Cost of Sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa UK

Unlocking the Secrets of Sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: What You Need to Know
The process of sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa in the UK can seem daunting, but understanding the costs involved is crucial for any organization considering this route. From application fees to compliance costs, the financial investment required to sponsor an overseas worker can vary significantly. This article breaks down these costs in detail and provides a comprehensive guide to budgeting for a successful sponsorship.

Breaking Down the Costs
When it comes to sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa, the cost can be divided into several key categories:

1. Application Fees:
   The application fee is a fundamental component of the sponsorship process. As of the latest update, the cost of the Skilled Worker visa application is:

   Visa Type	Fee (Outside the UK)	Fee (Inside the UK)
   Standard Visa (up to 3 years)	£610	£704
   Standard Visa (more than 3 years)	£1,220	£1,408
   Shortage Occupation Visa	£464	£704
   Intra-company Transfer	£1,220	£1,408

   Note: Fees are subject to change, so always check the latest updates from the UK Home Office.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
   The IHS allows visa holders to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. This surcharge is:

   Visa Duration	Annual Surcharge	Total for Visa Duration
   Up to 6 months	£470	£470
   More than 6 months but up to 1 year	£470	£940
   More than 1 year but up to 2 years	£470	£1,880
   More than 2 years	£470	£3,540+

3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:
   The CoS is a crucial document that proves a job offer and is required for visa application. The fees for a CoS are:

   CoS Type	Fee
   Defined CoS (for skilled workers)	£199
   Undefined CoS (for intra-company transfers)	£199

4. Sponsorship Licence Fee:
   Organizations must obtain a sponsorship licence to hire overseas workers. The cost of a licence varies based on the size of the company:

   Company Size	Fee
   Small or Charitable	£536
   Medium or Large	£1,476

5. Additional Costs:
   Depending on the specific circumstances, there might be additional costs such as legal fees for preparing the application or costs related to relocating the employee.

Total Estimated Costs
To provide a clearer picture, let's consider a hypothetical scenario for a standard visa (up to 3 years) application from outside the UK:

• Application Fee: £610
• Immigration Health Surcharge (for 3 years): £1,880
• CoS Fee: £199
• Sponsorship Licence Fee (for a small company): £536

Total Estimated Cost: £3,225

Cost Considerations for Employers
Employers need to factor these costs into their budgets and consider the long-term benefits of sponsoring a skilled worker. Although the initial investment might be substantial, the potential for gaining a valuable employee with unique skills can outweigh the financial outlay.

Conclusion
Navigating the sponsorship of a Skilled Worker visa in the UK involves understanding and managing various costs. By breaking down each expense and preparing accordingly, employers can make informed decisions and effectively plan their budgets. This comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with sponsoring a visa ensures that businesses are well-prepared for the investment required to secure top talent from overseas.