The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the primary immigration routes for skilled employment in the UK, introduced as part of the UK’s points-based immigration system in December 2020. It replaced the former Tier 2 (General) visa and allows skilled professionals to work in specific roles across sectors, provided they meet the necessary requirements. This route is open to both EU and non-EU citizens due to the end of EU free movement, significantly broadening the pool of eligible applicants.
For employers looking to sponsor skilled workers, obtaining a Sponsor Licence is essential. In this article, we’ll guide you through the skilled worker visa application process and the steps needed to become a licensed sponsor. Instructing a reputable law firm with expertise in UK immigration law is highly recommended to ensure applications meet Home Office standards and compliance requirements. Our leading London law firm provides tailored support to help secure your business’s Sponsor Licence and skilled worker visas smoothly and efficiently.
Sponsoring a Skilled Worker: The Essentials
The Importance of a Sponsor Licence
For businesses to sponsor an employee for a Skilled Worker Visa, they must first apply for and obtain a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office. This is essential because, without a Sponsor Licence, employers cannot assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to potential employees, which is required to apply for a skilled worker visa. Only licensed sponsors who appear on the Home Office’s Register of Sponsors are authorised to sponsor skilled workers. The Sponsor Licence application process is comprehensive, with stringent requirements for compliance and ongoing responsibilities. This is where our skilled legal team can be invaluable in guiding you through each stage of the Sponsor Licence application, ensuring your business is fully prepared for Home Office scrutiny.
Certificate of Sponsorship: The Key to the Visa Process
Once an employer has a Sponsor Licence, they can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the skilled worker they wish to employ. A CoS is an electronic document containing key details about the job role, salary, and the prospective employee. It’s important to ensure that the details match exactly with the job offer, as any discrepancies can lead to delays or refusals. The Home Office issues two types of CoS:
- Defined CoS – For workers applying from outside the UK.
- Undefined CoS – For workers already in the UK.
Employers use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to assign the CoS. If applying from overseas, the employer must first submit the role information to the Home Office for validation before assigning a defined CoS. Once assigned, the CoS generates a unique reference number which the skilled worker will need to complete their visa application. For businesses, partnering with a trusted London law firm can make this process seamless, as legal professionals can help navigate the SMS platform, avoid common errors, and ensure that CoS applications are compliant with Home Office requirements.
Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa application can be made up to three months before the employment start date listed on the CoS. However, the process differs slightly depending on the applicant’s location and visa status.
1. Applying from Overseas
For applicants applying from outside the UK, the application is completed online via the Home Office’s official guidance portal. Our immigration specialists can ensure that every stage of this application process is handled with accuracy, reducing the risk of delays.
2. Applying from Inside the UK
Applicants already residing in the UK may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa by extending or switching from a different visa category. However, certain immigration categories—such as Visitor, Seasonal Worker, or Parent of a Child Student—are not eligible for an in-country switch and require applicants to apply from overseas. Our experienced lawyers can advise on eligibility for switching in-country and assist with the correct application forms for extension or switching, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Additional Costs
Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa involves fees beyond the initial application charge. Current visa fees vary based on the role’s salary level and length of stay, ranging from £719 to £1,636. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 annually. These costs can add up, making the overall expense higher than the base application fee alone. The Health and Care Visa offers a reduced fee and exemption from the IHS for eligible medical professionals. Our London-based law firm can offer detailed guidance on fee calculations and available discounts, helping both employers and applicants budget effectively.
Supporting Documents: Key Requirements for a Smooth Application
The Home Office mandates that applicants submit several supporting documents along with their visa application. These include:
- The CoS reference number.
- Evidence of English language proficiency.
- A valid passport or proof of identity and nationality (for EU nationals).
- Financial evidence if the sponsor has not certified maintenance on the CoS.
- Additional documents, such as TB test results or criminal record certificates, depending on the applicant’s role and country of residence.
Ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and submitted is vital. Even minor documentation errors can lead to rejections or processing delays. Our experienced immigration team can pre-assess all required documents to ensure that they meet Home Office standards, reducing the risk of costly errors.
Biometric Information: Essential Step for Final Approval
As part of the visa application process, applicants must provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a designated centre or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, depending on their location and nationality. Applicants will receive specific instructions during their application. By instructing our firm, we can assist with the entire biometric appointment process, ensuring applicants complete this crucial step correctly.
Why Instruct Our Leading London Law Firm for Your Sponsorship and Skilled Worker Visa Applications
Navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, especially the Skilled Worker Visa and Sponsor Licence application processes, requires expertise. As a premier London law firm with a dedicated team specialising in immigration law, we offer comprehensive support for both employers and employees in their visa journeys. With our deep understanding of Home Office requirements and regulatory compliance, we ensure your applications are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time.
Our team’s tailored approach ensures every aspect of the Sponsor Licence application and visa process is handled meticulously, from initial eligibility checks to post-licence compliance. Instructing us provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your applications are in expert hands, helping to avoid potential complications and setting your business and employees up for success in the UK. Contact us today to experience the quality, commitment, and precision that defines a leading London immigration law firm.