Increased costs and a slower hiring process for EU to UK placements (and ‘visa versa‘) will become the norm.
We’re working with Fragomen LLP, immigration specialists, to provide a tailored solution for the games industry.
Founded nearly 70 years ago in the United States, Fragomen is a global immigration specialist law firm who can help you to navigate the many pitfalls of the visa process. As we head into an uncertain future, with stricter rules enforced on the movement of talent between the UK and Europe, their hard-earned knowledge expert advice is now more vital than ever for studios looking to hire the best talent.
If you’re a UK studio the immigration skills charge will vary dependent on how your business is categorised by the Companies Act 2006.
Costs will vary on a case by case basis, dependant on the size of your business, the salary of your new team member and whether they have dependents.
Below are two examples to demonstrate how visa costs can differ.
This first example is for a small company who are looking to hire:
(The company would need to sponsor again after three years to enable a candidate to get to five years total – qualifying for permanent UK residence)
FEE ESTIMATE | Cost | VAT | Total |
Government fee, Certificate of Sponsorship | £199.00 | N/A | £199.00 |
Government fee, Skilled Worker 3 year visa, application fee | £610.00 | N/A | £610.00 |
Government fee – Immigration Skills Charge (£364 per year) | £1,092.00 | N/A | £1,092.00 |
Government fee, IHS charge (£624 per application) | £1,872.00 | N/A | £1,872.00 |
This second example is for a larger studio (who will pay a higher rate of immigration skills charge).
They want to hire:
(Based on sponsorship for three years with a review after this period deciding if they wish to continue and allow the candidate to become a UK resident).
FEE ESTIMATE | Cost | VAT | Total |
Government fee, Certificate of Sponsorship | £199.00 | N/A | £199.00 |
Government fee, Skilled Worker 3 year visa, application fee | £1,220.00 | N/A | £1,220.00 |
Government fee – Immigration Skills Charge (£1000 per year) | £3,000.00 | N/A | £3,000.00 |
Government fee, IHS charge (£624 per application) | £3,744.00 | N/A | £3,744.00 |