- Introduction to UK Work Visa Sponsorship Costs
Sponsoring a work visa in the UK involves various costs for employers and applicants. Employers must bear sponsorship-related fees, while applicants cover visa application and associated charges. This guide outlines the costs for sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa and other work visa types in the UK.
- Employer Costs for Sponsoring a Work Visa
2.1 Sponsorship Licence Fee
To sponsor workers, an employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence:
- Small or Charitable Sponsors: £536.
- Medium or Large Sponsors: £1,476.
2.2 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee
Each sponsored worker requires a Certificate of Sponsorship:
- Cost per CoS: £199 (free for certain eligible workers, such as citizens of EU countries).
2.3 Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
This is a levy paid by employers to support the training of UK workers.
- Small or Charitable Sponsors:
- £364 for the first year.
- £182 for each additional 6 months.
- Medium or Large Sponsors:
- £1,000 for the first year.
- £500 for each additional 6 months.
- Visa Application Costs for the Employee
3.1 Skilled Worker Visa Fee
Fees depend on the visa length and whether the role is on the Shortage Occupation List:
- Up to 3 years:
- Standard role: £625.
- Shortage Occupation: £479.
- More than 3 years:
- Standard role: £1,235.
- Shortage Occupation: £943.
3.2 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is mandatory for most work visas:
- £624 per year of visa duration.
3.3 Biometric Fees
Applicants must pay £19.20 for biometric enrolment.
- Total Estimated Costs for Sponsoring a Work Visa
Here’s an example of the typical cost breakdown for sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa for 3 years:
| Expense | Small Sponsor (£) | Large Sponsor (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Licence Fee | 536 | 1,476 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | 199 | 199 |
| Immigration Skills Charge (3 years) | 1,092 | 3,000 |
| Visa Application Fee (3 years) | 625 | 625 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | 1,872 | 1,872 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 4,324 | 7,172 |
- Additional Costs to Consider
- Priority Processing: Employers or applicants can pay extra for expedited visa decisions (fees range from £500 to £800).
- Legal or Administrative Fees: Optional costs for legal advice or visa processing support.
- Ways to Reduce Sponsorship Costs
- Hire Shortage Occupation Workers: Lower visa fees apply for roles on the Shortage Occupation List.
- Charitable Sponsorship: Eligible charities pay reduced ISC fees.
- Plan for Long-Term Roles: Sponsoring longer visas minimizes the need for renewals.
- FAQs About UK Work Visa Sponsorship Costs
- Who pays for the Certificate of Sponsorship?
Employers are responsible for this fee. - Can sponsorship costs be reimbursed by the employee?
No, employers cannot legally recover sponsorship-related fees from employees. - Is the Immigration Skills Charge refundable?
The ISC may be refunded if the visa application is refused or the worker leaves their role early. - Are visa fees the same for dependents?
Yes, dependents pay the same visa application fees and IHS as the main applicant. - Can employers pay for the employee’s visa application?
Yes, but it’s not mandatory. Employers often pay for higher-level roles as part of the benefits package.
- Conclusion
Sponsoring a work visa in the UK requires careful planning to account for licence fees, sponsorship charges, and visa application costs. Understanding these expenses ensures compliance and helps employers attract the best talent without unexpected financial burdens.