How do I hire someone from overseas to work in the UK?

To hire an overseas worker, you need a sponsor licence from the Home Office. Then you assign a certificate of sponsorship to the worker, who uses it to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. You must also conduct a right to work check before they start employment.

How much does it cost to sponsor an overseas worker?

Total costs include the sponsor licence fee (£536 to £1,476), certificate of sponsorship (£525 per worker), and Immigration Skills Charge (£364 to £1,000 per year per worker). The worker pays the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, though some employers choose to cover these.

Do I have to prove I could not find a British worker for the role?

No. Since the points-based system was introduced, there is no resident labour market test. You do not need to advertise the role to UK workers first. However, the role must meet the skill level and salary requirements for the Skilled Worker visa.

How long does the whole process take?

If you already have a sponsor licence, the process from assigning a CoS to the worker receiving their visa typically takes 3 to 8 weeks. If you need to apply for a sponsor licence first, add 8 weeks (or 10 working days with priority processing).

Hiring Overseas Workers: Complete UK Employer Guide 2026

Hiring an overseas worker requires a sponsor licence, a certificate of sponsorship, and the worker to obtain a Skilled Worker visa. There is no requirement to prove you could not find a UK worker. The process takes 3 to 8 weeks if you already have a licence. Costs are significant but manageable, and ongoing compliance is mandatory.

Step 1: Get a Sponsor Licence

Before you can sponsor any overseas worker, you need a sponsor licence from the Home Office. Apply on the GOV.UK sponsorship page.

The licence covers your organisation for 4 years and allows you to sponsor multiple workers. Processing takes 8 weeks (or approximately 10 working days with priority service). See our sponsor licence application guide.

Step 2: Check the Role Qualifies

The role must meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements:

Skill level: RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent). Check the eligible occupations list on GOV.UK.
Salary: Must meet both the general salary threshold and the going rate for the occupation.
Genuine vacancy: The role must be a genuine vacancy, not created solely for immigration purposes.

Step 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once you have identified your candidate, assign a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The CoS is not a physical document but a digital reference number. See our CoS assigning guide for details.

Each CoS costs £525 in fees payable to the Home Office.

Step 4: The Worker Applies for Their Visa

The worker uses the CoS reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa. They must pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks (or 5 working days with priority service).

Step 5: Right to Work Check and Onboarding

Before the worker starts, you must conduct a right to work check. Once they arrive:

Verify their identity and immigration status.
Set up PAYE and help with National Insurance number application.
Provide any settling-in support you have agreed to.
Begin your compliance record-keeping from day one.

Costs Summary

The main costs for employers:

Sponsor licence: £536 (small) or £1,476 (medium/large). One-off, lasts 4 years.
Certificate of sponsorship: £525 per worker.
Immigration Skills Charge: £364/year (small) or £1,000/year (medium/large) per worker.

The worker typically pays the visa fee and IHS, though some employers cover these as part of a relocation package. See our Skilled Worker cost guide and CoS fee guide.

Ongoing Compliance

Holding a sponsor licence means ongoing obligations:

Keep records of sponsored workers' contact details and documents.
Report changes (worker leaves, changes role, is absent without permission).
Allow Home Office compliance visits. See our audit guide.
Monitor that salaries continue to meet the going rate.

Failure to comply can result in your licence being downgraded, suspended, or revoked. See our sponsor duties guide and illegal working penalties guide.

Alternatives to the Skilled Worker Route

Depending on the situation, other options may be available:

Graduate visa holders: Already in the UK with full work rights. No sponsorship needed. See our Graduate visa employer guide.
Global Talent visa: For exceptional individuals. No sponsorship required. See our Global Talent guide.
Health and Care Worker visa: Reduced costs for eligible health roles. See our health care sponsorship guide.