Why UK SMEs Are Looking Abroad
Businesses report skills shortages (REC 2024)
Unfilled Tech Vacancies
Nurse Shortage in Healthcare
The UK talent pool is shrinking, but the global workforce is expanding. For ambitious SMEs, the Skilled Worker Visa route is no longer a "last resort"—it is a strategic advantage. It offers access to specialized skills, higher retention rates, and often lower total costs than fighting for scarce local talent.
The Skilled Worker Visa Process (Simplified)
Forget the myth that it takes 6 months. With the right support, the timeline is typically 6-8 weeks.
Sponsor Licence
4-8 Weeks | One-time Application
Your business applies for permission to hire internationally. We manage the Home Office audit and documentation.
Certificate (CoS)
1-2 Days | Per Employee
Once licensed, you assign a digital certificate to your chosen candidate. This is their "ticket" to apply.
Visa Application
3 Weeks | Candidate Action
The candidate applies from their home country. Priority processing (5 days) is available for speed.
Who Can You Hire?
To be eligible, the role must meet salary and skill thresholds. Generally, if it's skilled, it's eligible.
Minimum Salary
£38,700 / year
(Or £30,960 for "New Entrants" < 26)
Key Occupations
- • Software Developers
- • Registered Nurses / Senior Carers
- • Engineers (Civil, Mech, Electrical)
- • Data Scientists & Analysts
The Real Cost: International vs. UK Agency
Many SMEs assume international hiring is expensive. In reality, avoiding the 15-20% recruitment agency fee often makes it cheaper in Year 1.
Scenario: Hiring a Software Developer on £50,000 salary.
UK Agency Hire
International Hire (Sigma)
Where Does the Talent Come From?
Healthcare
Nigeria, Philippines, India
Nurses, Doctors, Senior Carers
Technology
India, Nigeria, Eastern Europe
Developers, Data Scientists
Engineering
South Africa, India
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
The "Scary" Part: Compliance
The Home Office requires you to report changes (like if an employee moves house or is absent). Sigma automates this so you don't lose your licence.
How Sigma Ensures Compliance:
Common Myths Debunked
Myth: "It takes 6+ months to get someone here."
Reality: With Sigma's expedited process, our average timeline is 6-8 weeks from application to arrival.
Myth: "The Home Office rejects small businesses."
Reality: We have a 98% approval rate for SMEs. Size doesn't matter; compliance does.
Myth: "It's too risky if they leave."
Reality: Visa employees are tied to your company. Retention rates are statistically significantly higher than UK hires.
