Short Guide: Employing an Overseas Worker 2025
If you’re looking to employ someone from outside the UK, you’ll usually need a sponsor licence. The Visa Office specialists can help guide you through the process. Our Licence services can support you throughout the process of applying. We can assist in the full application process, compliance, and also sponsorship management of your candidates. Here’s what you need to know:
What to Check Before Applying for a Sponsor Licence
Before you apply, ensure you understand the requirements and process:
Check if you need a sponsor licence: Generally, you’ll need one to employ someone from outside the UK. Exceptions include Irish citizens, those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Refer to the guidance on who needs to be sponsored to determine if you need a licence.
Types of Licences
The type of licence you need depends on the nature of the employment:
Workers: For skilled or long-term employment for example Skilled Worker and Minister of Religion
Temporary Workers: For specific types of temporary employment for example Government Authorised Exchange Scheme, Scale Up and Creative Worker.
Ensure the job meets the necessary criteria to determine the appropriate licence
Job Suitability
You can sponsor a worker if the job offers a suitable rate of pay and skill level, or meets other visa criteria.
Business Eligibility
To qualify for a licence, your business must:
Provide supporting documents proving you are genuine and have an operating presence in the UK.
Be assessed for suitability, ensuring no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or other serious crimes, no recent civil penalties for employing illegal workers, and no sponsor licence revocation in the past 12 months.
Have appropriate systems to monitor sponsored employees and manage sponsorship.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review your application and may visit your business to verify your trustworthiness and capability.
Costs
- Sponsor Licence Fee: The fee varies based on the type of licence, your organisation, and whether you opt for a faster decision.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee: You must assign a CoS to each foreign worker and pay the associated fee.
- Immigration Skills Charge: An additional charge may apply when assigning a CoS for certain visas.
Application Process
- You must ensure you’ve checked all requirements, including job suitability, business eligibility, and costs.
- You make your application online providing details about your organisation, the routes you’re applying for, and the people managing your sponsor licence.
- Send the supporting documents after completing the online application.
Decision on Your Application
If you have been approved, you’ll receive your sponsor licence number and user identification number for the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
If you have been refused, in most cases you should follow the 6-month cooling off period before you can apply again.
Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
Once license is issued, you can use the SMS to manage day-to-day activities, such as creating and assigning CoS, reporting changes, and up-dating your licence.
Navigating the process of obtaining a sponsor licence to employ someone from outside the UK can be complex and time-consuming. However, with the right guidance and support, it becomes much more manageable.
The Visa Office specialists are here to assist you every step of the way. From the initial application to compliance and sponsorship management, our experts ensure that you meet all requirements and streamline the process.
Whether you need help determining the type of licence you need, ensuring job suitability, or managing the costs and timelines involved, The Visa Office provides comprehensive support tailored to your business needs. Trust us to help you build a diverse and skilled workforce, compliant with UK immigration laws.
For more detailed guidance and personalized assistance, contact The Visa Office today and let us help you achieve your hiring goals efficiently and effectively.
