Skilled Worker sponsor licence
The most common route for UK employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill roles that cannot be filled by the domestic workforce.
- 8 weeks
- Standard processing time
- RQF 6
- Skill level for standard roles
- £41,700
- Minimum salary, or the going rate
- £525
- Certificate of Sponsorship, per worker
What the Skilled Worker licence covers
The Skilled Worker route is the UK's primary immigration route for employers who want to recruit skilled workers from outside the UK. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) route in December 2020 and offers businesses greater flexibility in hiring international talent.
To sponsor skilled workers, your organisation must first obtain a sponsor licence, which is typically valid indefinitely, subject to compliance. Once licensed, you can assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible candidates.
Key requirements
Skill level
Standard Skilled Worker roles must be at RQF Level 6 (degree level); RQF Level 3-5 roles are only eligible via the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List.
Minimum salary
£41,700 per year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher.
Processing time
8 weeks standard, or 10 working days with priority service.
Key personnel
You must name an Authorising Officer, a Key Contact and a Level 1 User before you apply.
Lower salary thresholds available
Eligible roles
Roles must be listed in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes and meet the required skill level. Common eligible roles include:
- IT professionals and software developers
- Engineers (all disciplines)
- Healthcare professionals
- Financial services professionals
- Marketing and sales managers
- Architects and designers
- Scientists and researchers
- Construction managers
- Business analysts
- Project managers
- Legal professionals
- Academic professionals
Application process
- 1
Preparation
Gather required documents, set up HR systems, and identify key personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User).
- 2
Online application
Complete the sponsor licence application on the Home Office portal and pay the application fee.
- 35 working days
Document submission
Submit at least 4 required documents within 5 working days of your online application.
- 4
Home Office review
The Home Office reviews your application and may conduct a compliance visit.
- 58 weeks
Decision
Receive a decision within 8 weeks (standard) or 10 working days (priority).
- 1
Preparation
Gather required documents, set up HR systems, and identify key personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User).
- 2
Online application
Complete the sponsor licence application on the Home Office portal and pay the application fee.
- 35 working days
Document submission
Submit at least 4 required documents within 5 working days of your online application.
- 4
Home Office review
The Home Office reviews your application and may conduct a compliance visit.
- 58 weeks
Decision
Receive a decision within 8 weeks (standard) or 10 working days (priority).
Fees and ongoing costs
- Licence fee — small sponsor or charity
- £611
- Licence fee — large sponsor
- £1,682
- Certificate of Sponsorship, per worker
- £525
- Immigration Skills Charge — small sponsor
- £480 / year
- Immigration Skills Charge — large sponsor
- £1,320 / year
- Priority service decision
- 10 working days
Which sponsor size applies to you
Related
Other routes worth checking
Scale-up sponsor licence
For businesses that can evidence at least 20% annualised growth over three years.
Read moreGlobal Business Mobility
Five routes for multinational employers transferring existing staff to the UK.
Read moreTemporary Worker routes
Short-term sponsorship for creative, charity, seasonal and exchange workers.
Read moreSponsor Licence Application Service
Apply for a UK sponsor licence to hire workers from outside the UK.
Read moreReady when you are
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