Bridging the Skills Gap: Hiring Overseas Engineers in Post-Brexit Britain
95% of UK engineering firms report serious skills shortages. Yet many hesitate to hire internationally, citing visa costs and sponsor licence complexity. The reality? Most engineering roles are on the Shortage Occupation List. With reduced visa fees, simplified sponsorship processes, and government support, overseas hiring is easier than you think. Here’s how to make it work—and how Global Recruitment Experts can help.
The UK Engineering Skills Crisis
Engineering powers the UK economy, yet a staggering 95% of engineering employers report talent shortages. Post-Brexit workforce changes, aging engineers, and rapid innovation in green energy, infrastructure, and automation have widened the gap.
While international hiring is a logical solution, many companies—especially SMEs—hold back. Why?
Common Hesitations:
- “Sponsorship is too complicated.”
- “We don’t have a licence.”
- “Visa costs will break our budget.”
- “The paperwork is a nightmare.”
Reality check: These concerns are valid—but solvable. Most of the engineering sector’s biggest barriers to hiring from abroad are based on outdated assumptions.
The Skilled Worker Visa: Your Key to Global Talent
The UK’s Skilled Worker route is the primary visa for recruiting overseas engineers. The good news? The system is geared toward high-demand sectors like yours.
Why It Works for Engineering:
Shortage Occupation List: Most engineering roles qualify, which:
- Lowers the salary threshold (e.g., £26,200 instead of £38,700)
- Reduces the visa fee by up to 30%
- Prioritizes processing time
Straightforward Licensing: Firms must hold a sponsor licence to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). For reputable companies, the application is simple—and can be completed online.
Support for SMEs: Small sponsors pay reduced fees:
- £536 (vs. £1,476 for large sponsors)
- Access to expedited processing options
Processing Timelines:
- Sponsor licence: typically 8–10 weeks
- Skilled Worker visa: often 3–8 weeks
Breaking Down the Sponsor Licence Process
Many firms believe obtaining a sponsor licence is bureaucratic and painful. In practice, it’s a checklist process with clear government guidance.
What You Need:
- A UK-registered business in good standing
- At least one responsible staff member to act as Authorising Officer
- HR systems in place to track and report sponsored workers
- Evidence of genuine vacancies
- Apply online via the Home Office portal
- Submit supporting documents (e.g. bank statements, VAT number)
- Await decision (8–10 weeks standard; priority options available)
Tip: Many recruitment partners like Global Recruitment Experts manage this process for you—from registration to renewal.
Overcoming Cost Concerns
Hiring from abroad isn’t free—but it’s often cheaper than constant contractor churn or lost productivity from long-term vacancies.
Approximate Costs:
- Licence application (small firm): £536
- CoS per worker: £239
- Immigration Skills Charge (small firm): £364 per year
- Visa fee: ~£610 (Shortage Occupation List rate)
Total cost per engineer over 3 years: ~£2,000–£2,500
Compare that to:
- Average cost of 3-month project delay: £25,000+
- Recruitment agency fees for hard-to-fill roles
Myth vs. Fact
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship is only for large firms | SMEs make up over 40% of new sponsor licences |
| Visa costs are unaffordable | Shortage Occupation List cuts fees by 30% |
| It takes a year to onboard | Most engineers start within 2–3 months |
How Global Recruitment Experts Helps
We partner with engineering firms across the UK to simplify international hiring. Whether you’re a first-time sponsor or scaling global talent acquisition, we offer:
- Sponsor licence registration support
- Skilled Worker visa compliance guidance
- Global talent sourcing in engineering specialties
- Candidate screening and relocation assistance
Case Example:
A Yorkshire-based engineering firm needed three civil engineers for a high-speed rail project. Local hiring failed after four months. We sourced qualified candidates from South Africa and India, secured sponsor status in six weeks, and had engineers onsite in under 90 days.
Best Practices for International Engineering Recruitment
✔ Use a partner to manage the sponsor process
✔ Target shortage occupation roles to reduce cost and complexity
✔ Maintain compliant HR processes (absences, right to work checks, reporting changes)
✔ Provide relocation support (housing, orientation)
✔ Set realistic timelines—plan 90–120 days ahead
FAQs
Do all engineering roles qualify for sponsorship?
Most do—especially civil, electrical, mechanical, and design engineers. Check the current Shortage Occupation List on gov.uk.
How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?
Standard processing is 8–10 weeks. Priority processing (10 working days) is available for an additional fee.
Can SMEs afford it?
Yes. Small businesses benefit from reduced licence and visa fees.
What happens if I make a mistake on the sponsor application?
Applications can be rejected or delayed. Partnering with experts ensures a smooth process.
Final Word: You Can Hire Global Engineers—Easily
The skills shortage isn’t going away. Overseas hiring is not a last resort—it’s a smart, strategic move when done right.
The UK’s immigration system is more accessible than many realise. With support, compliance is straightforward, costs are manageable, and results are fast.
Don’t leave projects waiting on talent.
Contact Global Recruitment Experts today to start building your international engineering team—on time and fully compliant.