The Skilled Worker Visa is a crucial route for UK businesses looking to hire international talent. However, sponsoring a skilled worker involves navigating Home Office regulations, compliance checks, and financial commitments. If your company wants to sponsor skilled workers but isn’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What a Skilled Worker Visa sponsor licence is and why it’s important
- Step-by-step process to become a licensed sponsor
- Key compliance rules to avoid penalties or licence suspension
- Costs involved in sponsoring a skilled worker
- Common mistakes to avoid delays & refusals
Let’s get started!
1. What Is a Skilled Worker Visa & Who Needs Sponsorship?
The Skilled Worker Visa allows non-UK workers to legally work in the UK if they have a job offer from a sponsoring UK employer.
Who needs sponsorship? Any overseas worker outside the UK and Ireland who does not have UK residency rights.
Who doesn’t need sponsorship? UK citizens, EU citizens with settled/pre-settled status, and those on certain visas (e.g., Global Talent Visa holders).
Key Benefit for Employers: Sponsoring skilled workers helps UK businesses fill talent gaps, especially in industries facing labour shortages.
2. How to Become a Skilled Worker Visa Sponsor – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check If Your Business Qualifies for a Sponsor Licence
- To sponsor skilled workers, your business must:
- Be a legitimate UK company registered with HMRC & Companies House
- Have genuine job vacancies that meet the Skilled Worker Visa salary & skill requirements
- Be financially stable and able to pay visa sponsorship costs
- Have the right HR & compliance systems to manage sponsored employees
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Sponsor Licence
There are two main types of sponsorship licences for work visas:
| Licence Type | Who It’s For |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Licence | For companies hiring full-time employees in eligible roles |
| Temporary Worker Licence | For businesses hiring short-term staff (e.g., seasonal workers) |
Most companies will need a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, as this applies to long-term hires.
Step 3: Submit a Sponsor Licence Application
How to Apply:
Complete the online application on the UK Home Office website
Pay the sponsor licence fee (see cost breakdown below)
Submit supporting documents to prove your business legitimacy
- Documents Needed for Application:
- Business registration certificate (Companies House)
- Latest business bank statements
- Proof of employer liability insurance (£5M+ coverage)
- VAT registration (if applicable)
- HMRC tax registration (PAYE, UTR number)
Tip: Double-check your documents before applying to avoid delays!
Step 4: Pass the UKVI Compliance Checks
- After submitting your application, the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) may conduct a compliance visit to check if your business can:
- Manage sponsored workers’ records properly
- Prevent illegal working
- Meet the minimum salary & job role requirements
Common Reasons for Rejection:
- Fake or incomplete documents
- Inability to manage visa compliance duties
- Offering jobs that don’t meet Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds
If you pass, your company will be granted a Sponsor Licence and added to the UK Home Office’s list of registered sponsors.
Step 5: Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to Your Employee
Once your company is a licensed sponsor, you can offer jobs to overseas workers. You will need to assign them a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
Key CoS Requirements:
Must include job title, salary, and employment contract details
Must be issued before the worker applies for their visa
The job must meet the Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds
Step 6: The Skilled Worker Visa Application Process
After receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship, the worker must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. The employer’s role is to support the process, ensuring:
The job meets the visa salary requirements
The worker meets the English language requirement
The worker has enough funds for the visa application
🚀 Processing Time:
- Standard: 3-8 weeks
- Priority: 5 working days (extra fee applies)
2. Skilled Worker Visa Compliance Rules for Employers
Once your business sponsors a worker, you must:
Track their immigration status & report visa expirations
Update UKVI on any job changes (e.g., salary increases, promotions)
Report absences if the worker misses work for 10+ days without reason
Ensure salary meets Skilled Worker Visa minimum thresholds
- Failure to comply could result in:
- Losing your sponsor licence
- Paying fines up to £20,000 per illegal worker
- Being banned from hiring overseas workers
5. Final Thoughts – Is Sponsoring a Skilled Worker Worth It for UK Companies?
Sponsoring skilled workers can help UK businesses grow, fill labour shortages, and attract global talent. However, employers must be prepared for costs, compliance duties, and potential UKVI audits.
Key Takeaways:
Ensure your business qualifies before applying for a Sponsor Licence.
Prepare all required documents to avoid rejection.
Understand the costs & compliance rules before hiring foreign workers.
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for every skilled worker you hire.
Stay compliant with UKVI rules to avoid penalties & licence suspension.
Need help with UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship? Contact an immigration expert today!