Innovator visa

Overview

You can apply for an Innovator visa if:

you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market

your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body

you meet the other eligibility requirements

If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

Eligibility

You must be able to show that your business idea is:

new - you cannot join a business that is already trading

innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market

viable, with potential for growth

Knowledge of English

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you’re not eligible for an Innovator visa

You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for 3 years if you either:

come to the UK on an Innovator visa

switch to this visa (an Innovator visa) from another visa while in the UK

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your stay for another 3 years when your visa (an Innovator visa) is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.

You may be able to apply for settlement once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.

If your endorsement (endorsed) is withdrawn

Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement (endorsed) is withdrawn by the endorsing body (an approved body, also known as an endorsing body). If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK

inside the UK and extending your current visa

inside the UK and switching from a different visa

You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this (Getting) depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

Fees

How much you pay for an Innovator visa depends on your situation and where you apply from.

Who you’re applying for | Apply (outside the UK) | Extend or switch (in the UK)

You | £1,021 | £1,277

Your partner and children | £1,021 each person | £1,277 each person

You must pay the visa fee for each person that applies at the same time as you or applies later to join you in the UK.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (Healthcare surcharge) as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

What you can and cannot do

With an Innovator visa you can:

set up a business or several businesses

work for your business (a business) - this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

travel abroad and return to the UK

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

You cannot:

do any work outside your business, for example work where you’re employed by another business

work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with an Innovator visa.

Eligibility

Before you apply you need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body.

They (an endorsing body) will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business (your business or business idea) is eligible.

You must also:

meet the English language requirement

be at least 18 years old

be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK

Read the specific requirements for the Innovator visa (an Innovator visa) before you apply.

If you want to set up a new business

You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds to apply for an Innovator visa if you want to set up a new business.

You’ll need to prove where you got your funding from.

You do not need any investment funds if either:

your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa

you’ve changed your business and already agreed it with your endorsing body

Supporting yourself

You need to have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you either:

apply for an Innovator visa

apply to extend your Innovator visa (an Innovator visa) or switch to an Innovator visa if you’ve been in the UK for less than a year

You cannot use either of the following to support yourself:

money from your investment funds

money earned while working in the UK illegally

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Sharing investment funds

You can form a team with other Innovator applicants, but you cannot share the same investment funds.

Your team (a team) must have £50,000 for each Innovator applicant. For example, if you have 2 Innovator applicants, your team (a team) must have £100,000 to invest.

Knowledge of English

You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language (English) when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply for confirmation through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you need to provide an ‘endorsement letter’ to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea.

You also need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply

proof that you meet the English language (English) requirement

evidence of your investment funds (if you’re setting up a new business)

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:

from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for an Innovator visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for an Innovator visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account) using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If you’ve applied through a visa application centre, find out if you can pay to get a faster decision - this depends on where you’re applying from.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they (Your partner and children)’re eligible. If their (Your partner and children) application is successful, their (Your partner and children) visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they (Your partner and children)’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They (your child) must:

live with you (unless they (your child)’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their (your child) university or college

Money they (your child) need to support themselves (your child)

Your partner and children must each have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

In addition to the £1,270 you must have to support yourself, you - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll need to have had the money in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 28 days before you or they apply.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless you or they are applying from inside the UK and you’ve been here for 1 year or more.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as a partner

apply online as a child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee). They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.

They (Each family member)’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. This is to get a biometric residence permit, which they’ll need to collect within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you apply to extend or switch your own visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children will not be able to apply to switch to an Innovator visa if they are currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and child must apply online to either:

extend or switch to an Innovator visa as your partner

extend or switch to an Innovator visa as your child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at their UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

Getting a faster decision

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their (a child) dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their (a child) dependant visa before they (a child) turn 18 if they (a child) want to stay in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend an Innovator visa if both of the following apply:

you meet the eligibility requirements

you’re still running a business in the UK or want to set up a new one

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You must have £50,000 in investment funds if you want to set up a new business. You do not need funds if either:

your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa

you’ve changed your business and already agreed it with your endorsing body

You need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body when you extend your visa.

Fees

Check how much money you’ll need to extend your visa and support yourself while you’re in the UK.

In addition to the application fee, you may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply in the UK

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Apply outside the UK

You can apply online to extend an Innovator visa you’ve had in the last year.

You may also be able to apply at a visa application centre. You can apply from any country as long as you’ve been given permission to live there for at least 6 months. Check if there’s a visa application centre that you can travel to that accepts Innovator visa applications.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to an Innovator visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You can apply to switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following:

a visit visa

a short-term student visa

a Parent of a Child Student visa

a seasonal worker visa

a domestic worker in a private household visa

immigration bail

permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How long you can stay

You can stay for 3 years after switching to an Innovator visa.

There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend your visa.

How much it costs

Check the visa application fees.

If you’ve been in the UK for less than 1 year, you’ll also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply to switch to an Innovator visa

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account) using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).


Investor visa (Tier 1)

Overview

You can apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if:

you want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK

you meet the other eligibility requirements

You must have access to at least £2,000,000 in investment funds to apply.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

You must pay £1,623 to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa. The fee (Fees) is the same if you’re extending or switching visas, or if you’re applying as a family member.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (Healthcare surcharge) as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK with a Tier 1 (Investor) visa for a maximum of 3 years and 4 months.

You can apply to extend this visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa) for another 2 years.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work or study

apply to settle after 2 years if you invest £10 million

apply to settle after 3 years if you invest £5 million

apply to settle after 5 years if you invest £2 million

You cannot:

work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach

get public funds

You also cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training unless one of the following applies:

you have a primary degree at bachelors level or above in medicine or dentistry from a UK institution that holds a Student sponsor licence or is a UK-recognised or listed body

you worked as a doctor or dentist in training the last time you were in the UK (the UK)

neither of those conditions (the following) were part of the terms and conditions on a previous visa

Eligibility

You must have at least £2,000,000 investment funds to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You must:

be 18 or over to apply for this visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa)

be able to prove that the money belongs to either you or your husband, wife, unmarried or same-sex partner

have opened an account at a UK regulated bank to use for your funds

Your funds must be:

held in one or more regulated financial institutions

free to spend (‘disposable’) in the UK

Your money (your funds) can be in the UK or overseas when you apply.

Students with financial sponsorship

You may be able to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if you’re already in the UK and you’re a student (including Tier 4) visa holder.

You must have unconditional agreement in writing from your financial sponsor to re-enter or stay in the UK if your course fees and living costs were paid by either:

a government

an international scholarship agency

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

a criminal record certificate from any country you have stayed in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Evidence of investment funds

You’ll need to provide evidence showing that you have the required investment funds.

Your own money

If you’re using your own money to invest, you should be able to show:

how much money you have and where it’s being held

where the money came from if you’ve had the money for less than 2 years, for example you inherited it from a relative

that the money can be transferred to the UK and converted to sterling (if it’s not already in the UK)

Your partner’s money

You’ll need to provide:

a certificate of marriage or civil partnership, or in the case of unmarried or same-sex relationships, proof that you are in a long-term relationship (at least 2 years)

a statement from your partner confirming that they will allow you to control the funds in the UK

a letter from a legal adviser stating that the declaration is valid

Read the guide for a list of documents you can provide.

Evidence you have a UK bank account

You must provide a letter to prove you have an account at a UK regulated bank to use for your investment funds. The letter must:

have been issued by an authorised official

be dated within 3 months of your application

be on the official headed paper of the bank (a UK regulated bank)

state your name and account number

confirm you’ve opened an account with the bank (a UK regulated bank) in order to invest £2,000,000

confirm the bank (a UK regulated bank) is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

confirm checks for money-laundering have been carried out

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the guidance before you apply.

Apply outside the UK

You must apply online for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You must collect your biometric residence permit (a biometric residence permit) within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply in the UK

Check if you can apply from inside the UK to:

extend your existing Tier 1 (Investor) visa

switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa) from another visa

Extend your visa

You may be able to extend your Tier 1 (Investor) visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa).

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires. Read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Investor) visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa) before you apply.

You successfully applied for your visa before 6 November 2014

You can apply to extend your visa if you:

have at least £1,000,000 under your control in the UK

have invested at least £750,000 (or 75%) of that (your visa) in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active UK companies

invested this sum (at least £1,000,000 under your control) within 3 months of your ‘investor start date’

Funds under your control in the UK

This sum (at least £1,000,000 under your control) should include the £750,000 (or more) investment and £250,000 (or the balance needed) to bring it (at least £1,000,000 under your control) up to at least £1,000,000.

These funds can be either:

your own money or your partner’s money

money that has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution, as long as you have personal assets with a value of £2,000,000 or more

You cannot mix the 2 sources of funds.

You successfully applied for your visa on or after 6 November 2014

have at least £2,000,000 under your control in the UK

have invested those funds (at least £2,000,000 under your control) in share capital or loan capital in active UK companies

invested this sum (at least £2,000,000 under your control) within 3 months of your ‘investor start date’

If you successfully applied before 29 March 2019, you can also apply to extend if you invested your funds in UK government bonds.

Funds under your control in the UK

You must have invested the full amount made up of your own money or your partner’s money.

Investment made within 3 months of your investor start date (your ‘investor start date’)

You’ll need to provide a series of investment portfolio reports produced by a UK regulated financial institution that show:

you invested at least £750,000 in UK government bonds or UK business within 3 months of your investor start date (your ‘investor start date’) (if you first got your visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 November 2014)

you invested all £2 million (if you first got your visa under the Immigration Rules in place on or after 6 November 2014)

this level of investment has been maintained for the length of your visa

Your ‘investor start date’ is either:

the date you came into the UK (if you have proof of this)

the date your original visa application or switch from a different visa category was approved (if you cannot prove your date of entry)

How to extend your visa if you’re in the UK

You must apply online.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

£1,623 to extend this visa (your visa)

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

If you want to get a decision more quickly than the standard 8 weeks, you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

A decision will usually be made:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if you use the priority service

You’ll be contacted if your application is complicated and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

How to extend your visa if you’re outside the UK

If you’re outside the UK, you must apply online to extend a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

Switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa)

You may be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Who can apply

You can apply to switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa) if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re already in the UK under one of the following categories:

Tier 1 (General)

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

any Tier 2 category

Student (including Tier 4)

You must leave the UK and make your application from abroad if you’re in another category.

How long you can stay

You can stay a maximum of 3 years after switching to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa. You can also extend your visa if you’re eligible.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

£1,623 to switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa)

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

How to switch

Read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Investor) visa (a Tier 1 (Investor) visa) before you apply.

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will usually be made:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Family members

Your family members (‘dependants’) can join you if you’re in the UK on this visa. Your family members must apply for their own visa.

If they (Your family members (‘dependants’)’re from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and arrive before 1 January 2021, they (Your family members (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your husband, wife or partner

your child under 18

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant

Read the guidance on dependant applications before you apply.

Adult family members must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

Dependants applying from outside the UK

Your family members must apply online.

They (Your family members)’ll need to have their (Your family members) fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of their (Your family members) application.

They (Your family members)’ll have to collect their (Your family members) biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they (Your family members) said they (Your family members)’d arrive in the UK (even if they (Your family members) actually arrive at a later date).

They (Your family members) may be able to get their (Your family members) visa faster or other services depending on what country they (Your family members)’re in - check with the visa application centre.

If your child is over 18 they (Adult family members) cannot apply if they (Adult family members) are outside the UK. They (Adult family members) can apply from inside the UK if they (Adult family members) are already here as your dependant.

Dependants applying in the UK

You can include dependants in your online application to extend or switch to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if they (Your family members) want to do it at the same time as you.

If they (Your family members) want to extend or switch their (Your family members) visa at a different time, they (Your family members) can:

apply online - dependant partner application

apply online - dependant child application

Family members cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When they (Your family members) apply, they (Your family members)’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their (Your family members) biometric information (their (Your family members) fingerprints and a photo).

They (Your family members)’ll also need to submit their (Your family members) supporting documents (supporting documents). They (Your family members) can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at their (Your family members) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

They (Your family members) must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they (Your family members) get a decision. Their (Your family members) application will be withdrawn if they (Your family members) do.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of their (Your family members) application date if they (Your family members) use the standard service.

If they (Your family members) pay an extra £800 to use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after their (Your family members) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if their (Your family members) appointment (their (Your family members) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is on a weekday

2 working days after their UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if their (Your family members) appointment (their (Your family members) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

They (Your family members)’ll be contacted if their (Your family members) application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if their (Your family members) supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

if they (Your family members) need to attend an interview

because of their (Your family members) personal circumstances (for example if they (Your family members) have a criminal conviction)

Once they (Your family members)’ve applied they (Your family members) can stay in the UK until they (Your family members)’ve been given a decision, as long as they (Your family members) applied before their (Your family members) last visa expired.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant.

You must do this (apply) if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them (children).

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.


Overseas Domestic Worker visa

Overview

You can apply for a visa to visit the UK with your employer if you:

live outside the UK

are a domestic worker in a private household

have worked for your employer for at least one year

meet the other eligibility requirements

Domestic workers include:

cleaners

chauffeurs

cooks

those providing personal care for the employer and their family

nannies

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you started living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

From 1 January 2021, you’ll need to apply for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

How long it will take

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

It costs £516 for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa.

How long you can stay

You can use this visa (an Overseas Domestic Worker visa) to visit the UK with your employer for up to 6 months. You must return home at the end of the 6 months.

You cannot extend an Overseas Domestic Worker visa.

You may be able to extend a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa if you applied on or before 5 April 2012.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

travel abroad and return to the UK to complete your stay

change employers to another job as a domestic worker in a private household - only if you do not stay longer than the 6 months (up to 6 months)

You cannot:

work except as a domestic worker in a private household

live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits

get public funds

Eligibility

You must prove that you:

are 19 or older

have worked for your employer for at least 1 year

work in the same household as your employer or one they (your employer) use regularly

plan to travel to the UK with your employer, their (your employer) partner or children

intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK (the UK) household your employer will live in

plan to leave the UK at the end of 6 months

are able to support yourself in the UK without the need for public funds

Your employer

Your employer must be either a:

British citizen who usually lives outside the UK and who does not intend to remain in the UK for more than 6 months

foreign citizen who is coming to the UK on a visit and who does not intend to remain for more than 6 months

Your employer must also pay you at least the national minimum wage.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

proof you can support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

a completed ‘Appendix domestic worker statement’ signed by both you and your employer

a letter from your employer confirming your job title, how long you’ve worked for them (your employer) and that you’re a permanent employee

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

You must also provide 1 of the following documents covering the same period of employment:

pay slips or bank statements showing payment of salary

confirmation of tax paid

confirmation of health insurance paid

contract of employment

work visa, residence permit or equivalent passport endorsement for the country where you’re currently employed by your employer

visas or equivalent passport endorsement if you’ve travelled with your employer before

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa (the visa).

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Domestic workers who applied before 5 April 2012

There are different rules if you applied for a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa on or before 5 April 2012.

You can:

extend your stay in the UK every 12 months

apply to settle permanently in the UK after 5 years

bring your partner and children under 18

change employer while your visa is valid

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa for 12 months at a time.

If you’ve worked in the UK as a domestic worker for 5 years you can apply to settle permanently in the UK.

You should apply before your current permission to stay expires.

Eligibility

To extend your visa you must:

be a domestic worker in a private household

have applied for your domestic worker visa on or before 5 April 2012

have continued to live in the UK

apply while you’re still in the UK

To settle in the UK as a domestic worker you must:

have been living here legally for at least 5 years

currently have permission to stay here as a domestic worker

have been in the UK as a full-time domestic worker continuously throughout the 5 years (you cannot have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 consecutive months)

have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants without the use of public funds throughout the 5 years

have sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK

Documents you’ll need

To extend your visa you must provide both of the following:

a letter from your employer confirming that they want to continue to employ you

To settle in the UK you must provide:

a letter from your employer confirming that they (your employer) want to continue to employ you

evidence that you can satisfy the knowledge of English and life in the UK criteria

If you’ve had any absences because of serious illness, births or deaths in your family, or had to leave the UK, you also need to write a letter detailing these. You should also include any related supporting documents with your letter, for example medical certificates, birth/death certificates, information about why you had to leave the UK.

How to extend your visa

You must apply online to extend your visa.

If you have any dependant children aged over 18 they will need to apply separately.

How to apply to settle

You must apply online to settle.

You can include your dependants (partner and children aged under 18) on your application. Your partner must be able to demonstrate their knowledge of English and life in the UK.

Fees

For each person applying it costs:

£1,033 to apply to extend your visa

£2,389 to apply to settle

You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

You can pay an extra £800 to use the super priority service.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service (supporting documents)

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with:

accessing a computer or the internet

finding the right information on GOV.UK

You cannot get advice on:

whether you’re eligible to apply

what information to put in your application

an application you’ve already made

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS appointment) is at the weekend

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Knowledge of English

If you want to settle in the UK, you’ll need to prove that you can satisfy the English language requirement.

You can only settle as a domestic worker in a private household if you applied for entry on or before 5 April 2012.

You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

passing an approved English language (English) test with at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening

having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance.

Your employment rights

When you work in the UK your employer must:

pay you an agreed rate, which must be at least the national minimum wage

not force you to work excessive hours

give you agreed holiday pay

give you the notice you’re entitled to if your employment ends

You should already have agreed your employment conditions with your employer and have a copy of these in writing. Your employer cannot change your employment conditions unless you agree.

If your employer does not meet these requirements, you can take legal action through an employment or industrial tribunal or the civil courts.

Get advice and support

You can get free and confidential advice from the Acas helpline.

You can also contact the charity Kalayaan for free, confidential and independent advice as a domestic worker in the UK.

If you want to return home

Contact your country’s Embassy or High Commission in the UK if you want to return home.

You can also get confidential advice from a registered immigration adviser. Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking

Modern slavery and human trafficking (modern slavery or human trafficking) involve being forced to do something you do not want to do, usually by being hurt or threatened.

You may be forced to work for free or less than the minimum wage, get married or move to a country against your will.

You can apply to stay in the UK for up to 2 years, if both of the following apply:

you entered the UK on a Overseas Domestic Worker visa, on a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa, or as a private servant of a diplomat (known as a T5 International Agreement visa)

you have a ‘conclusive grounds’ letter from the Single Competent Authority (SCA) confirming that you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking

How to get a conclusive grounds letter

If you think you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking you need to contact the police or another first responder organisation. They can help refer your case to the SCA (the Single Competent Authority (SCA)).

Read the ‘First responder organisations’ section of the guidance on referrals to find out which organisations can refer your case.

The SCA (the Single Competent Authority (SCA)) will decide if you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking. They (the Single Competent Authority (SCA)) will send you a conclusive grounds letter confirming their (the Single Competent Authority (SCA)) decision.

Apply

You must apply within 28 days of getting confirmation you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

You must apply online to stay in the UK.

It’s free to apply.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with:

accessing a computer or the internet

finding the right information on GOV.UK

You cannot get advice on:

whether you’re eligible to apply

what information to put in your application

an application you’ve already made

Applying for a different visa

If you apply for a different type of visa within 28 days of getting confirmation but are refused, you can still apply as a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

You must do this (apply) within 28 days of getting the refusal.

Working in the UK

You’ll be able to work as a domestic worker for up to 2 years.

You do not need to have a job offer before you apply. You can change job while you’re in the UK.


UK visa sponsorship for employers

Overview

You’ll usually need a sponsor licence to employ someone to work for you from outside the UK. This includes citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020.

This (employ) includes unpaid work, like running a charity.

You will not need a licence to sponsor certain groups, for example:

Irish citizens

those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK

Read more about who does not need sponsorship.

Sponsoring someone does not guarantee that they’ll be allowed to come to or stay in the UK.

How to get a sponsor licence

Check your business is eligible.

Choose the type of licence you want to apply for - this will depend on what type of worker you want to sponsor.

Decide who will manage sponsorship within your business.

Apply online and pay the fee.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may visit your business to check it (your business)’s suitable.

After you apply

You’ll be given a licence rating if your application is successful.

You’ll be able to issue certificates of sponsorship if you have jobs that are suitable for sponsorship.

Your licence will be valid for 4 years. You may lose your licence if you do not meet your responsibilities as a sponsor.

Eligibility

To get a licence, you cannot have:

unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering

had a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months

You’ll need appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review your application form and supporting documents. They (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) may visit your business to make sure you’re trustworthy and capable of carrying out your duties.

Types of licence

The licence you need depends on whether the workers you want to fill your jobs are:

‘Workers’ - for those with long-term job offers

‘Temporary workers’

You can apply for a licence covering one or both types of worker.

Worker licence

A ‘Worker’ licence will let you employ people long-term or permanently. It’s split into:

Skilled Worker - the role must meet the job suitability requirements

Intra-company visas - this includes Intra-company Transfer and Intra-company Graduate Trainee, for multinational companies which need to transfer established employees or graduate trainees to the UK

Minister of Religion - for people coming to work for a religious organisation

Sportsperson - for elite sportspeople and coaches who will be based in the UK

Temporary Worker licence

A ‘Temporary Worker’ licence (Temporary Worker licence) will let you employ people on a temporary basis. It (Temporary Worker licence)’s split into:

Creative or Sporting Worker - to work as a high-level sportsperson (up to 1 year), entertainer or artist (up to 2 years)

Charity Worker - for unpaid workers at a charity (up to 1 year)

Religious Worker - for those working in a religious order or organisation (2 years)

Government Authorised Exchange Worker - work experience (1 year), research projects or training, for example practical medical or scientific training (2 years) to enable a short-term exchange of knowledge

International Agreement Worker - where the worker is coming to do a job which is covered by international law, for example employees of overseas governments

Seasonal Worker - for those coming to the UK for up to 6 months to do farm work

Sponsorship management roles

You need to appoint people within your business to manage the sponsorship process when you apply for a licence.

The main tool they’ll use is the sponsorship management system (SMS).

The roles (Sponsorship management roles) are:

authorising officer – a senior and competent person responsible for the actions of staff and representatives who use the SMS (the sponsorship management system (SMS))

key contact – your main point of contact with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

level 1 user – responsible for all day-to-day management of your licence using the SMS (the sponsorship management system (SMS))

These roles (Sponsorship management roles) can be filled by the same person or different people.

You can also appoint an optional level 2 user once you have your licence. This is an SMS (the sponsorship management system (SMS)) user with more restricted access than a level 1 user, for example they cannot withdraw a certificate of sponsorship.

Suitability checks

You and your staff will be checked to make sure you’re suitable for these roles (Sponsorship management roles). You may not get your licence if anyone involved in sponsorship has:

an unspent criminal conviction

been fined by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in the past 12 months

been reported to UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

broken the law

been a ‘key person’ at a sponsor that had its licence revoked in the last 12 months

failed to pay VAT or other excise duty

You and your allocated staff must also:

be based in the UK most of the time

not be a contractor or consultant contracted for a specific project

not be subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or undertaking, or a debt relief restriction order or undertaking

not have a history of non-compliance with sponsor requirements

Your allocated staff must usually be paid members of staff, or office holders.

Read the full guidance on appointing ‘key personnel’.

HR contractors and agency staff

You must have at least one level 1 user who is your employee. You can have other level 1 or level 2 users employed by third-party organisations contracted to provide you with HR services. Your level 2 user can be a temporary member of staff supplied by an agency.

UK-based legal representatives

You can allocate any of the roles to a UK-based legal representative, apart from the authorising officer role. Your representative must be qualified to give immigration advice or services.

Apply for your licence

You need to apply online for your licence.

Once you’ve finished the online application (apply), you need to send in:

the submission sheet at the end of the application

your supporting documents

Any affidavits or statutory declarations you send must be witnessed by a qualified, independent person - for example, a solicitor, Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Oaths, or (in Scotland only) a Councillor.

Apply now

How to send the documents

You can scan or take pictures of your submission sheet and supporting documents and send them to the email address given on the submission sheet. Make sure your files:

are in PDF, JPEG or PNG format

have descriptive titles, with 25 or fewer characters

are high enough quality to be read

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, they must be accompanied by a certified translation - there’s more information in part 1 of the guidance for sponsors.

If you cannot scan and send the documents by email, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) using the contact details on the submission sheet (your submission sheet).

Licence fees

You need to pay a fee (Licence fees) when you apply. The fee (Licence fees) depends on the type of licence you’re applying for and what type of organisation you are.

You’re usually a small sponsor if two of the following apply:

your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less

your total assets are worth £5.1 million or less

you have 50 employees or fewer

You’re a charitable sponsor if you’re either:

a registered, excepted or exempt charity

an ecclesiastical corporation established for charitable purposes

Contact the Business Helpdesk if you’re unsure which category your business fits into.

Type of licence | Fee for small or charitable sponsors | Fee for medium or large sponsors

Worker | £536 | £1,476

Temporary Worker | £536 | £536

Worker and Temporary Worker | £536 | £ 1,476

Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence | No fee | £940

Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence | No fee | No fee

How long it takes to get a decision

Most applications (8 out of 10) are dealt with in less than 8 weeks. UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) may need to visit your business.

You may be able to pay £500 to get a decision within 10 working days. You’ll be told if you can after you apply.

Applications refused because of a mistake

You can apply to request a review of your application if you think it was refused because:

the caseworker processing your application made a mistake

your supporting documents were not considered

You cannot apply just because you disagree with the decision.

Help and advice

Sponsors can get advice from the sponsorship, employer and education helpline:

You can also join the premium customer service scheme to get extra support from a licence manager - this costs at least £8,000 a year.

UK businesses and Tier 1 (Investors) can get help from the Business Helpdesk:

Your licence rating

You’ll get an A-rated licence if your application is approved.

A-rating - full sponsor licence

An A-rated licence lets you start assigning certificates of sponsorship.

Your business will be listed in the register of sponsors.

Downgrading to B-rating

Your A-rated licence (an A-rated licence) may be downgraded to a B-rating at a later stage if you do not continue to meet your sponsor duties.

If this (downgraded) happens, you will not be able to issue new certificates of sponsorship until you’ve made improvements and upgraded back to an A-rating.

You’ll still be able to issue certificates to workers you already employ who want to extend their permission to stay.

Upgrade to an A-rating

You need to follow an ‘action plan’ provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to upgrade your licence.

You have to pay £1,476 for an action plan.

You must pay the fee within 10 working days of the date UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) tells you about the downgrade. If you do not, you’ll lose your licence.

At the end of the action plan (an action plan)

You’ll be upgraded to an A-rating if you complete all the steps and there’s nothing else you need to improve.

You’ll lose your licence if you do not complete all the steps.

If you need to make other improvements, you’ll be given another B-rating and will have to follow a new action plan. You’ll have to pay the fee again.

If you get a second B-rating

You can only have 2 B-ratings in the 4 years that your licence is valid.

You’ll lose your licence if you still need to make improvements after your second action plan.

How to reapply

You cannot appeal if your licence is revoked, but you can reapply. You have to wait at least 12 months before reapplying.

You need to start a new application when you reapply.

Certificates of sponsorship

You must assign a certificate of sponsorship to each foreign worker you employ. This is an electronic record, not a physical document. Each certificate has its own number which a worker can use to apply for a visa.

When you assign the certificate to a worker, they must use it to apply for their visa within 3 months. They must not apply for their visa more than 3 months before the start date of the job listed on the certificate.

Defined certificates

These (Defined certificates) are for people applying on a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK.

You must apply for defined certificates for these workers through the sponsorship management system (SMS). You’ll get access to this when you get your licence.

When you get the certificate

Applications are usually approved within one working day. It may take longer if UKVI need to carry out further checks on the information in your application.

Defined certificates will appear in your SMS account once they have been approved. You can then assign them to a worker.

Undefined certificates

These (Undefined certificates) are for Skilled Workers applying from inside the UK, and applicants on all other visas.

When you apply for your licence you’ll be asked to estimate how many undefined certificates you’ll need for Workers and Temporary Workers in the first year.

Certificate costs

Certificates are free for citizens of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

For other citizens, you need to pay for each certificate.

Type of certificate | Cost per certificate

Worker | £199

Temporary Worker | £21

If you assign a certificate of sponsorship to a worker on a Skilled Worker or Intra-company Transfer visa, you might also need to pay the immigration skills charge.

Immigration skills charge (the immigration skills charge)

You might have to pay an additional charge when you assign a certificate of sponsorship to someone applying for a Skilled Worker or Intra-company Transfer visa. This is called the ‘immigration skills charge’.

You must pay the immigration skills charge (an additional charge) if they’re applying for a visa from:

outside the UK to work in the UK for 6 months or more

inside the UK for any length of time

When you do not need to pay

You will not pay the immigration skills charge (an additional charge) if you’re sponsoring someone:

on an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

who is on a visa to study in the UK, and switches to a Skilled Worker or Intra-company Transfer visa - if they then extend their stay on the new visa, you will not have to pay the charge (an additional charge)

You will also not have to pay the charge (an additional charge) if you’re sponsoring someone with one of the following occupation codes:

chemical scientists (2111)

biological scientists and biochemists (2112)

physical scientists (2113)

social and humanities scientists (2114)

natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified (2119)

research and development managers (2150)

higher education teaching professionals (2311)

clergy (2444)

sports players (3441)

sports coaches, instructors or officials (3442)

You also might not have to pay the charge (an additional charge) if you’re sponsoring a worker who was assigned a certificate before 6 April 2017 - there’s more information in part 2 of the guidance for sponsors.

You will not need to pay the charge (an additional charge) for any of the worker’s dependants, for example their partner or child.

If the person you’re sponsoring changes jobs

If you’ve assigned a certificate of sponsorship to someone in your organisation, who then moves to a new job in your organisation, you’ll need to assign them a new certificate. They will use this to apply for a new visa.

You only need to do this (assign) if the new job (a new visa) has a different occupation code.

You’ll need to pay the immigration skills charge (an additional charge) again if the end date on their new visa (a new visa) is later than the end date on their existing visa.

How to pay

You pay the immigration skills charge (an additional charge) when you assign a certificate of sponsorship to the worker.

How much it costs

The amount you need to pay is based on:

the size of your organisation

how long the worker will work for you, using the start and end dates on their (the worker) sponsorship certificate

Period | Small or charitable sponsors | Medium or large sponsors

First 12 months | £364 | £1,000

Each additional 6 months | £182 | £500

If the worker will be in the UK for longer than 6 months but less than a year, you must pay for at least 12 months.

You must pay the full charge in one go.

Contact the Business Helpdesk if you’re not sure which category your business fits into.

As the longest you can sponsor a worker for is 5 years, the most you have to pay will be:

£1,820 (5 x £364) if you’re a small or charitable sponsor

£5,000 (5 x £1,000) if you’re a medium or large sponsor

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact you if you do not pay the charge (the full charge) or pay the wrong amount. You’ll have 10 working days to pay the charge (the full charge) - the worker’s (the worker) visa application will be refused if you do not.

Refunds

You’ll get a full refund if the worker’s (the worker) visa application is:

refused or withdrawn

successful, but they (the worker) do not come to work for you

You’ll get a partial refund if the worker:

gets less time on their (the worker) visa than you sponsored them (the worker) for

starts working for you but then changes to another sponsor

leaves their (another sponsor) job before the end date on their (another sponsor) certificate of sponsorship

You’ll also get a partial refund if you paid the medium or large sponsor fee when assigning the certificate (their (another sponsor) certificate of sponsorship), but had already notified UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) that you’re now a small or charitable sponsor.

How long it takes

You usually get a refund within 90 days of:

telling UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) that the worker did not come to work for you

the expiration date on the worker’s (the worker) certificate of sponsorship (their (another sponsor) certificate of sponsorship), if they (the worker) did not use it (their (another sponsor) certificate of sponsorship) to apply for a visa

the date the worker’s (the worker) visa application is refused or withdrawn

the date you assigned the certificate of sponsorship (their (another sponsor) certificate of sponsorship), if you had already notified UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) that you became a small or charitable sponsor

If the worker’s (the worker) visa application is refused, they (the worker) can ask for the decision to be reviewed.
This is known as an ‘administrative review’.

If they (the worker) do not ask for an administrative review, you’ll get a refund within 90 days of the deadline for applying for one.

You’ll get a refund within 90 days of the administrative review being dismissed if the worker applied for one and were unsuccessful.

Contact UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) if your refund is not paid within 90 days.

Job suitability

You can sponsor a worker if the job they’re going to do has a suitable rate of pay and skill level, or meets the other criteria needed for their visa.

Additional requirements for religious workers

You’ll usually have to advertise any job you offer to someone with a Religious Worker visa, unless it’s a non-essential position or involves living within a religious order (such as a monk or nun).

When you do not need to advertise the job (the job they’re going to do), you need to have records showing that there is not a suitable person who does not require sponsorship to take on the role.

There are rules you must follow about how to advertise jobs for religious workers.

Additional requirements for creative workers

Creative jobs done by someone on a Creative or Sporting Worker visa include:

ballet dancers and other dancers

film and TV performers

theatre and opera performers

film and TV workers

models

For creative jobs, you must make sure that either:

you comply with the creative workers code of practice (if it exists for that occupation)

the job is on the shortage occupations list

If the job is not on the shortage occupation list (the shortage occupations list), and there is no code of practice, you need to check that the job cannot be done by a worker who does not need sponsoring.

Additional requirements for sporting workers

For sporting jobs that will be done by someone on either the Creative or Sporting Worker visa or Sportsperson visa, you must get an endorsement letter from the relevant governing body.

Sponsoring under-18s

You cannot sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on:

a Skilled Worker visa

an Intra-company visa

an International Agreement Worker visa, if they (a foreign worker under 18)’ll be working as a private servant in a diplomatic household or in the household of an employee of an international organisation

a Seasonal Worker visa

You cannot sponsor a child under 16 for a Minister of Religion or Sportsperson visa.

If you’re also a Student sponsor (ATAS certificates)

If you also have a Student sponsor licence, you may need to check whether the worker needs an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Who needs to do this (check)

You need to do this (check) if all of the following are true:

you’re licensed as a Student sponsor

you’re sponsoring the worker for a Skilled Worker, Intra-company Transfer, Intra-company Graduate Trainee, Government Authorised Exchange Worker or International Agreement Worker visa

you’re sponsoring the worker for a role in a relevant occupation code

If any of these do not apply to you, you do not need to do anything.

What you need to do

If you do need to check, you must follow these steps.

Check if the worker needs an ATAS certificate.

Add a sponsor note to your certificate of sponsorship, confirming whether or not the worker needs an ATAS certificate.

If the worker does need an ATAS certificate, you must tell them (the worker) that they (the worker) need to get one and include it in their (the worker) visa application.

Check if the worker needs an ATAS certificate

The worker will need an ATAS certificate if all of the following are true:

they (the worker) will be carrying out research at PhD level or above

they (the worker) will be carrying out research in a ‘relevant subject’ - check the relevant subject areas list in the worker sponsor guidance

their (the worker) nationality is not exempt from needing an ATAS certificate - check the exempt nationalities list in the worker sponsor guidance

If the worker does not need an ATAS certificate

Your sponsor note should say that the worker does not need an ATAS certificate and explain why.

If the worker needs an ATAS certificate

You must:

tell the worker that they (the worker) need to get an ATAS certificate and include it in their (the worker) visa application

add a sponsor note to your certificate of sponsorship

make and keep a copy of the ATAS certificate (an ATAS certificate), once it (an ATAS certificate) has been issued

Tell the worker that they (the worker) need an ATAS certificate

Tell the worker that they (the worker) must apply for an ATAS certificate and include it in their (the worker) visa application.

If the worker does not include their (the worker) ATAS certificate (an ATAS certificate), their (the worker) visa application will be refused and you may lose your sponsor licences.

ATAS certificate applications for workers can take at least 2 weeks to be processed (3 weeks between April and September).

Add a sponsor note to your certificate of sponsorship

Your sponsor note should say that the worker needs an ATAS certificate and mention whether they have already applied for or been issued with one.

Make and keep a copy of the ATAS certificate (an ATAS certificate)

When the worker has received their ATAS certificate (an ATAS certificate), you must make and keep a copy of the certificate (an ATAS certificate), or the electronic approval notice the worker received from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Your responsibilities

You must:

check that your foreign workers have the necessary skills, qualifications or professional accreditations to do their jobs, and keep copies of documents showing this

only assign certificates of sponsorship to workers when the job is suitable for sponsorship

tell UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your sponsored workers are not complying with the conditions of their visa

Your licence may be downgraded, suspended or withdrawn if you do not meet them (the conditions of their visa).

Read the full guidance on sponsor requirements and duties and check workers have the right to work in the UK.

Monitoring employees

You must have HR systems in place that let you:

monitor your employees’ immigration status

keep copies of relevant documents for each employee, including passport and right to work information

track and record employees’ attendance

keep employee contact details up to date

report to UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) if there is a problem, for example if your employee stops coming to work

Changes to your business

You must report any significant changes in your own circumstances within 20 working days, for example if you:

stop trading or become insolvent

substantially change the nature of your business

are involved in a merger or take-over

You must also tell UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) if you’re changing your details, like your address or allocated roles.

To register a change of circumstances use the sponsorship management system (SMS).

Requests can take up to 18 weeks. You can register a change within 5 working days instead if you use the priority service. It costs £200.

Sponsoring under-18s

You must make sure that foreign workers under 18 have suitable care arrangements for their:

travel to the UK

arrival in the UK

living arrangements in the UK

You must also get a letter from their (foreign workers under 18) parents giving consent to the care arrangements.

You must get a Disclosure and Barring Service check on any of your workers who need it.

You’ll lose your licence if you do not do this (get).

Children under 16

You must get a licence from the local education authority in the area where the child (Children under 16) will work.