In today’s global job market, UK businesses increasingly rely on hiring overseas talent to fill critical skill gaps. However, recruiting international employees requires visa sponsorship, and employers must follow strict UK Home Office regulations.
If your company is looking to hire skilled workers from abroad, this guide will walk you through:
✅ How UK visa sponsorship works for employers
✅ Types of visas available for overseas hires
✅ Step-by-step process to sponsor foreign workers
✅ Costs & compliance rules for UK employers
✅ Common mistakes that lead to visa refusals
Let’s get started!
1. Why UK Employers Should Consider Hiring Overseas Talent
With labour shortages in key industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality, many UK businesses struggle to find qualified candidates locally. Hiring skilled workers from abroad can help businesses:
✔️ Fill critical job vacancies
✔️ Bring in highly skilled professionals
✔️ Enhance workforce diversity
✔️ Stay competitive in global markets
However, before hiring foreign employees, companies must obtain a UK Sponsor Licence and comply with Home Office regulations.
2. UK Visa Options for Hiring Overseas Workers
Employers must choose the right work visa route based on the job role, skill level, and salary offered.
Most Common Work Visas for Skilled Workers
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Sponsorship Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | Professionals in eligible skilled jobs (e.g., IT, healthcare, engineering) | ✅ Yes |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | Doctors, nurses, and care professionals | ✅ Yes |
| Global Business Mobility Visa | Employees transferring from an overseas branch to a UK office | ✅ Yes |
| Graduate Visa | UK university graduates seeking work | ❌ No |
| Global Talent Visa | Highly skilled experts in tech, science, arts, and research | ❌ No |
Best Visa for Most Employers: The Skilled Worker Visa is the most widely used route for UK companies hiring overseas talent.
3. How to Sponsor Overseas Talent in the UK – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Apply for a Sponsor Licence
To legally hire non-UK workers, your company must first apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office.
📌 Eligibility Criteria for a Sponsor Licence:
✔️ Your company must be legally registered in the UK
✔️ You must have genuine job vacancies that meet salary & skill requirements
✔️ Your HR team must be able to manage visa compliance duties
📌 Documents Required for Sponsor Licence Application:
- Business registration certificate (Companies House)
- Employer liability insurance (£5M+ coverage)
- Business bank statements
- PAYE & VAT registration details
💰 Sponsor Licence Fee:
- £536 (Small businesses & charities)
- £1,476 (Medium & large businesses)
🕒 Processing Time: 8-12 weeks (Priority service available for faster processing)
Step 2: Find the Right Candidate & Check Eligibility
Before offering a job to an overseas worker, ensure that:
✔️ The job is on the Skilled Worker Visa eligible occupation list
✔️ The salary meets the minimum threshold (£38,700 in 2024 or £30,960 for shortage occupations)
✔️ The candidate meets English language requirements
Step 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once your company has a Sponsor Licence, you must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each overseas employee.
📌 Key CoS Requirements:
- Job title, salary, and employment contract details
- Sponsorship reference number
- Confirmation of compliance with visa rules
Step 4: Employee Applies for the Skilled Worker Visa
After receiving the CoS, the employee must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa via the UK Home Office website.
💰 Visa Application Fees (Paid by Employee):
- £610 – £1,500 (Depending on visa length & job type)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
🕒 Processing Time:
- Standard: 3-8 weeks
- Priority: 5 working days (additional cost)
Step 5: Ensure Compliance & Report Changes to UKVI
Once the visa is approved, the employee can start working for your company. However, as a licensed sponsor, your business must:
✔️ Maintain up-to-date records of sponsored employees
✔️ Report job changes, salary adjustments, or resignations to the Home Office
✔️ Ensure compliance with minimum salary & work conditions
✔️ Prevent illegal working by conducting right-to-work checks
🚨 Failure to comply can result in:
❌ Sponsor Licence suspension or revocation
❌ Fines up to £20,000 per illegal worker
❌ Being banned from hiring overseas workers
5. Common Mistakes Employers Make When Sponsoring Overseas Workers
🔴 Not checking if the job meets Skilled Worker Visa requirements
🔴 Incomplete sponsor licence applications leading to rejections
🔴 Not keeping proper employee records, leading to compliance issues
🔴 Delays in issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship
🔴 Offering salaries below the minimum threshold
🚀 Tip: To avoid these mistakes, consider consulting an immigration expert for guidance!
6. Final Thoughts – Is Hiring Overseas Talent the Right Move for Your Business?
Hiring international employees can help UK businesses grow, access new skills, and stay competitive. However, visa sponsorship requires proper planning, compliance, and financial commitment.
Key Takeaways for Employers:
✔️ Apply for a Sponsor Licence if you want to hire non-UK workers.
✔️ Choose the right visa category for your industry.
✔️ Offer competitive salaries that meet the UKVI requirements.
✔️ Stay compliant to avoid fines & penalties.
✔️ Consider professional immigration support to streamline the process.
Need help with visa sponsorship? Contact an immigration specialist today!