Immigration Services
Sponsor Licence
Unlock Global Talent for Your Business
At a Glance
- Processing Time
- 8-12 weeks
- Legal Fees
- £2,000 – £4,000
- Documents Required
- 12 items
- Process Steps
- 5 stages
Overview
About the Sponsor Licence
A UK Sponsor Licence allows businesses to employ overseas workers on the Skilled Worker route and other work visa categories. Without a licence, you cannot sponsor foreign nationals to work for you.
We guide employers through the application process, ongoing compliance obligations, and the complexities of the sponsor management system..
Eligibility Criteria
- Your business is a genuine trading organisation operating lawfully in the UK
- You have a genuine vacancy that meets the skill level and salary requirements
- You have appropriate HR systems in place to fulfil sponsor duties (record keeping, reporting, monitoring)
- The Key Personnel you appoint (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User) are honest, dependable, and reliable
- No owner, director, or Key Personnel has unspent criminal convictions for relevant offences
- Your business has not had a sponsor licence revoked within the past 12 months
- You can demonstrate that granting a licence is not contrary to the public interest
Not sure if you qualify? Book a free eligibility assessment with one of our specialist solicitors.
How It Works
The Application Process
A step-by-step guide to your Sponsor Licence application, managed by our specialist solicitors from start to finish.
- 1
Pre-Application Assessment
3-5 daysWe assess your business's eligibility, review your HR systems and processes, and identify any risk factors that could affect a licence application before you submit.
- 2
HR Systems Review
1-2 weeksWe review your HR documentation and policies — right to work checks, record-keeping procedures, and absence monitoring — ensuring they meet Home Office standards.
- 3
Application Preparation
1-2 weeksWe prepare your sponsor licence application and all supporting documents, including evidence of your trading activities, HR systems, and Key Personnel details.
- 4
Submission & Compliance Audit Support
8-12 weeksWe submit the application and support you if the Home Office conducts a pre-licence compliance visit to verify your HR systems and genuineness of business.
- 5
Licence Granted — Ongoing Support
OngoingOn grant of your A-rated licence, we train your HR team on the Sponsor Management System (SMS), CoS assignment, and ongoing reporting and compliance duties.
Documentation
Document Checklist
Prepare the following documents for your Sponsor Licence application. Our solicitors will review everything before submission.
- Certificate of incorporation or evidence of trading status
- HMRC registration documents (VAT registration, employer PAYE reference)
- Business bank account statements (4 months)
- Employer's liability insurance certificate
- Evidence of business premises (lease, utility bills, rates demand)
- Latest audited accounts or management accounts
- Organisational chart showing Key Personnel and reporting lines
- Job descriptions for the roles you intend to sponsor
- Right to work check policy and procedures documentation
- Record-keeping and monitoring procedures documentation
- Authorising Officer's personal details and proof of identity
- Any relevant professional registrations or licences for your sector
Missing documents? Our solicitors can advise on alternatives and how to obtain the necessary paperwork.
Get Document HelpQuestions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Sponsor Licence — answered by our specialist solicitors.
Have a question that is not answered here?
Ask Our SolicitorsTake the Next Step
Ready to Start Your Sponsor Licence Application?
Our specialist solicitors are ready to guide you through every stage of the process. Book a consultation today and get expert advice tailored to your circumstances.