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Struggling to fill skilled vacancies in the UK?
With ongoing national shortages in engineering, manufacturing, automotive trades and technical roles, many employers are turning to skilled migrant workers to secure the talent they simply cannot source locally.

However, hiring overseas workers under the UK Skilled Worker visa route requires careful compliance, planning and sponsorship management.

At CAS Recruitment, we help UK employers navigate the entire overseas hiring process, from sourcing skilled candidates to sponsor licence support.

Below is your practical employer checklist for hiring foreign skilled workers in the UK.

Why UK Employers Are Hiring Skilled Workers from Overseas

Across multiple sectors, including:

• Welders
• Fabricators
• Panel beaters
• Paint sprayers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical engineers
• Skilled technicians
• Butchery
• Meat Processing

vacancies are remaining open for months at a time. An ageing domestic workforce and limited new entrants into specialist trades mean that international recruitment is increasingly becoming part of long-term workforce planning.

For many businesses, hiring migrant skilled workers is no longer optional, it’s essential for growth and continuity.

Employer Checklist: How to Hire Skilled Migrant Workers in the UK

1. Ensure the Role Qualifies for a Skilled Worker Visa

Before recruiting internationally, confirm:

• The job meets RQF Level 3 skill requirements
• The salary meets current Home Office minimum thresholds
• The role reflects genuine business need
• The occupation code is correctly selected

Incorrect classification is one of the most common reasons for visa delays.

2. Secure a UK Sponsor Licence

To employ foreign skilled workers, your business must hold a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.

You’ll need:

• A compliant HR system
• Appointed key personnel
• Evidence of genuine trading presence
• Processes to monitor sponsored workers

If you don’t yet hold a licence, CAS Recruitment can guide you through the application process.

3. Understand the True Cost of Sponsorship

Hiring overseas workers involves more than salary. Employers must budget for:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Immigration Skills Charge
• Visa fees (if covered)
• Compliance administration
• Relocation support

Planning ahead ensures smooth onboarding and avoids financial surprises.

4. Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Sponsor duties include:

• Conducting compliant right-to-work checks
• Reporting changes in salary or employment
• Monitoring visa expiry dates
• Keeping accurate employment records

Non-compliance can result in licence suspension, which can halt your ability to hire from overseas.

5. Partner With an Overseas Recruitment Specialist

The UK immigration system is detailed and regularly updated. Working with an experienced recruitment partner helps you:

✔ Access pre-vetted international skilled workers
✔ Reduce time-to-hire
✔ Minimise compliance risk
✔ Improve candidate retention
✔ Build a sustainable workforce strategy

At CAS Recruitment, we specialise in connecting UK employers with genuine, qualified overseas talent in shortage occupations.

Benefits of Hiring Skilled Migrant Workers

When managed correctly, overseas recruitment offers:

• Faster vacancy fill rates
• Access to specialist technical skills
• Reduced operational delays
• Increased productivity
• Long-term workforce stability

For many employers, it provides the breathing space needed while domestic training pipelines recover.

Why Choose CAS Recruitment for Overseas Hiring?

CAS Recruitment supports UK employers with:

• Skilled Worker visa recruitment support
• Sponsor licence guidance
• International candidate sourcing
• Trade and technical specialist placements
• Compliance-aware hiring strategies

We don’t just supply candidates, we provide structured workforce solutions designed for long-term success.

Need Support Hiring Skilled Workers from Overseas?

If your business is experiencing:

• Ongoing skills shortages
• Difficult-to-fill technical vacancies
• Delayed projects due to labour gaps
• Uncertainty around Skilled Worker visa rules

CAS Recruitment can help.

📩 Contact our team today to discuss your overseas hiring strategy.
Or request a free consultation to assess your eligibility for international recruitment.