Visa sponsorship in the UK is a crucial topic for many individuals and businesses. It is essential for foreign nationals seeking to work in the UK. Understanding the costs associated with visa sponsorship can help potential applicants and employers plan better. This article explores how much is visa sponsorship in the UK, including costs, types of visas, and the overall process.
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship occurs when a UK employer supports a foreign national’s application for a visa to work in the UK. The employer must hold a valid sponsorship license from the UK Home Office. This license allows them to offer job opportunities to overseas candidates. The sponsorship confirms that the employer has a genuine vacancy and is willing to provide the necessary support for the visa application.
Types of Visa Sponsorship
Several types of visa sponsorships are available in the UK. The most common are:
Skilled Worker Visa: This visa is for skilled workers coming to the UK to fill a specific job role. Applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsorship license.
Temporary Worker Visa: This includes various categories, such as the Tier 5 visa for temporary work. It allows individuals to work in the UK for a limited time.
Intra-company Transfer Visa: This visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch.
Health and Care Worker Visa: This visa is specifically for healthcare professionals who have a job offer from the NHS or an organization providing adult social care.
Costs of Visa Sponsorship
The costs associated with visa sponsorship can vary depending on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of the application. Here is a breakdown of the main costs involved:
1. Sponsorship License Fee
Employers must pay a fee to apply for a sponsorship license. This fee depends on the size of the business:
Small businesses and charities: £536
Medium and large businesses: £1,476
These fees are non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee
Once an employer has a sponsorship license, they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for each employee they wish to sponsor. The cost of the CoS is:
Skilled Worker Visa: £199 per CoS
Employers can assign multiple CoS, but they will need to pay for each one.
3. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
The Immigration Skills Charge is an additional fee employers must pay when sponsoring a skilled worker. The amount varies based on the size of the company:
Small or charitable employers: £364 per year
Medium or large employers: £1,000 per year
This charge is payable for the entire duration of the worker’s visa.
4. Visa Application Fee
The visa applicant must also pay a visa application fee. This fee varies based on the type of visa and the duration of stay. For a Skilled Worker Visa, the fees are as follows:
For applications for up to three years: £625
For applications for more than three years: £1,235
5. Health Surcharge
Visa applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application. This fee grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK. The amount is £624 per year for most visa types.
Total Estimated Costs
To provide a clearer picture, here is an example of the total estimated costs for a medium-sized employer sponsoring a skilled worker for a three-year visa:
Sponsorship License Fee: £1,476 (one-time fee)
Certificate of Sponsorship Fee: £199 (one-time fee)
Immigration Skills Charge: £3,000 (£1,000 per year for three years)
Visa Application Fee: £625 (for up to three years)
Health Surcharge: £1,872 (£624 per year for three years)
Total Cost: £6,172
This example illustrates how costs can accumulate quickly for employers sponsoring foreign workers.
Additional Considerations
1. Sponsorship Duties
Employers who sponsor workers have specific responsibilities. They must ensure that the sponsored employee complies with the terms of their visa. They must also maintain accurate records of the employee’s attendance and any changes in employment status. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including losing the sponsorship license.
2. Recruitment Costs
In addition to the direct costs of sponsorship, employers may incur recruitment costs. This can include advertising the job vacancy, interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new employee. Employers may also choose to use recruitment agencies, which can add to the overall expenses.
3. Currency Fluctuations
For businesses operating in multiple currencies, fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the overall cost of visa sponsorship. Employers should consider this when budgeting for international hires.
4. Impact on Employee Salary
Employers must pay the sponsored employee at least the minimum salary threshold for the visa category. For the Skilled Worker Visa, the minimum salary is £26,200 or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher. This requirement can affect the overall compensation package offered to the employee.
See also: What Is The IHS For UK Student Visa
Conclusion
Visa sponsorship in the UK involves various costs and responsibilities for employers. The expenses can accumulate significantly, depending on the type of visa and the specific requirements of the application.
Employers should carefully evaluate these costs when considering sponsorship. They should also be aware of their duties as sponsors and ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.
For individuals seeking to work in the UK, understanding the costs associated with visa sponsorship can help them prepare better for their application. With careful planning and budgeting, both employers and employees can navigate the visa sponsorship process more effectively.
In summary, visa sponsorship in the UK is a vital process for many businesses and workers. Knowing the costs involved helps in making informed decisions for a successful application.
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