Skilled Worker and sponsor licence rules: 2025/2026 update
Skilled Worker sponsorship has changed substantially. For Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after 22 July 2025, the role must normally be skilled to RQF level 6, unless it falls within a permitted exception such as the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. Salary thresholds and going rates must be checked against the current rules at the date the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned.
Sponsors should also be aware of the government’s 2025/2026 immigration reforms, including increased scrutiny of salary, occupation code selection, genuine vacancies, right to work checks, worker records and compliance systems. English language requirements are also changing under the reform programme, so applicants and sponsors should check the current requirement before applying.
This means sponsor licence advice should not be based on old Tier 2 assumptions. Employers need a current assessment of role eligibility, salary, occupation code, sponsorship duties and Home Office compliance risk.
Current sources: GOV.UK Sponsor a Skilled Worker guidance and the 2025 immigration reform materials. Last reviewed by NA Law Solicitors: June 2026.
Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Solicitors
Corporate immigration advice for UK employers sponsoring Skilled Worker visa applicants and managing sponsor duties.
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NA Law Solicitors advises businesses on Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence applications, compliance systems, CoS allocation and Home Office action. We help employers understand the requirements before they apply and strengthen compliance after approval.
Current Costs to Budget For
| Fee Item | Current GOV.UK Amount |
|---|---|
| Worker sponsor licence: small or charitable sponsor | £611 |
| Worker sponsor licence: medium or large sponsor | £1,682 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker | £525 |
| Immigration Skills Charge: small or charitable sponsor | £480 per year per worker |
| Immigration Skills Charge: medium or large sponsor | £1,320 per year per worker |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How has the Immigration Skills Charge changed in 2025?
The Immigration Skills Charge increased to £480 per year for small or charitable sponsors and £1,320 per year for medium or large sponsors.
Can I get a Sponsor Licence as a start-up or new business?
Yes, a start-up or new business can apply if it can show it is genuine, trading lawfully and has appropriate systems to comply with sponsor duties.
How much is a Worker sponsor licence application?
Current GOV.UK fees list the Worker sponsor licence fee as £611 for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,682 for a medium or large sponsor.
How much is a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship?
The current Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship fee is £525. Sponsors should also budget for the Immigration Skills Charge where it applies.
What is the Immigration Skills Charge?
The Immigration Skills Charge is a charge paid by sponsors when assigning certain Certificates of Sponsorship. Current rates are £480 per year for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,320 per year for a medium or large sponsor, per year of sponsorship.
Can EU nationals need sponsorship?
Yes. EU and EEA nationals who arrived after 31 December 2020 and do not hold Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status or another right to work may need sponsorship like other non-settled workers.
Can NA Law Solicitors help with compliance?
Yes. We advise on sponsor licence applications, CoS allocation, right to work checks, compliance systems, refusals, suspensions and revocations.
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