Navigating the process of visa sponsorship in the UK can be intricate and costly. This article breaks down the various expenses involved, making it easier for businesses and individuals to understand the financial commitments required for obtaining a visa sponsorship.
Introduction to Visa Sponsorship in the UK
Visa sponsorship is essential for non-EU nationals who wish to work in the UK. Employers must obtain a sponsor license and fulfill specific criteria to sponsor employees. The costs associated with this process can be substantial, covering sponsor license fees, immigration skills charges, visa application fees, and other associated costs.
Sponsor License Costs
To sponsor a non-EU worker, UK employers must first obtain a sponsor license. The cost of this license varies depending on the size of the business.
Sponsor License Application Fee
- Small or Charitable Sponsors: £536
- Medium or Large Sponsors: £1,476
The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful. The license is valid for four years, after which it must be renewed.
Renewal Fee
- Small or Charitable Sponsors: £536
- Medium or Large Sponsors: £1,476
Immigration Skills Charge
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is an additional fee imposed on employers who sponsor non-EU workers. The purpose of this charge is to encourage businesses to invest in training UK workers.
Cost of Immigration Skills Charge
- Small or Charitable Sponsors: £364 per year for each sponsored employee.
- Medium or Large Sponsors: £1,000 per year for each sponsored employee.
Exemptions
There are some exemptions to the ISC, including:
- PhD-level occupations
- Workers switching to a Tier 2 visa from a Tier 4 (Student) visa
- Those working in certain healthcare or education roles
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the sponsor license is obtained, employers must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each sponsored worker. The CoS is a digital document that confirms the job offer and details.
Cost of Certificate of Sponsorship
- Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer): £199 per certificate
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker): £21 per certificate
See Also: What Is the Uk Student Dependant Visa Fee?
Visa Application Fees
The visa application fee depends on the type of visa being applied for and its duration.
Tier 2 (General) Visa
Up to 3 Years:
- Main Applicant: £610
- Shortage Occupation: £464
More than 3 Years:
- Main Applicant: £1,220
- Shortage Occupation: £928
Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Visa
- Up to 3 Years: £610
- More than 3 Years: £1,220
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
- Main Applicant: £244
Healthcare Surcharge
In addition to visa application fees, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS).
- Standard Rate: £624 per year
- Discounted Rate for Students and Youth Mobility: £470 per year
Legal and Administrative Costs
Employers and applicants may incur additional costs related to legal and administrative support.
Legal Fees
Legal fees for immigration services vary depending on the complexity of the case and the reputation of the law firm.
- Basic Legal Advice and Application Assistance: £1,000 – £2,000
- Comprehensive Legal Services (including appeals): £3,000 – £5,000
Administrative Costs
Administrative costs can include:
- Document Translation: £50 – £100 per document
- Courier Services: £20 – £50 per package
- Attestation and Certification: £10 – £50 per document
Relocation Costs
Relocating an employee to the UK involves additional expenses beyond visa sponsorship.
Travel Expenses
- Flights: £300 – £1,500 per person, depending on the destination and class
- Temporary Accommodation: £50 – £150 per night
Settling-in Allowance
Many employers provide a settling-in allowance to help employees cover initial living expenses.
- Typical Allowance: £1,000 – £3,000
Summary of Costs
To provide a clear picture, here is a summary of the potential costs involved in visa sponsorship for a medium or large business sponsoring a Tier 2 (General) worker for three years:
Example Breakdown
- Sponsor License Fee: £1,476
- Immigration Skills Charge: £3,000 (3 years x £1,000 per year)
- Certificate of Sponsorship: £199
- Visa Application Fee: £610
- Healthcare Surcharge: £1,872 (3 years x £624 per year)
- Legal Fees: £1,500 (average)
- Total Cost: £8,657
Conclusion
Visa sponsorship in the UK involves various costs that businesses must consider. From sponsor license fees to visa application charges, the expenses can add up quickly. It is crucial for employers to budget appropriately and ensure compliance with all immigration requirements. Understanding these costs helps in making informed decisions and planning effectively for the sponsorship process.
By carefully navigating the financial aspects and seeking appropriate legal advice, businesses can successfully sponsor non-EU workers, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition to the UK workforce.