How Long Does It Take to Get a Skilled Worker Visa for an Employee?
In an increasingly global job market, UK employers are often looking beyond national borders to recruit skilled talent. Whether you're hiring overseas workers or transferring staff to the UK , understanding the timeline for obtaining a Skilled Worker visa is crucial. Delays in documentation or compliance can cost valuable time and opportunities. So, how long does it actually take? Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Process The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for UK-based companies to employ qualified international staff. The process includes several stages: obtaining a Sponsor Licence , assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) , and the actual visa application. Knowing the typical processing periods for each stage can help streamline your recruitment pipeline. Sponsor Licence Approval Timeline Before you can sponsor a migrant worker , your business must hold a valid Sponsor Licence. The UK Home Office usually takes around 8 weeks to process a standard sponso...