How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Work Visa UK?
The cost of sponsoring a UK work visa depends on several factors, such as the type of visa, the length of planned employment, and the size of the company sponsoring the worker.
To find out more about the cost of sponsoring overseas workers as an employer or business, reach out to London Immigration Lawyers on 0204 502 8582 or use our live chat online for support and advice.
Sponsoring a Work Visa Overview
It is a legal requirement for all companies looking to hire overseas workers to have applied and been granted a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office.
It is not possible to employ migrant workers without doing so, and any employer without the correct permissions could face prosecution.
When hiring overseas staff, you should consider the cost of sponsoring and the associated costs, including maintaining the Sponsorship Licence, assigning Certifications of Sponsorship (CoS) and paying the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).
Additional fees for potential employees include visa application costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The costs for them will depend on which visa pathway they choose and the length of time they plan to remain in the country.
It is essential to factor in all of these costs when assessing the need for staff from overseas. For help applying for a sponsor licence and compliance with UK immigration laws, contact us today.
Page Contents
- Sponsoring a Work Visa Overview
- Cost of Sponsoring a Work Visa in the UK
- Eligibility and Exemptions for Sponsorship Costs
- Employer Responsibilities for Sponsorship
- Calculating and Budgeting for Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Costs
- Process and Timelines for Work Visa Sponsorship
- How can London Immigration Lawyers Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Cost of Sponsoring a Work Visa in the UK
UK Sponsor Licence Costs
The cost of applying for a licence is a major expense and a significant part of the Tier 2 visa sponsorship cost to employer. This process must be completed before you can recruit individual workers.
You should decide what kind of worker you are planning to hire before starting the sponsor licence process, as there are varying rates for those planning to only make use of temporary labour compared to employing a long-term worker. There are different rates based on size. To be classed as a small sponsor, your firm should meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Have an annual turnover of £10.2 million or less
- Total assets should not be worth more than £5.1 million
- Have 50 or fewer employees
You will qualify for the lower charitable rate if you can provide evidence showing one of the following applies:
- Currently registered charity in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Are an excepted charity
- Are an exempt charity
- Are an ecclesiastical corporation established for charitable purposes
| Type of licence | Fee for small or charitable sponsors | Fee for medium or large sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| Worker | £611 | £1,682 |
| Temporary Worker | £611 | £1,682 |
| Worker and Temporary Worker | £536 | £1,682 |
| Adding a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence | No fee | £1,071 |
| Adding a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence | No fee | No fee |
There is no longer a requirement to renew your sponsor licence every four years.
Instead, the licence is automatically renewed for 10 years, although you must continue to ensure you comply with all the responsibilities of being a licence holder otherwise, it could be revoked.
This means you would no longer be able to employ workers who are not UK citizens or have settled status.
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge Costs
An Immigration Healthcare Surcharge is paid to allow access to the services provided by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
The surcharge is £1035 per year per person and is payable for the main visa applicant and their dependants.
If you are recruiting workers via the Health and Care Worker Visa route, they are exempt from the surcharge but can still access the NHS during their time in the UK.
In many cases, the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge is paid by the employee, but some employers opt to cover the fee if they are hoping to recruit specialised and in-demand workers. Companies can also cover additional upfront fees such as the 5-year work visa UK cost and reclaim the fees from staff over a period of time. However, they can not inflate such costs to exploit workers.
Eligibility and Exemptions for Sponsorship Costs
It is essential to ensure that you are fully aware of any eligibility or exemptions for sponsorship costs otherwise, you could be paying unnecessary extra costs or failing to comply with UK immigration legislation.
All employers must correctly verify eligibility for exemptions or fee reductions, as failing to comply with these criteria can lead to processing delays or sponsor licence revocation.
You should consider seeking legal advice if you are unclear about whether a potential worker is entitled to an exemption or you have concerns about eligibility for a UK work visa.
Employer Responsibilities for Sponsorship
Employers sponsoring work visas have several financial and administrative responsibilities. The first step is obtaining a sponsorship licence, which requires submitting an application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system and adhering to strict compliance obligations.
Once the licence is approved, employers must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for each employee, ensuring timely and accurate documentation to avoid delays.
Employers must also maintain accurate records, report changes to the UKVI, and ensure ongoing compliance with immigration regulations to retain their sponsorship status. You can organise a mock compliance audit to ensure you are correctly following the requirements for being an overseas worker employer.
Calculating and Budgeting for Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Costs
It is important for employers to estimate the cost of sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa correctly. Employers should account for various components, including sponsorship licence fees, the cost of issuing Certificates of Sponsorship,
Immigration Skills Charges, and any additional administrative or legal fees.
Effective budgeting requires thoroughly understanding these expenses and careful financial planning to avoid unexpected costs.
Employers typically bear the costs of sponsorship fees, while employees cover their visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Clear communication between employers and employees is essential to mutual understanding of financial responsibilities.
Consulting with immigration specialists can also help streamline the process, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with all regulations.
Process and Timelines for Work Visa Sponsorship
Obtaining a sponsorship licence involves several steps, including submitting an application, providing necessary documentation, and undergoing compliance checks. The processing time is typically eight weeks, although expedited options are available for those requiring faster approval.
Once the licence is granted, employers can assign Certificates of Sponsorship through the UKVI portal, which requires efficiency and attention to detail to avoid delays.
Employees must complete their visa application, attend a biometric appointment, and pay the required fees. Visa processing times generally range from three to four weeks.
Employers and applicants should adhere to all regulatory timelines to prevent penalties or application rejections.
How Can London Immigration Lawyers Help?
London Immigration Lawyers provide expert assistance with the complexities of sponsoring work visas.
Our services include guiding employers through the sponsorship licence application process, ensuring compliance with UKVI regulations, and advising on cost-saving measures such as exemptions and fee reductions.
We also help applicants prepare documentation and navigate the visa application process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
If you need help sponsoring a work visa in the UK, contact London Immigration Lawyers at 0204 502 8582 today or leave a message online. Our experienced team is ready to assist you in meeting your immigration needs confidently and easily.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on February 3rd, 2026 at 3:47 pm
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only companies approved by the UK Home Office with a valid sponsor license can sponsor work visas.
It can be competitive, as employers must meet specific criteria and prove that a local worker cannot fill the role.
The process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on job availability, employer processing time, and visa type.
Rejection rates vary, but for skilled worker visas, it’s typically below 15%, provided eligibility and documentation are complete. To avoid rejection it is important to complete an application correctly and provide sufficient evidence.
