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Sponsoring International Talent: A Guide for UK Employers
In a competitive job market, businesses across the UK are increasingly looking abroad to find top talent. However, hiring international candidates requires navigating the UK’s sponsorship process, ensuring compliance with immigration laws while securing skilled professionals for your company.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what employers need to know.
1. Do You Need a Sponsor Licence?
If you want to hire a worker from outside the UK (including EU nationals, except Irish citizens), your business will likely need a sponsor licence. This allows you to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which a candidate needs to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Some individuals may not need sponsorship, such as those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
2. How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
To become a licensed sponsor, businesses must:
✔ Check Eligibility – You must be a legally operating UK business and have proper HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers.
✔ Ensure the Role Qualifies – The job must meet the required skill and salary thresholds (generally £38,700 per year).
✔ Appoint Key Personnel – Designate staff responsible for sponsorship duties.
✔ Submit the Application – Apply online to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and pay the relevant fee (£574 for small businesses, £1,579 for larger companies).
✔ Prepare for Compliance Checks – UKVI may inspect your business to ensure compliance with sponsorship duties.
Once approved, you’ll receive an A-rated licence, allowing you to issue sponsorship certificates to eligible candidates.
3. Employer Responsibilities
As a sponsor, you must:
✔ Monitor employees and report visa-related issues to UKVI.
✔ Ensure salaries and job roles continue to meet visa requirements.
✔ Keep up-to-date records of sponsored workers.
Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines, licence revocation, or reputational damage.
4. Costs Involved
Hiring international talent comes with costs, including:
✔ Sponsor Licence Fee – £574 (small businesses) to £1,579 (larger companies).
✔ Certificate of Sponsorship – £525 per worker.
✔ Immigration Skills Charge – £364 to £1,000 per year, depending on company size.
✔ Visa & Health Surcharge – Skilled Worker visa fees range from £769 to £1,519; and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year.
5. The Candidate’s Process
Once an employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, the candidate must:
✔ Apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
✔ Meet English language proficiency requirements.
✔ Pay visa and health surcharge fees.
Visas are typically granted for up to five years, with the option to apply for indefinite leave to remain after this period.
Sponsoring international talent can seem complex, but for many businesses, the investment is worthwhile. With the right guidance, companies can access a global pool of skilled professionals while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.
For full and official guidance, please visit www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers. This information is provided as general guidance (valid as of the publication date)—always refer to official sources for the latest requirements.