While many sponsors may be aware of the fees for sponsoring skilled workers, there are an equal number of sponsors who are unsure about the timelines associated with each step of the sponsoring process.
If you’re one of the latter, here’s a detailed guide on the updated 2025 timelines that make up the entire Skilled Worker visa application process.
Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
Employers looking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK must first obtain a Sponsor Licence, which allows them to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign employees. The processing time for a Sponsor Licence varies based on whether the standard or priority service is chosen. However, delays may occur if the Home Office requests additional documentation.
- Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks
- Priority processing: 10 working days
- Potential delays: If additional documents are required, processing may take longer than expected.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Allocation
Once an employer has a Sponsor Licence, they must allocate a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each worker. The CoS allocation processing time depends on whether it is a Defined or Undefined CoS, as well as whether priority service is available.
Undefined CoS processing time can be significantly longer, particularly for smaller companies, while Defined CoS applications may face delays due to additional document requests.
- Undefined CoS processing time (for workers inside the UK):
- Standard processing: 14-18 weeks (some cases approved in 10-12 weeks)
- Priority processing: 10 working days (must request at 9:00 a.m. sharp to secure a slot)
- Standard processing: 14-18 weeks (some cases approved in 10-12 weeks)
- Defined CoS processing time (for workers outside the UK):
- Standard processing: 1-2 working days, but with document requests, it may take 3-4 months
- Priority processing: Not available
- If a Defined CoS remains “pending” for over a week, employers may see quicker results by submitting a new request.
- Standard processing: 1-2 working days, but with document requests, it may take 3-4 months
Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time
After securing a CoS, the employee must apply for a Skilled Worker visa. The processing time varies based on whether the application is submitted from inside or outside the UK, as well as whether priority service is selected.
- Inside the UK:
- Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks
- Priority processing: 5 working days
- Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks
- Outside the UK:
- Standard processing: Up to 3 weeks
- Priority processing: 5 working days
- Standard processing: Up to 3 weeks
Getting Supporting Documents for the Visa Application
When your candidate applies for the Skilled Worker visa, they must submit a list of primary documents to support their application.
Here are a few examples:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (PDF format)
- Proof of their knowledge of English (only in applicable circumstances)
- A passport or another document that’s valid for at least 6 months and shows their identity and nationality
In addition to these core documents, they may also need to submit:
- Tuberculosis test results
- A criminal record certificate
- A valid ATAS certificate
- A UK PhD certificate or their unique Ecctis reference number (this will depend on the type of work they’re sponsored for)
Here’s how long it generally takes to obtain these documents:
| Document | Condition | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Only applicable if their current passport is expired. (The passport should be renewed before they are issued a CoS) | Up to 4 weeks |
| Tuberculosis test results | Only required if they’re from a listed country . | Up to 1 week |
| PhD confirmation from Ecctis | Required if the candidate’s PhD was awarded outside the UK. | Up to 4 weeks |
| Criminal record certificate | A criminal record certificate is required for every country the candidate has lived in for 12 months in the previous 10 years—either in total or consecutively. (Only for certain jobs and countries the candidate has lived in after turning 18) | Typically takes up to 4 weeks, but the duration may vary depending on the country. |
| ATAS certificate | Only required if the candidate is conducting research in the UK. (The application should be made online) | Up to 3 weeks |
Proof of English Language Proficiency
There are several options available for your candidates to prove their English language proficiency; there are two popular options among many candidates – pass an approved English test or obtain an Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) and/or the English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) from Ecctis.
The AQUALS and ELPS statements can only be obtained if your candidate has already completed a degree taught in English outside the UK and may take anywhere between 10 to 30 days to obtain.
The English test, on the other hand, can be booked from the home country of your candidate. This timeline may depend on the availability of slots and the country in which the exam is taken.
That said, it typically takes up to 3 weeks to get the results.
Work with Nation.better to Make Sponsorship Streamlined
At Nation.better, we are committed to making the sponsorship process intuitive for you and your employees. Through our complementary candidate assessment, we help speed up the sponsoring process.
Get in touch with us today to receive professional legal support from our team.