Migration & Visas

UK Work Visa Under £610 ($780): Get Your Employer to Sponsor You — Apply Now!

3 weeks ago
by agency
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Written by agency

Thinking of working in the UK but worried about high visa costs or rejection? Good news — in 2025, the Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) offers a clear, employer-backed pathway to legally live and work in the UK, with fees starting at just £610 ($780 USD) for a 3-year visa.

And the best part? You don’t need to pay everything alone — many UK employers are now willing to sponsor and cover visa fees, making your migration journey smoother and cheaper.

Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or elsewhere, this guide breaks down exactly how to secure a UK work visa, what it costs, and how to find jobs with sponsorship.

🇬🇧 What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows international workers with a valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor to live and work in the UK legally for up to 5 years. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and later, British citizenship.

You must:

  • Have a job offer from an approved UK sponsor
  • Be paid the minimum salary for your role (usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour)
  • Meet the English language requirement

💼 Common UK Jobs Offering Visa Sponsorship in 2025

Sector Sample Jobs Avg. Salary Sponsorship?
Healthcare Nurses, Care Assistants, Paramedics £24k–£40k ✅ Yes
Construction Bricklayers, Plasterers, Labourers £26k–£38k ✅ Yes
Engineering Mechanical, Civil, Electrical £30k–£50k ✅ Yes
Tech & IT Developers, Analysts, Cybersecurity £35k–£60k ✅ Yes
Hospitality Chefs, Hotel Managers, Kitchen Staff £20k–£35k ✅ Yes
Logistics HGV Drivers, Warehouse Operatives £28k–£40k ✅ Yes

✅ Many care homes, NHS trusts, and logistics companies sponsor workers from overseas.

💵 Total Cost of the UK Skilled Worker Visa (2025)

Fee Category Standard (up to 3 years)
Visa Application Fee £610 ($780)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) £1,035/year
Biometric Fee £19.20
TOTAL (1 person, 3 years) ~£3,000+ ($3,800+)

💡 BUT — many employers pay the visa and IHS fees directly as part of your contract.

Example: If hired as a caregiver or HGV driver, the employer may:

  • Pay your visa fee upfront
  • Reimburse flight costs
  • Offer 1–2 months free accommodation
  • Provide airport pickup

📑 Documents Needed for UK Work Visa

  1. Valid passport
  2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from UK employer
  3. Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS UKVI)
  4. Bank statement (if employer doesn’t certify maintenance)
  5. Tuberculosis (TB) test (if required in your country)
  6. Police clearance certificate (varies by role)
  7. Academic or professional qualifications (if relevant)

🕒 Processing Time

Step Duration
Job offer & CoS from employer 2–8 weeks
Visa application 3 weeks (standard)
Priority processing (optional) 5–7 business days

✅ You can arrive and start working as soon as your visa is approved.

👨‍👩‍👧 Can You Bring Your Family?

Yes — you can sponsor:

  • Your spouse or partner
  • Children under 18

Each dependent pays a separate visa + IHS fee, but some employers support family visas too.

📣 Where to Find UK Sponsorship Jobs

  1. UK Government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors
    → gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
  2. Job boards with sponsorship filters
  3. Apply directly to companies — look for phrases like:
    • “Visa sponsorship available”
    • “Tier 2 visa support provided”
    • “Skilled Worker Visa roles open”

✅ Summary: Why Apply Now?

  • Visa fee as low as £610
  • Job + employer sponsorship = smoother application
  • 5-year pathway to UK Permanent Residency
  • Jobs available in healthcare, logistics, trades, and more
  • Family sponsorship included
  • Most applications processed in 3 weeks

With demand for overseas workers at an all-time high, now is the time to take your shot.

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