OBS_VALUE: As of 2017, under the new Immigration Skills Charge Regulations, a sponsor must pay a charge to the Secretary of State, in the amount of £1,000 per year, each time it assigns a certificate of sponsorship to a non-EEA skilled worker (Tier 2). Small employers pay a lower amount of £364 per year and certain exemptions may be granted. For further information, see: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers