In today’s global economy, many professionals from around the world seek to work in the United Kingdom, whether for career advancement, personal growth, or educational purposes. One of the most common ways to obtain permission to live and work in the UK is through a visa sponsorship system. But how much does it really cost to sponsor someone for a UK visa? The costs involved in the visa sponsorship process can be substantial, and it’s important for both applicants and employers to understand these costs before embarking on the sponsorship journey.
This article will guide you through the various costs associated with visa sponsorship in the UK. We will cover visa application fees, the healthcare surcharge, immigration skills charges, financial requirements, and more. By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding of the visa sponsorship process, the associated fees, and any exemptions or reductions that may apply.
Visa Application Fees: A Breakdown of the Standard Application Fees for Different Types of Visas
Visa application fees are one of the primary costs involved in the UK visa sponsorship process. These fees can vary depending on the type of visa, the duration of stay, and the specific circumstances of the applicant. Below is an overview of the standard visa application fees for common visa types:
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common work visas in the UK. It allows foreign workers to come to the UK to take up a skilled job offer. The visa application fee depends on the salary being offered to the applicant and the duration of stay.
If the job is on the shortage occupation list: The application fee is generally £232 for up to 3 years and £464 for more than 3 years.
If the job is not on the shortage occupation list: The fee is £610 for up to 3 years and £1,220 for more than 3 years.
Other Work Visas
For work visas such as the Intra-company Transfer visa or Global Talent visa, the fees can vary:
Intra-company Transfer visa: The fee is £610 for up to 3 years and £1,220 for more than 3 years, with higher fees for applicants switching from within the UK.
Global Talent visa: This fee can range from £152 to £608 depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the length of stay.
Student and Family Visas
Student visa: The fee for a student visa is typically £363 for applicants who are applying from outside the UK. If applying from within the UK, the fee is £490.
Family and partner visas: These visas usually cost £1,523 for a 2.5-year visa or £2,404 for a 5-year visa.
Differences in Fees Based on the Duration of Stay
As mentioned above, visa application fees are often split between two categories based on how long the applicant intends to stay in the UK. Short-term visas typically cost less than longer-term ones. Here are the general guidelines:
Up to 3 years
Shorter-duration visas tend to have lower application fees.
More than 3 years
Long-term visas generally have higher application fees to reflect the extended period of stay and the additional administrative work involved.
Healthcare Surcharge: What You Need to Know
The healthcare surcharge is an additional fee that visa applicants must pay as part of their application. This surcharge grants applicants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which provides healthcare services to all residents.
Cost of the Healthcare Surcharge
The healthcare surcharge is typically set at £624 per year for most visa applicants. However, there are exceptions:
Lower rates for students: If you are applying for a student visa, the healthcare surcharge is reduced to £470 per year.
Dependents: Family members or dependents accompanying the applicant will also need to pay the surcharge. The surcharge amount is the same as for the main applicant.
When Is the Healthcare Surcharge Paid?
The surcharge is paid as part of the visa application process. Applicants will need to pay it upfront when submitting their visa application. This ensures that applicants are covered by the NHS for the entire duration of their stay.
How the Healthcare Surcharge Is Calculated
The total amount of the healthcare surcharge depends on the number of years the applicant plans to stay in the UK. For example, if an applicant is applying for a 3-year visa, the total surcharge will be £624 x 3 = £1,872.
Immigration Skills Charge: Understanding the Employer’s Role
In addition to the visa application fees, there is an Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) that employers need to pay when sponsoring skilled workers. This charge is intended to support the development of UK workers by encouraging employers to invest in training the local workforce.
How Much Is the Immigration Skills Charge?
Standard rate: The standard rate is £1,000 per year for each skilled worker that an employer sponsors. This amount is payable by the employer and covers the duration of the worker’s employment.
Small or charitable employers: Employers with fewer than 50 employees or those that are registered as charities can pay a reduced rate of £500 per year.
When Does the Immigration Skills Charge Apply?
The ISC applies to most employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker visa and other similar work visa routes. However, the charge does not apply to all types of workers:
Exemptions: The ISC does not apply to workers on the shortage occupation list or those applying for specific visas such as the Health and Care Worker visa.
Circumstances Under Which the Charge Applies
The charge is applicable when sponsoring foreign workers under the Skilled Worker visa and several other work-related visa categories. Employers should be aware of the specific exemptions related to the role and the worker’s nationality.
Financial Requirements: What You Need to Prove to Stay in the UK
One of the key components of the UK visa application process is proving that the applicant can financially support themselves while living in the country. This ensures that foreign nationals do not become reliant on the public funds system during their stay.
Proof of Funds
Applicants must show they have enough funds to cover their living expenses for a set period, typically at least 28 days before applying. The specific amount required can vary based on the visa type:
For Skilled Worker visas: The applicant must show that they have at least £1,270 in personal savings, unless their employer can certify that the applicant’s salary will meet this requirement.
Employer’s Role in Financial Support
In some cases, the employer sponsoring the visa applicant may also need to provide financial support by guaranteeing the applicant’s salary meets the required threshold.
Employer Sponsorship Costs: Overview of the Employer’s Financial Responsibility
When sponsoring a worker, employers need to consider several additional costs beyond the visa application fees. These costs can add up quickly, and employers should plan accordingly.
Sponsorship Licence Fee
Before an employer can sponsor workers, they need to apply for a sponsorship licence. The sponsorship licence is valid for 4 years, and its fee depends on the size and type of the business:
Large employers: £1,476
Small or charitable employers: £536
Assigning Certificates of Sponsorship
Employers also need to pay to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for each foreign worker they sponsor. The cost of assigning a CoS is typically £199.
Exemptions and Reductions: Understanding Available Discounts
Certain applicants and employers may be eligible for fee exemptions or reductions under specific circumstances.
Exemptions for Applicants
Some applicants may be eligible for fee reductions or exemptions based on the type of job or their nationality. For example:
Health and Care Workers: The Immigration Skills Charge is waived for applicants applying for visas under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
Shortage Occupation List: Applicants filling roles on the shortage occupation list may be eligible for reduced visa application fees and the ISC.
Exemptions for Employers
Small businesses and charitable organizations may qualify for reduced rates on the Immigration Skills Charge and the sponsorship licence fee.
Conclusion
The cost of visa sponsorship in the UK can be substantial, but understanding the various fees involved can help both applicants and employers plan accordingly. From visa application fees to healthcare surcharges and the Immigration Skills Charge, there are multiple costs to consider. However, there are also exemptions and reductions available, especially for applicants filling shortage occupations or for employers with fewer than 50 employees.
By staying informed about the visa sponsorship costs and navigating the application process carefully, you can ensure that your sponsorship experience is as smooth as possible.
