Sponsor guidance: applying for a sponsor licence

Essential information for businesses looking to hire foreign nationals.

What is a Sponsor licence?

A sponsor licence is required for UK businesses that want to employ migrant workers under certain work visa routes. This includes hiring individuals from overseas or those already in the UK switching to a Skilled Worker visa (such as from a student visa). EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who arrived after 31 December 2020 are also included. Access to skilled overseas talent is crucial for many businesses facing UK labour shortages.

How to apply for a sponsor licence

1. Check that your business is eligible.
2. Ensure the job is suitable for sponsorship.
3. Select the appropriate licence type (e.g., Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker under Global Business Mobility).
4. Appoint appropriate key personnel to manage the licence.
5. Apply online and pay the relevant fee.

Common licence categories

• Skilled Worker: For eligible jobs with approved UK employers.
• Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility): For international businesses transferring staff to the UK.
• Other routes: Includes international sportspersons, ministers of religion, creative workers, charity workers, and more.

Key personnel

You must designate people to manage your sponsor licence:

• Authorising Officer: Senior staff member responsible for compliance.
• Key Contact: Main liaison with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• Level 1 Users: Manage the licence daily via the Sponsor Management System (SMS). It’s recommended to have multiple Level 1 Users. As regulated solicitors, we can be appointed as Legal Representative and Key contact at the application stage. This means that we can then be added as Level 1 user and assist you with SMS management.

Eligibility and application process

To qualify, your business must:

• Have a physical UK presence.
• Maintain robust HR systems to meet sponsor duties.
• Be prepared for UKVI compliance visits.
• Have no unspent convictions for immigration or tax offences.
• Not have had a licence revoked in the past year.

You can apply for one licence to cover all UK branches or separate licences for each, depending on your structure.

Required documents

You must provide at least four supporting documents from Appendix A, e.g.

• VAT registration certificate
• Latest audited financial statements
• Business bank statement
• Employers’ liability insurance (£5 million minimum)
• PAYE and NI registration proof
• Proof of business premises ownership or lease

Some businesses need to provide mandatory documents, e.g. where required to be regulated by a governing body.

Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in an unsuccessful application.

Licence fees

Fees are paid directly to UKVI when the sponsor licence application is submitted.

Application processing time

Most applications are processed within eight weeks.

For an additional £500, you may obtain priority processing and receive a decision within 10 working days (limited availability).

Renewal and licence rating

Your licence remains valid as long as you meet the requirements. Failure to comply can result in revocation. Approved businesses receive an A-rating and are listed on the register of sponsors. Non-compliance may result in revocation of the licence or may lead to a downgrade to B-rating, requiring an action plan and restricting new hires.

Unsuccessful applications

If your sponsor licence application is not granted, you may be able to submit a new application, if a cooling-off period isn’t imposed. When reapplying, you must ensure that your application meets the requirements.

If the Home Office imposes a cooling-off period, preventing your business from reapplying for a licence for a specified time, you must not reapply until after this has passed. Typically, this will be between 6 to 12 months but may extend up to five years.

Need Help? Contact our Immigration team today

Sponsor licences are vital for UK employers seeking to hire Skilled Workers from abroad, helping to address skills shortages and promote workplace diversity.

Navigating the process can be complex, so professional guidance is recommended to avoid costly delays or refusals.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ Who needs a sponsor licence?
Any UK business wishing to employ non-UK nationals under specific work visa routes, including Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility visas, must obtain a sponsor licence.

❓ Can you help us obtain a sponsor licence?

Yes. We guide you through the entire sponsor licence application process, including preparing documentation, advising on HR systems, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Home Office requirements.

❓ Do I need a separate licence for each branch?
You can apply for a single licence to cover all linked UK entities or separate licences for each branch, depending on your business structure and needs.

❓ What are the main responsibilities of a sponsor?
Sponsors must comply with UKVI requirements, including keeping accurate records, reporting changes, and ensuring sponsored workers meet visa conditions. Failure to comply can result in licence suspension or revocation.

❓ Can I sponsor workers for any job?
No. The job must meet specific skill and salary requirements set by UKVI and be eligible for sponsorship under the relevant visa route.

❓ What happens if my business fails a compliance visit?
If UKVI finds your business non-compliant during a visit, your licence may be downgraded, suspended, or revoked, affecting your ability to sponsor workers.

❓ Why should I use an immigration lawyer instead of applying myself?

The UK immigration system is complex and constantly changing. A lawyer helps you avoid costly mistakes, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and improves your chances of a successful outcome.

❓ How much do your services cost?

Fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. We offer transparent pricing and can provide a quote after an initial consultation.

❓ Can you help with urgent or time-sensitive applications?

Yes. Our team is experienced in handling urgent cases and can advise on the best course of action to meet tight deadlines.

❓ Do you offer ongoing support after the licence is granted?

Absolutely. We offer ongoing compliance support, mock audits, and legal updates to ensure your business stays ahead of regulatory changes and maintains its sponsor status.