensures your application is accurate and complete, giving you the best chance of approval.
Once a licence is granted, employers can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a migrant worker under the Skilled Worker visa system. This is done via an online management system, which generates a unique reference number required for the worker’s visa application.
Key points about CoS:
- The reference number is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
- The CoS must include a confirmed employment start date.
Employers looking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK must apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence online through the official Sponsorship Management System. This route is suitable for roles where no suitable UK candidates are available or where specialist skills are required.
Once approved, employers can:
- Issue Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers
- Ensure all sponsored workers meet the correct criteria
- Fulfil ongoing sponsor duties to maintain compliance
At UK Visas, we assist UK businesses in legally and efficiently employing overseas workers. Our services cover the entire process, including:
Securing a sponsor licence
- Preparing and submitting skilled worker visa applications for employees
- Ensuring ongoing compliance with Home Office requirements
Navigating UK immigration rules can be complex and stressful. With years of experience and thousands of successful applications, we provide tailored guidance and full support, helping your business hire skilled overseas workers with confidence and ease.
