Sponsoring a Skilled Worker in the UK requires employers to navigate several costs and compliance requirements. One of the most common questions employers ask is: how much does it cost to sponsor a work visa UK?
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa involves several fees that must be paid as part of the process. Additionally, UK employers need to consider the expenses associated with sponsoring a skilled worker.
This guide outlines the Skilled Worker visa costs, as well as the related fees and financial commitments that sponsors should account for when hiring overseas talent. It also covers key compliance aspects, including sponsor duties and compliance, sponsor licence renewal, and right to work check employer responsibilities.
Fees and Charges Associated with Hiring via the Skilled Worker Visa
Starting the Skilled Worker Visa application means dealing with some costs right off the bat. These are important for employers who want to bring in foreign workers and should be part of their budget plans. The main costs include the visa application fee, which can change based on whether you're applying from inside the UK or somewhere else, plus other related expenses.
The initial application fee is just one piece of the puzzle. Employers also need to think about other charges like the immigration skills charge, health surcharges, and maybe legal advice fees if they want to get some expert help. All these costs add up, so it's important to plan ahead to avoid any hiccups during the visa application process.
Below is a breakdown of these costs to find out how much it costs to sponsor a work visa UK:
| Fee Type | Paid by Employer | Paid by Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Licence Application | Yes | No |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Yes | No |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Yes | No |
| Visa Application Fee | No | Yes |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | No | Yes |
| Priority/Premium Processing (if chosen) | No | Yes |
Sponsor Licence Costs
Employers looking to hire foreign workers via the Skilled Worker Visa route need a sponsor licence. The cost of this licence depends on the size of the company: small or charitable organizations pay £536, while medium or large businesses are charged £1,476.
Read our full guide on the UK sponsor licence application process.
Getting a sponsor licence isn't just about paying the fee. It also means sticking to the rules set by the Home Office and staying compliant with the regulations.
Check out our guide to maintaining compliance with UK sponsorship duties.
Qualifying as a small or medium/large organisation
To figure out if your business is small, medium, or large, there are specific criteria that affect the sponsor licence fee. A company is considered small if it meets at least two out of three conditions: an annual turnover of no more than £10.2 million, total net assets below £5.1 million, and fewer than 50 employees.
These criteria are important because they not only determine the sponsor licence fee but also affect other aspects of the application process. Smaller businesses benefit from lower fees when applying to sponsor foreign workers.
Understanding where your business fits can help you understand how much does it cost to sponsor a work visa UK and plan better for hiring foreign workers through sponsorship.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Costs
A Skilled Worker Visa application needs a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a key reference number from the employer for the visa applicant. This is a mandatory step in the Skilled Worker visa sponsorship process. To be valid, this CoS must be issued within three months before the job start date.
There are two types of certificates: defined certificates for those applying from outside the UK, and undefined certificates for those already in the UK. Employers need to be careful when filling out a CoS because errors or missing info can lead to visa application rejections and potential legal issues.
The cost of a CoS depends on the type of sponsor licence you have. The fee for assigning a CoS under the Skilled Worker visa is £239. This cost will apply each time you recruit a sponsored worker.
Read our guide on applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK.
Immigration Skills Charge
Employers must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. This fee helps fund training and development programs for the local workforce in the UK. The amount depends on the visa duration and whether the organisation is large or small.
| Business Type | First 12 months | Each additional 6 months |
| Small/Charitable | £464 | £232 |
| Medium/Large | £1,000 | £500 |
If a sponsored worker's visa application is denied, withdrawn, or if they don't start working with the sponsoring company, the employer might get a refund of the immigration skills charge.
Employer Maintenance Certification
Employers can ease the financial load for skilled worker visa applicants by certifying maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. This means the employer agrees to financially support the new employee for their first month on the job. This assurance can save applicants from having to show extensive personal savings, which can be a big hurdle.
Without this certification, skilled worker visa applicants must prove they have enough savings to support themselves, increasing the risk of visa rejection due to insufficient funds. So, when employers certify maintenance, it makes the application process smoother for everyone involved.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees
Skilled Worker visa fees vary depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK and the length of your employment contract.
- If you’re applying from outside the UK:
- up to 3 years - £719 per person
- more than 3 years - £1,420 per person
- up to 3 years - £719 per person
- If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa:
- up to 3 years - £827 per person
- more than 3 years - £1,636 per person
- up to 3 years - £827 per person
Read our full guide on the UK Skilled Worker visa application process.
Priority services for the Skilled Worker Visa Application
If you're in a rush, the Home Office offers priority and super-priority services for visa and settlement applications. These services cut down the waiting time significantly, providing decisions much faster than the usual processing time, which can range from weeks to months.
Applications from outside the UK are processed within 3 weeks while applications from within the UK (for extensions or switching visas) take 8 weeks.
Applicants can choose to pay for priority services to expedite the process. Priority processing costs £500 – you’ll get a decision within 5 working days.
Healthcare Surcharge
Those applying for a skilled worker visa need to pay a healthcare surcharge to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS). This fee is £1,035 per year and must be paid upfront for the entire visa duration.
To figure out the total healthcare surcharge, applicants should multiply this yearly fee by the number of years their visa lasts. For example, someone with a three-year visa would pay a total of £3,105. However, applicants under the Health and Care Worker visa category don't have to pay this charge, which is a big financial perk for healthcare workers.
How Can Nation.Better Help You?
Navigating the Skilled Worker Visa process can be complex for both employers and candidates. Nation.better is here to make it easier for you. Whether you're an employer looking to sponsor international talent and secure a visa for your candidates or an individual seeking to work in the UK, our team of immigration experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring all Home Office requirements are met.
By choosing Nation.better, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that we handle the complexities – allowing employers to attract top talent and helping candidates secure their future in the UK.
Get started today: fill in our form, and we’ll provide personalised support for a smooth and successful Skilled Worker Visa application.