How long does the Skilled Worker sponsorship process take from start to finish?

If the employer already has a sponsor licence, the process typically takes 3 to 8 weeks from assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship to receiving the visa. If the employer needs to apply for a sponsor licence first, add 8 weeks for standard processing or 10 working days for priority.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical document but an electronic record created by the employer on the Sponsor Management System. It contains details of the job, salary, and SOC code. The worker uses the CoS reference number when applying for their visa.

Can an employer sponsor someone who is already in the UK?

Yes. If the person is already in the UK on a visa that allows switching (such as a Student visa, Graduate visa, or another work visa), the employer can sponsor them to switch to the Skilled Worker visa. The process uses a defined Certificate of Sponsorship rather than an undefined one.

Does the employer have to advertise the job before sponsoring someone?

There is no formal Resident Labour Market Test for the Skilled Worker visa. Employers do not need to prove they could not find a UK worker for the role. However, the Home Office may check that the vacancy is genuine and not created solely for immigration purposes.

Who pays for the Skilled Worker sponsorship?

The employer must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£364 or £1,000 per year depending on company size) and cannot pass this cost to the worker. The visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge can be paid by either the employer or the worker, depending on the agreement between them.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The Skilled Worker sponsorship process has distinct stages: the employer obtains a sponsor licence, assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship, and the worker applies for the visa. This guide walks through every step, covering responsibilities, timelines, costs, and common pitfalls.

Overview of the Process

The Skilled Worker sponsorship process has three main phases. First, the employer must have a sponsor licence. Second, the employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker. Third, the worker uses the CoS to apply for the Skilled Worker visa. Each phase has its own requirements, costs, and timeline.

The full process is governed by the Skilled Worker visa rules on GOV.UK. This guide brings together the employer's and worker's responsibilities in a single walkthrough.

Step 1: The Sponsor Licence

Before an employer can sponsor anyone, it must hold a valid Worker sponsor licence. If the employer does not have one, they need to apply.

Applying for a Sponsor Licence

The application is submitted online through the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
The employer must provide supporting documents proving the business is genuine and operating
The fee is £536 for small or charitable sponsors, or £1,476 for medium and large sponsors
Standard processing takes approximately 8 weeks
Priority processing (£500 extra) aims for 10 working days

The Home Office may conduct a pre-licence compliance visit. The employer should have HR systems and record-keeping processes in place before applying. See our guide on sponsor licence requirements for full details.

If the Employer Already Has a Licence

If the employer already holds a Worker sponsor licence, they can move straight to assigning a CoS. The licence is valid for up to 4 years before it needs renewing.

Step 2: Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship

The Certificate of Sponsorship is the link between the employer and the worker. It is created on the Sponsor Management System and contains:

The worker's personal details
The job title, SOC code, and skill level
The salary and any allowances
The start date and working hours
Whether the CoS is defined (worker already in the UK) or undefined (worker applying from abroad)

The employer must ensure all details are accurate. Errors on the CoS are a frequent cause of visa refusal.

Defined vs Undefined CoS

A defined CoS is used when the worker is already in the UK and is switching visa routes or extending. The employer assigns it directly. An undefined CoS is used when the worker is applying from outside the UK. The employer must first request an allocation of undefined CoS from the Home Office.

Step 3: The Worker's Visa Application

Once the CoS is assigned, the worker applies for the Skilled Worker visa. The application can be made online, and the worker will need:

The CoS reference number
A valid passport
Proof of English language ability at B1 level
Evidence of maintenance funds (if the sponsor is not A-rated): at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days
A criminal record certificate (for certain roles)
A TB test certificate (if applying from a listed country)

The application fee depends on the length of visa and the SOC code. The Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year) is also payable. See our Skilled Worker visa cost breakdown for the full figures.

Step 4: Biometrics and Decision

After submitting the online application, the worker attends a biometrics appointment. If applying from outside the UK, this is at a visa application centre. If applying from within the UK, biometrics may be done through the UKVCAS service.

Processing times vary. Standard processing from outside the UK takes around 3 weeks. Inside the UK, it takes around 8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions. See our guide on Skilled Worker processing times.

Costs Summary

The sponsorship process involves costs for both the employer and the worker:

Employer Costs

Sponsor licence fee: £536 (small) or £1,476 (medium/large)
Certificate of Sponsorship: £525 per worker
Immigration Skills Charge: £364/year (small) or £1,000/year (medium/large)

Worker Costs

Visa application fee: £719 to £1,420 depending on duration and SOC code
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
Biometrics: included in visa fee
English language test: approximately £150 to £200

The Immigration Skills Charge cannot be passed to the worker. Other costs may be shared depending on the employment agreement. Check the GOV.UK fees page for the latest figures.

Common Pitfalls

CoS errors: Incorrect salary, SOC code, or start date on the Certificate of Sponsorship
Timing: The worker must apply within 3 months of the CoS being assigned
Maintenance funds: The 28-day period must end within 31 days of the visa application
English language: The test must be from an approved provider and the certificate must not be expired
Right to work: The worker cannot start working until the visa is granted

Next Steps

If you are an employer, start by checking whether you have a sponsor licence and that it covers the Worker route. If you are a worker, confirm with your employer that the CoS has been assigned and check all the details before applying.

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