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Becoming a sponsor of skilled migrant workers (accessible version)

Updated 25 February 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-points-based-immigration-system-employer-information/becoming-a-sponsor-of-skilled-migrant-workers-accessible-version

Check your organisation is eligible

  • Check the people you want to hire are eligible to come to the UK under the new points-based immigration system
  • Ensure you are able to provide the necessary supporting documents for your sponsor licence application, e.g. details of your organisation and intended jobs you wish to fill
  • To get a licence, you cannot have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering

Ensure your organisation can manage its licence

  • You need to appoint people within your organisation to manage the sponsorship process when you apply
  • They will be responsible for ensuring your organisation remains compliant within the requirements of the licence
  • You will need to keep record of your staff that you sponsor for reporting to UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)

Apply - allow 8 weeks

  • Apply online and pay the fee
  • The fee is dependent on the type of licence(s) you are applying for and the type and size of your organisation. It will either be £536 or £1,476
  • Send your supporting documents to UKVI
  • Confirm how many staff you plan to recruit through the sponsorship system for the current financial year
  • Each staff member sponsored costs £21 or £199, in addition to the usual visa application fees

If successful, your licence will be valid for 4 years.

  • Once you have selected a candidate, they must make a visa application to work in the UK
  • You must first endorse your prospective employee’s visa through your sponsor licence account by requesting then issuing an electronic ‘certificate of sponsorship’
  • Pay the Immigration Skills Charge. This is £1,000 for the first year of work in the UK plus £500 for each additional 6 months, or £364 and £182 respectively for small businesses or charities
  • The employee must then submit a visa application under the same category as your licence

If the prospective employee’s visa application is granted, they may travel to the UK and start working.

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