Certificate of Sponsorship

Get in touch for expert advice

What is a certificate of sponsorship?

A certificate of sponsorship is self-certifying electronic document that an employer who has a sponsorship licence can issue to a worker so that an application can be made for leave to enter or leave to remain for that worker to work for this organisation. A certificate of sponsorship has to be signed for each and every individual the employer needs to employ.

How do you issue a certificate of sponsorship?

The worker’s sponsor will issue a certificate of sponsorship through the online sponsor management system. Each certificate has a unique number allocated to it which the worker can use to apply for a visa. The certificate is valid for three months only.

How much does it cost to sponsor a skilled worker?

There is a tax levied on business for employing foreign workers. For a small or charitable sponsor the immigration skill charge is £364 for the first year and £182 for each additional six months. So the cost of sponsoring someone for five years would be £1,820. For medium to large sponsors the charge is £1,000 for the first year and £500 for each additional six months. The cost of sponsoring someone for five years will be £5,000. In addition there is a visa application fee, where the worker or employer will have to pay, for example £625 if the visa is up to three years in a non-shortage occupation. A visa for more than three years in a non-shortage occupation is £1,235. The exact fee can vary and one should check the fee before applying.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a tax on visas on top of the application fee outlined above. It is £624 for each year of a visa, so the total for five years will be £3,120 or £1,872 for a three year visa. Like the application fee it is normally down to the worker to pay and you have to check what the costs are at the time of application.

On top of that there is also additional fees such as faster visa processing fee, being able to keep one’s passport through the process, having a courier to drop it off.

What is the premium customer service for employers?

The premium customer service offers an enhanced level of support for an organisation employing foreign workers and each premium customer will have their dedicated account manager who can provide help and support according to the organisation’s immigration needs. Please see the Home Office guidance.

Danielle invites you to take a look at her blog, where you will see the diverse range of clients that she has helped.

If you have any questions about the process or would like to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship please contact Danielle or call on 020 7267 4133. Danielle will only charge you for the first consultation if you decide to become her client and if she can assist you.