United Kingdom
Sponsoring a tradesperson on a Skilled Worker visa
What it takes, and costs, to sponsor a skilled trade or driving role from outside the UK today.
Checked against the official pages listed below on 25 September 2026.
Salary
Usually at least £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher. Each occupation code has its own going rate.
Skill level: the July 2025 change
On 22 July 2025 the skill threshold rose to RQF level 6, with exceptions for certain shortage occupations and workers already on the route. Medium skilled jobs (RQF 3 to 5) can still be sponsored from abroad if they are on the Temporary Shortage List.
The end date: the Migration Advisory Committee reported that an expiry date of 31 December 2026 has been set for occupations on the Immigration Salary List and the interim Temporary Shortage List. Watch our UK immigration news for what replaces it.
English
The worker must speak, read, write and understand English to at least level B2.
What you pay
- Certificate of Sponsorship: £525 per worker.
- Immigration Skills Charge, first 12 months: £480 (small or charitable) or £1,320 (medium or large), then £240 or £660 for each further 6 months. Paid when you assign the certificate.
Costs on the worker's side
- Visa from outside the UK: £819 up to 3 years, £1,618 for more than 3 years.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 a year.
- Money to support themselves on arrival: usually at least £1,270, unless exempt.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker caseworker guidance
- Migration Advisory Committee, Temporary Shortage List stage 1 report
- GOV.UK, Certificates of sponsorship
- GOV.UK, Immigration Skills Charge
- GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa costs
- GOV.UK, Knowledge of English
- GOV.UK, Immigration Health Surcharge
For employers
Want us to handle it?
We do the paperwork from start to finish. A member of our team will get back to you within one working day.
- No retainer. Nothing to sign until you have met people.
- Trade tested before you see them, not after.
- Nothing is ever charged to the candidate.
Would rather talk now? +353 1 903 8249
Martin, Lance or another member of our team will get back to you. Who we areLooking for work? This form is for employers. Register here instead, it is free.
We work directly with employers. We do not take on other recruitment agencies, labour suppliers or sub-agents.
General information for employers, not legal advice. Checked against the official pages above on 25 September 2026. The rules and figures change; the official pages are the authority, and we confirm the current position before anything is submitted.