Costs, requirements, practical steps, and how iCan Teach UK supports schools every step of the way
As the teacher shortage in the UK continues to affect schools across all regions, international recruitment has become a vital part of many schools’ staffing strategies. But to hire overseas teachers legally, schools must hold a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence.
If you’re considering sponsoring international teachers in 2025, here’s what you need to know — from costs and compliance, to how iCan Teach UK can make the process straightforward and stress-free.
01 What Is a Sponsorship Licence?
A sponsorship licence allows your school or trust to employ overseas nationals under the Skilled Worker visa route (previously the Tier 2 visa). With this licence, you can sponsor qualified teachers from eligible countries to work in the UK legally.
In 2025, this continues to be one of the most effective ways to fill vacancies in subjects with ongoing recruitment challenges — such as Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Computing — as well as in areas with high pupil demand.
02 What Are the Costs?
There are two main costs involved in becoming a sponsor:
Licence Application Fee (one-off):
- Small or charitable sponsor (most schools): £536
- Large sponsors: £1,476
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:
- Per sponsored teacher: £239
You should also be aware of additional costs that either the school or teacher may be responsible for, such as the Immigration Skills Charge (if applicable), visa fees, and the NHS surcharge.
03 Requirements to Become a Sponsor
To be eligible for a sponsorship licence, schools must:
- Be a legitimate educational institution (e.g. a state-funded school or academy).
- Have appropriate HR systems in place to monitor and record the attendance and performance of sponsored workers.
- Appoint key staff to manage the licence:
- Authorising Officer (usually a senior leader)
- Key Contact
- Level 1 User (manages the sponsor system)
The Home Office will assess your compliance history and may conduct a pre-licence visit, especially for first-time applicants.
04 The Application Process: Step by Step
Applying for a sponsorship licence involves:
- Preparing documentation
You’ll need to provide proof of your school’s legal status, Ofsted registration (if applicable), and evidence of your HR systems.
- Completing the online application
This includes submitting information about your school and your plans to sponsor teachers.
- Paying the application fee
The fee depends on your organisation size (see above).
- Submitting supporting documents
These must be sent within five working days of submitting your application.
- Waiting for a decision
Processing usually takes up to 8 weeks, but some schools may be eligible for priority service (additional fee applies).
05 How iCan Teach UK Supports Sponsoring Schools
The process can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never sponsored before — but you don’t have to do it alone.
At iCan Teach UK, we:
- Advise schools on their eligibility and guide them through the application step by step
- Help prepare all required documentation for licence applications
- Provide clear timelines, checklists, and templates
- Assist with issuing Certificates of Sponsorship
- Ensure ongoing compliance with Home Office requirements post-licence
- Support teachers through the visa process and relocation
Whether you’re new to sponsorship or looking to streamline your existing process, we’re here to make it easier, faster, and fully compliant.
06 Common Questions from Schools
Q: Is it a lot of work to maintain the licence?
A: Not if you have good HR systems in place. You’ll need to report changes (e.g. if a teacher leaves) and keep records, but it’s manageable — especially with our support.
Q: Can small schools sponsor teachers?
A: Yes — most UK schools qualify as small sponsors and pay the lower fee. Trusts can also hold a central licence and sponsor across multiple schools.
Q: How long does a licence last?
A: A sponsorship licence is valid for four years, and it’s relatively straightforward to renew.
Final Thoughts
With teacher shortages continuing into 2025, the ability to sponsor international talent is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a strategic necessity for many schools.
By becoming a licensed sponsor, your school gains access to a wider talent pool and can fill roles that might otherwise remain vacant. And with iCan Teach UK guiding the process, you can be confident your recruitment is both efficient and fully compliant.
Need help applying for a sponsorship licence?
We’re here to support you — from paperwork to placement.
📩 Register with iCan-Teach UK today and let us help you take the first step: https://dunbareducation.com/register
