The situation
You win a groundworks or steel package in April. You need eight welders and a site engineer by July. The UK market has two available. Every agency has told you the same thing for six months. This is when most contractors discover the Skilled Worker visa.
It is more straightforward than its reputation suggests, and it has one significant advantage over the Irish system: there is no equivalent of the Labour Market Needs Test. No 28-day advertising requirement before you can apply. You find the person, get the Sponsor Licence, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship, and the visa application starts.
The two things you need before anything else
- A Sponsor Licence: you must hold an A-rated Sponsor Licence from the Home Office before you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to any worker. If you do not have one, getting it is the first step - processing takes eight to ten weeks, so apply before you need it.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): once licensed, you assign a CoS to each worker you want to hire. The CoS is what the worker uses to apply for their visa. One CoS per person.
How the UK route compares to hiring internationally for Irish projects
If your firm works both sides of the Irish Sea, it is worth knowing the comparison: the UK Skilled Worker route has no advertising requirement (the Republic’s General Employment Permit requires a 28-day LMNT), but it does carry an Immigration Skills Charge on top of the visa fee. The broader comparison is covered in our Ireland vs UK hiring guide.
What the process looks like end to end
- Apply for your Sponsor Licence if you do not already have one. Nominate an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User from your team.
- Source and screen the candidate. Right to Work checks are mandatory before employment begins.
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship in the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- The worker applies for a Skilled Worker visa. Standard processing: eight weeks. Priority: five working days (+ £500).
- Arrival, Right to Work confirmation, CSCS card check, site induction.
The Immigration Skills Charge
Unlike the Irish system, the UK charges employers a levy on top of the visa fee: £1,000 per year for medium and large employers, £500 per year for small employers (fewer than 50 employees or under £10.2m turnover) and charities. For a one-year hire this is a fixed overhead; for a three-year visa it adds up. Budget it per person from day one. See our UK Skilled Worker salary and costs overview for the full fee breakdown.
UK construction project short of skilled trades?
Recruitroo sources and permits construction workers for UK contractors through the Skilled Worker visa route - no advertising delays, Sponsor Licence support, and end-to-end from sourcing to arrival. Tell us the trades, the programme and the numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How is the UK Skilled Worker visa different from an Irish employment permit?
The main practical difference is no advertising requirement. You need a Sponsor Licence instead of Trusted Partner status, and you pay an Immigration Skills Charge on top of the visa fee. Processing timelines are comparable.
How long does a Skilled Worker visa last?
Up to five years for most routes. After five years in the UK on eligible visas, workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Can I hire construction workers from outside the EU for UK sites?
Yes, through the Skilled Worker visa, provided the role is eligible and the salary meets the £41,700 threshold (or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher).
This guide reflects UK Skilled Worker visa rules for construction as of September 2026. Salary thresholds, occupation requirements and visa processing times change - check current UKVI guidance or ask Recruitroo before committing to a hire.