Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
A Sponsor Licence will allow businesses to employ Skilled Workers and other migrants in their operations. The business will become a licensed sponsor in order to enable migrants to work for them in the UK. Our Regulated Immigration Advisors offer a managed service where we will complete your application, manage the documentation required, handle communications with the Home Office and undertake all steps and checks to ensure your business is compliant with UK immigration and employment law.
Do I need a Sponsor Licence?
You have probably found our page because you need to employ a Skilled Worker. If you cannot find a suitable Settled or British worker, or EEA national with Pre-Settled Status, then you will need to consider sponsoring a migrant instead. Our advisors will inform you of the qualifying requirements.
The UK’s new immigration system, applicable to new applications from 1 January 2021, works on the basis of sponsorship by a business licensed by the Home Office. We frequently assist businesses in applying for Sponsor Licences.
New Immigration System from 2021
Following Brexit, European nationals are now on the same footing as international students and migrants in regard to working and studying in the UK. This means businesses can now sponsor anyone in the world for a Skilled Worker role, without needing to first recruit a UK national. This is now possible with the Skilled Worker visa system, as there is no longer a need to first advertise and prove that no suitable local candidate was available for a vacancy. This means businesses can recruit candidates from anywhere around the world!
Complying with Sponsor Duties
Before applying for a Sponsor Licence, businesses must ensure they have a Sponsor Management System (SMS) and Compliance Officers in place. Once you have the Licence, there are various duties and obligations in relation to record-keeping, reporting and paying employees.
Key Points on Compliance:
- Record Keeping: Keep accurate employee records including right-to-work documents, contact information and attendance.
- Reporting Changes: Notify the Home Office of employee changes like absences, role changes or early contract terminations.
- Key Personnel: Maintain authorizing officers and key contacts for UKVI liaison.
- SMS Access: Monitor and manage sponsored employees through your Sponsor Management System.
- Genuine Vacancies: Only sponsor roles that truly exist and meet skill requirements.
- Immigration Compliance: Conduct right-to-work checks and avoid employing illegal workers.
Types of Sponsor Licences
Worker Licence
Enables you to sponsor Skilled Workers for permanent or temporary roles. This is the most common type for businesses looking to fill skill gaps.
Temporary Worker Licence
For short-term or seasonal work, creative roles, charity work, religious workers and other temporary categories.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Sponsor Licence, your business must:
- Be a genuine trading entity operating lawfully in the UK
- Not pose a threat to immigration control
- Have appropriate HR systems and processes
- Demonstrate the ability to comply with sponsor duties
- Have no adverse immigration or criminal history
- Appoint suitable Key Personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User)
Application Process
Step 1 – Initial Assessment
We assess your business needs, review your eligibility and advise on the most suitable licence type.
Step 2 – Documentation
We prepare all required documents including business evidence, compliance policies and key personnel details.
Step 3 – Application Submission
We complete and submit your online application to the Home Office, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Step 4 – Home Office Review
The Home Office reviews your application, which typically takes 8 weeks. They may request additional information or conduct a compliance visit.
Step 5 – Licence Granted
Once approved, you receive your licence and can start sponsoring workers using the Sponsor Management System.
Costs and Fees
Home Office Fees (2024/25):
- Small Sponsor: £536 (for charities and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and turnover under £10.2m)
- Medium/Large Sponsor: £1,476 (for all other businesses)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Fees apply when assigning CoS to each worker
Additional costs may include Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000 per year for small sponsors, £364 for small sponsors for each sponsored worker).
Timeframes
Standard processing time is approximately 8 weeks from submission. Priority service may be available in some cases. We recommend starting the process well in advance of when you need to employ sponsored workers.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Insufficient evidence of genuine trading
- Inadequate HR systems or compliance procedures
- Unsuitable key personnel
- Previous immigration breaches
- Criminal convictions of key personnel
- Concerns about business legitimacy
Maintaining Your Licence
Once granted, your Sponsor Licence is valid for 4 years. To maintain it, you must:
- Comply with all sponsor duties and reporting requirements
- Keep accurate records and update the SMS promptly
- Notify UKVI of significant changes to your business
- Cooperate with any compliance visits or audits
- Renew your licence before it expires
- Pay appropriate salaries and follow employment law
Sponsor Licence Suspensions and Revocations
The Home Office can suspend or revoke your licence if:
- You fail to comply with sponsor duties
- You employ illegal workers
- You provide false information
- Your business circumstances change significantly
- You’re found guilty of immigration offences
If your licence is at risk, we can help you address compliance issues and represent you in dealings with the Home Office.
How We Can Help
Our experienced immigration solicitors provide comprehensive support throughout the sponsor licence process:
- Initial Consultation: We assess your needs and eligibility
- Application Preparation: We gather evidence and complete all forms
- Compliance Support: We help establish compliant HR systems and policies
- Home Office Liaison: We handle all communications with UKVI
- Ongoing Advice: We provide guidance on compliance and sponsor duties
- CoS Management: We assist with assigning Certificates of Sponsorship
- Renewals: We help with licence renewals and variations
- Problem Resolution: We can help if your licence is suspended or facing revocation
Why Choose NA Law Solicitors?
- Specialist Expertise: Our team specializes in business immigration and sponsor licensing
- Proven Track Record: We have successfully helped numerous businesses obtain sponsor licences
- Comprehensive Service: We handle everything from initial assessment to ongoing compliance
- Transparent Pricing: Clear fee structures with no hidden costs
- Personal Approach: Dedicated solicitor managing your case throughout
- Quick Response: We understand the urgency of business immigration matters