Hiring Skilled Workers from Overseas: A Guide for UK Businesses

This immigration route not only allows UK companies to fill in the required roles for their business, they also get access to a diverse range of skilled talents they can leverage to compete in the global market. However, many UK businesses still struggle with navigating the entire process effectively - hence the need for this comprehensive guide that helps you understand the procedures and eligibility requirements as a UK company seeking to explore the global talent pool in 2025.

From obtaining a sponsor licence to the skilled worker visa requirements, this article will help you achieve a smooth hiring process from start to finish.

What You Need To Know About the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

The skilled worker visa immigration route was designed specifically for UK businesses who need to hire qualified workers from overseas because they are unable to fill in the labor gap using the local talent pool. It came as a perfect replacement for the UK Tier 2 visa category initially introduced in December 2020.

It has a 5-years validity with the opportunity for further extension and foreign employees on this visa can even file for settlement after years of continuous residence in the UK or switch to other visa categories. The process also allows companies to bring in as many foreign skilled workers as they can sponsor to fill in their employment gap.

The UK talent pool is often limited for UK sectors like healthcare, engineering, construction or IT that constantly need to hire for business sustainability so the UK skilled worker visa provides an opportunity for them to bring diverse expertise and global talents that can drive innovation and growth.

What Are The Requirements For UK Employers Who Need To Get A Sponsor License?

Before you can legally hire foreign skilled workers as a UK business, you must have been licensed to do so by the UK Home Office. Here is a list of Sponsorship license requirements you need to meet before you begin the application process;

1. You must be willing to prove that your business is genuine and operating legally in the UK
2. You must have a team of key personnels assigned to sponsorship management for your business.
3. You must have an efficient system that allows you to monitor sponsored employees to ensure they are in compliance with the visa regulations.
4. You must have paid the required application fee of £536 if you are a small business or £1,476 as a medium/large organization.
5. You must have submitted the necessary documents that verifies your business operations.

The Home Office usually takes an average of 8 weeks to process your application for a sponsorship license but you can opt to pay for a priority service which comes at an additional cost if you need a faster or immediate processing. After it has been approved, UK sponsors must make sure to maintain a detailed and accurate record including; change of job role or location, continual presence of employees in the business, resignations or contact termination or future changes to the business structure.

If they default in consistently doing this, they may be suspended from using the license or have their sponsor licence completely revoked.

2025 Skilled Worker Visa Requirements and Eligibility Criteria Every UK Business Needs To Consider

Here is a list of 2025 skilled worker visa requirements you need to consider if you are trying to explore the skilled worker immigration route in 2025. For a successful application, you and your employee must satisfy the following;

• Have a job role that is listed on the government's eligible occupations list
• Hire a foreign worker that meets up to the minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 or above
• Be willing to pay an annual salary of at least £26,200 or the "going rate" for the occupation.

For Employees Trying to Migrate, However:

• They must have received a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
• They must be willing to provide adequate evidence of their English language proficiency (CEFR level B1)
• They must be willing to provide evidence of adequate funds or savings worth at least £1,270
• They must have a clean criminal record and be willing to submit a certificate attesting that and issued by their home country.
• They must have paid their annual immigration health surcharge of £624
• They must have paid their visa application fee

Step-by-Step Application Process For The Skilled Worker Visa in 2025

The application process for UK businesses and their employers are completely different but this section will provide a detailed and simple step-by-step guide to help you get started;

For UK Businesses:

After you have decided on the ideal candidate for the job role, you must;

1. Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to your employee using the Sponsorship management system you have created for your business.
2. Send your preferred candidate(s) a CoS reference number that will aid their visa application
3. Make full payment for their annual Immigration Skills Charge
4. Verify that the job description and salary meet the Home Office requirements
5. Implement a proper documentation of the recruitment process from start to finish.

For Foreign Employees:

1. Begin your visa application online.
2. Accurately fill in the details required into the form
3. Schedule a biometric appointment at the nearest visa application center in your country.
4. Submit all required documents that will facilitate your application.
5. Make payments for the application fee and every necessary expenses.
6. Await a decision and continue to track your application status.

What is The Cost of Applying For A UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The total cost may vary depending on certain circumstances such as the number of candidates a UK business intends to bring in and the size of the organization.

If you are a UK business trying to explore the skilled worker visa in 2025, you can expect a sponsor licence range of £536 - £1,476 depending on the business size, £239 for each candidate you hire, annual immigration skills charge of £364-1000 and periodic license renewal fees.

Some companies may also decide to cover their employee's cost of visa application and other immigration expenses if it's a hard-to-fill position and that would incur additional costs.

5 Tips To Help You Have A Successful International Recruitment As A UK Business

If you are going to successfully find and hire the best talents for your business growth and expansion, there is a need to adequately plan it as much as you are trying to meet the regulatory requirements. These 5 tips will improve your efficiency;

1. Only enlist job roles that cannot be filled in the UK
2. Get your team to do proper research of the labour markets where relevant skills are abundant
3. Network and build solid relationships with educational institutions and recruitment agencies in target countries
4. Create a compelling job ad that attracts talents desiring to relocate
5. Set up an internal process in your organization for onboarding and assistance for the relocation process such as cultural orientation and regular check-ins

While there are many benefits attached to the skilled worker visa for UK businesses, it is still important to stay informed about relevant policy changes that may impact your long-term workforce planning. You can also consult with immigration specialists to inform and facilitate your visa application process.

By planning strategically and implementing the guide provided in this article, UK businesses can successfully diversify their workforce with foreign skilled talents that can enhance innovation and growth in global markets.

Photo source: depositphotos.com