Sponsor License Applications

Obtaining a UK sponsor licence allows your organisation to hire skilled professionals from around the world, helping to fill specific skill gaps and support your business objectives. This approach can lead to improved operational efficiency and contribute to your company’s overall growth. At The Nathanson Partnership, we specialise in guiding businesses through the sponsor licence application process, helping you meet legal requirements while streamlining the hiring of top-tier international talent.

What is a UK Sponsor Licence?

A UK sponsor licence allows your business to legally employ skilled foreign workers for eligible roles in the UK. Post-Brexit, companies must also hold a sponsor licence to hire workers from the EU, except for certain groups such as Irish citizens or individuals with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Why Does Your Business Need a Sponsor Licence?

In today’s competitive market, the right people can make all the difference. A sponsor licence not only ensures legal compliance but opens the door to a diverse pool of talent that can help your company thrive. Without one, hiring foreign workers could lead to fines or criminal penalties. Hiring internationally can provide your business with access to expertise not readily available in the UK, helping to fill specific skill gaps. Additionally, it can contribute to long-term workforce stability, offering a reliable foundation for your company’s growth and planning. If you need assistance, our team of specialists are keen to help you. Please contact us today on 020 3476 9523 or email us at [email protected] 

Who Can You Hire with a Sponsor Licence?

A sponsor licence allows you to recruit for roles under specific visa categories, including the following visas:

• Skilled Worker Visa: Hire professionals for roles listed as eligible under Home Office occupation codes.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Bring in qualified medical and care professionals for roles in the NHS, adult social care, or with NHS suppliers.
• Global Business Mobility Visa: Access temporary routes for senior managers, trainees, or workers involved in UK business expansion or high-value contracts.
• Scale-up Visa: Recruit highly skilled individuals to accelerate the growth of fast-growing businesses.
• Temporary Worker Visa: Employ workers for seasonal or short-term roles, such as agricultural or cultural activities.

What Are the Requirements to Sponsor Someone in the UK?

To secure a sponsor licence, your business must meet strict eligibility criteria to ensure you can responsibly manage the sponsorship of foreign workers. Here’s a closer look at what’s required:

1. A Genuine Business Operating Lawfully in the UK

Your company must be actively trading or operating in the UK. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may review your business’s registration documents, tax filings, and trading history to verify legitimacy.

2. A Legitimate Vacancy That Meets Skilled Worker Criteria

The role you are hiring for must meet the Home Office’s requirements for eligible occupations. This means the position must be on the list of eligible jobs, with appropriate skill levels and minimum salary thresholds.

3. Robust Monitoring and Reporting Systems

As a sponsor, you must maintain accurate records for all sponsored employees and have systems in place to track their work status. UKVI requires sponsors to report specific changes, such as changes in an employee’s job or salary, early termination of employment or unauthorised absences.

4. Appointing Key Personnel

You’ll need to appoint individuals within your business to manage sponsorship responsibilities. These roles include:

• Authorising Officer: A senior person responsible for your sponsor licence.
• Key Contact: The main point of contact with UKVI.
• Level 1 User(s): Responsible for using the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to manage sponsorship activity.

These individuals must pass background checks to confirm they have no unspent criminal convictions or history of immigration offences.

5. Clean Immigration and Business History

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may reject your application if you or your company have unspent convictions for fraud, money laundering, or immigration offences. Additionally, if your business has had a sponsor licence revoked within the past 12 months, your application is likely to be refused.

6. Preparedness for a Compliance Audit

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may conduct unannounced site visits to assess your compliance with sponsor duties. During these visits, they will verify that your organisation has effective record-keeping systems, that sponsored workers are genuinely fulfilling their roles, and that salary payments align with visa requirements. These assessments ensure that your organisation meets its obligations as a licensed sponsor.

What Documents Will You Need to Apply for a Sponsor Licence?

A thorough and accurate submission of supporting documents is crucial to your sponsor licence application. Depending on your business, the Home Office may ask for the following:

Proof of Business Registration and Operation

• Certificate of incorporation (for limited companies).
• VAT registration certificate or HMRC registration as an employer.
• Latest corporate bank statement or evidence of a business bank account.

Evidence of Trading History

• Audited accounts or unaudited accounts accompanied by an accountant’s certificate.
• Proof of PAYE registration and contributions.

Employer’s Liability Insurance

A valid certificate showing at least £5 million of coverage from an authorised insurer.

Details of Premises

• Proof of business address, such as a lease or utility bill.
• Evidence of right to use the premises, particularly if the business is new.

Job Details and Recruitment Evidence

• Job descriptions, salary information, and evidence that the role meets the eligibility criteria.
• Proof of recruitment efforts, such as advertisements, if required to demonstrate a genuine need for a foreign worker.

Key Personnel Information

• Details of the individuals filling roles like Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 Users. This may include their employment contracts, identity documents, and criminal record certificates.

Sector-Specific Documents

If your business operates in a regulated industry (e.g., healthcare, education), you may need to provide additional licences or accreditations relevant to your field.

How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

Applying for a UK sponsor licence is essential for businesses aiming to hire skilled professionals from abroad. However, the process can be complex, and errors may lead to delays or refusals. Here are the steps to take when applying for a sponsor licence.

1. Getting Your Business Ready

Before you apply, ensure your organisation meets the Home Office’s requirements. This involves having compliant HR systems to manage sponsored workers, operating legally in the UK, and assigning key personnel. Key roles include the Authorising Officer to ensure compliance, the Key Contact to communicate with the Home Office, and the Level 1 User to handle daily sponsorship tasks.

2. Collecting Documentation

Prepare the required evidence to prove your business’s legitimacy and readiness. This typically includes your Certificate of Incorporation, financial statements, proof of business premises, and HR process details. Make sure all documents are accurate, as they must be submitted within five days of your application.

3. Submitting Your Application

The application process is completed online through the Home Office Sponsorship Management System. You’ll need to create an account, provide organisational details, outline the roles you intend to sponsor and assign key personnel. A legal advisor can assist, but the Authorising Officer must submit the application.

4. Application Fee

The fee depends on your organisation’s size. Ensure the payment is processed, and save the confirmation for your records.

5. Submitting Evidence

Send your supporting documents to the Home Office within five working days. Double-check they meet requirements, and consider using tracked delivery to ensure they arrive safely.

6. Application Review

The Home Office will review your application, which can take up to eight weeks. During this time, they may request additional information or conduct a compliance visit to verify your HR systems and processes.

7. Approval

Once approved, your business will be added to the Register of Licensed Sponsors, allowing you to sponsor skilled workers. Being prepared and thorough will make the process much smoother.

How Can You Prepare for Application Success?

The sponsor licence process involves more than just paperwork. It’s about demonstrating that your business is organised, compliant, and capable of meeting Home Office standards. Missteps can lead to delays or even rejection, which is why expert guidance is invaluable. At The Nathanson Partnership, we ensure your application is comprehensive and accurate, reducing the risk of issues with UKVI. Our hands-on support helps you get it right the first time, saving you time and money. If you need assistance, our team of specialists are keen to help you. Please contact us today on 020 3476 9523 or email us at [email protected] 

How Much Does a Sponsor Licence Cost?

Please note, these government fees are subject to change. The cost of a sponsor licence varies depending on the size and type of your organisation. For small or charitable organisations, the application fee is £536, while medium or large organisations pay £1,476. A small organisation is defined as meeting at least two criteria: an annual turnover of £10.2 million or less, total assets worth £5.1 million or less, or fewer than 50 employees. Once your sponsor licence is approved, you’ll need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each worker you hire, costing £199 per CoS for Skilled Worker and Health & Care visas. Additionally, an Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) applies, with fees for small or charitable organisations set at £364 for the first 12 months and £182 for each additional six months, while medium or large organisations pay £1,000 for the first 12 months and £500 for each additional six months. Sponsor licences are valid for four years. When renewing, the same application fee will apply based on the size of your organisation at the time.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic reference number issued by a sponsoring employer through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). It confirms to the Home Office that a migrant worker meets the requirements of their visa route, enabling the worker to apply for their visa. Each CoS is unique to the individual and must be assigned correctly to avoid compliance issues or penalties. Once issued, the worker must use the CoS to apply for their visa within three months. It’s important to note that visa applications cannot be submitted more than three months before the job’s start date. Depending on the nature of the job, sponsors may also need to verify if the worker requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before assigning the CoS.

Types of Certificates of Sponsorship

Defined certificates are for workers applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK. These certificates must be requested through the SMS, and approvals typically take one working day. In some cases, further checks may delay approval. Once granted, the certificate is available in the SMS account for assignment. Undefined certificates are used for workers already in the UK, such as those switching to or extending their Skilled Worker visa or applying under other visa categories. Sponsors must estimate the number of undefined certificates needed for the first year when applying for their sponsor licence. For UK Expansion Workers, businesses with a provisional sponsor licence can initially assign only one certificate to the Authorising Officer to allow their entry into the UK. Once the officer’s visa is granted, the licence can be upgraded to an A-rating, enabling the organisation to request additional certificates.

Sponsor Licence Processing Times

First-time sponsor licence applications typically take between four to eight weeks for the Home Office to process. Delays are possible if the application is incomplete or if documents are not submitted in the correct format.

How Long is a Sponsor Licence Valid?

A sponsor licence remains valid for four years. To continue employing sponsored workers, businesses must apply to renew the licence before it expires. Licences do not renew automatically, so failing to renew on time can disrupt the employment of sponsored workers.

How Can The Nathanson Partnership Support You?

At The Nathanson Partnership, we specialise in taking the stress of immigration compliance off your plate, so you can focus on running your business. We provide bespoke solutions tailored to your unique business needs, recognising that every organisation operates differently. With clear, accurate, and transparent immigration advice, we ensure you fully understand the requirements, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and costly penalties for non-compliance. From preparing and submitting your sponsor licence application to guiding you through every stage of the process, we’re with you every step of the way. Our service doesn’t end when your licence is granted, that’s just the beginning. We offer ongoing support to help you manage the complexities of hiring skilled workers, including applying for Certificates of Sponsorship and maintaining compliance with immigration laws. We understand the importance of timing, budgeting, and streamlining processes for a successful business. Our expert team is here to help you meet your sponsorship obligations while efficiently hiring skilled workers to enhance your business. Contact us today for a free initial assessment with one of our qualified and experienced UK immigration advisors.

Why Choose The Nathanson Partnership?

We are a team of regulated immigration professionals, fully accredited by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), which ensures our services meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Our expertise spans a diverse range of clients, from individuals and start-ups to entrepreneurs and multinational companies with international workforces. Whatever your business needs, our specialists are ready to provide reliable and actionable immigration advice. For expert assistance with your sponsor licence application or business immigration needs, contact us at 020 3476 9523 or email us at [email protected]