UK sponsor Licenses logo
0203 384 4389 0203 384 4389

Sponsor Licence UK

Empower Your Business with Global Talent: Expert UK Sponsor Licence Application Services

To get immediate assistance call us now at 0203 384 4389. We’re always available to help you.

Call Us: 0203 384 4389
free online assessment
How can we help you today?

UK sponsor licence list

What is a sponsorship licence UK?

A UK Sponsor Licence, also known as a Sponsor License, is a pivotal requirement for businesses in the UK to employ non-UK residents. This certification aligns with the UK’s immigration regulations and is crucial for companies looking to enhance their workforce with global talent.
  • Essential for Employment: It's a legal prerequisite for any UK organization (sponsor licence) applying to hire non-UK workers.
  • Variety of Roles: The licence is applicable for diverse employment types, including 'sponsor licence application' for skilled and temporary roles.
  • Maintaining Compliance: Holds significant importance in maintaining lawful immigration practices, a core aspect of sponsor license guidance.

To know more about UK sponsor license call now at 0203 384 4389

Start Online Assessment
Start Phone Assessment

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

Which type licenced Sponsors UK of do I need?

Understanding which type of Sponsorship Licence to apply for (apply for a sponsor licence) is crucial for UK businesses. These licences are tailored to different employment needs.

  • Worker Licence: For businesses seeking to employ international professionals in skilled positions (sponsorship licence application).
  • Temporary Worker Licence: Ideal for short-term roles, aligning with temporary work needs (apply for sponsorship licence).
  • Education Sponsor Licence: For educational institutions sponsoring international students (certificate of sponsorship UK).

Before applying for a licence, employers should assess the specific needs of their business and the visa category of the prospective employee to determine the most appropriate type of sponsorship licence. To discuss with experienced professional dial 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

Which UK work visas need a sponsorship license?

In the UK, certain work visas require the employer to have a sponsorship licence to hire foreign nationals. These visas include:

  • Skilled Worker Visa: For workers who have a job offer in the UK in a specific skill level and salary bracket.
  • Health and Care Worker Visa: For medical professionals, like doctors and nurses, coming to work in the NHS or similar settings.
  • Intra-company Transfer Visa: For employees of multinational companies being transferred to the UK branch.
  • Minister of Religion Visa (T2): For those coming to the UK for religious work, such as preaching or pastoral work.
  • Sportsperson Visa (T2): For elite sportspeople and coaches.
  • Temporary Worker Visas: Including Creative and Sporting, Charity Worker, Religious Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, and International Agreement categories.

Employers must obtain the relevant sponsorship licence to sponsor employees under these visa categories, ensuring compliance with immigration rules and regulations. Dial 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

What are the sponsorship licence requirements?

To successfully obtain a Sponsorship Licence, organisations must meet comprehensive requirements set by the UK Home Office.

  • Record Keeping: You must keep up-to-date records of all sponsored employees, such as their passport and right-to-work information, and their contact details.
  • HR Systems: Robust systems for tracking employee activities, crucial for sponsor licence compliance (sponsor licenses).
  • Compliance with the Law: Your organisation must comply with all relevant UK employment and immigration laws.
  • Job Compliance: Ensuring job offers meet the required skill and salary levels as per UK immigration rules (sponsorship licence UK, sponsorship licence requirements).
  • Cooperation with Home Office Checks: Be prepared for the Home Office to conduct compliance visits and checks.

Ready to navigate the complexities of UK immigration law? Contact our experts at 0203 384 4389

How to apply for a sponsor licence?

Applying for a UK sponsor licence involves a detailed procedure. Firstly, ensure your business is eligible. This means having no history of failing to carry out sponsor duties. You must then choose the type of licence – Worker or Temporary Worker – based on your needs.

  • Gather Necessary Documents:Prepare documents proving your company’s legitimacy and capability to meet sponsorship responsibilities.
  • Complete the Online Application: : Submit the application on the UK government's official website, ensuring all details are accurate and complete.
  • Qualified Witness for Legal Documents: Any affidavits or statutory declarations must be witnessed by a qualified, independent person like a solicitor or Notary Public.
The processing time for most applications is less than 8 weeks. There’s also a priority service for an additional fee if a quicker decision is required.

Contact our expert team for guidance on your Sponsor Licence application. Call 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

How much does a sponsor licence cost?

  • Licence Fees: The cost varies based on the type of licence and the size of your organisation. For a 'Worker' licence, the fee is £536 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,476 for medium or large sponsors. For a 'Temporary Worker' licence, the fee is £536 for all sponsors.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship Fee: There's a fee of £199 for each certificate assigned to a visa applicant.
  • Immigration Skills Charge: This fee depends on the size of the business and the length of the employee’s visa. For small or charitable sponsors, it's £364 for the first year and £182 for each additional six-month period. For medium or large companies, it's £1,000 for the first year and £500 for each six-month period thereafter.

These costs are in addition to other expenses, such as visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge that may be borne by the employer or the employee. Call now at 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

How do I renew a sponsor licence?

To renew a sponsor licence in the UK, you should follow these steps:
  • Start Early: Begin the renewal process up to 90 days before your current licence expires. This is important as it gives you enough time to address any unforeseen complications that might arise.
  • Use the Sponsor Management System (SMS): Renewal applications must be made online using the SMS. This is the same system used for managing your licence and migrant workers.
  • Pay the Renewal Fee: When renewing, you must pay a fee, which varies depending on your organisation's size. For small or charitable sponsors, the fee is £536. For medium or large sponsors, it’s £1,476.
  • Prepare for Compliance Checks: After submitting your renewal application, UKVI may request additional information or documents. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation listed in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance or related to your business.
  • Potential UKVI Visits: UKVI might visit your business premises for a pre-renewal compliance check. Ensure your organisation continues to meet all sponsorship duties.
  • Document Availability: Have all relevant documents readily available as part of your ongoing sponsor compliance procedures. Specific documentation may be required for sponsors licensed in particular routes and operating within certain sectors.
  • Processing Time: UKVI may take up to eight weeks to process your renewal application. However, delays can occur, especially if UKVI decides to conduct an onsite check.
  • Priority Processing: A limited number of renewal applications may be eligible for priority processing, which ensures processing within 10 days for an additional payment.

For further details dial 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

Different types of sponsorship licence

In the United Kingdom, there are various types of sponsorship licences that organizations can apply for to hire foreign nationals. Understanding these different types can help organizations determine which licence best suits their needs.

  • Worker Licence: This is for organisations aiming to hire foreign nationals for long-term or permanent roles. The Worker Licence includes several categories:
  • Skilled Worker Visa • Skilled Worker Visa: For skilled workers to work in a job that meets specific criteria.
  • GBM Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Previously known as the Intra-company Transfer visa, for multinational companies transferring established employees to the UK.
  • Temporary Worker Licence: This licence is suitable for temporary employment scenarios, including volunteering and job shadowing. Categories under this licence include:
  • Scale-up Worker: For individuals joining a fast-growing company in the UK.
  • Creative Worker: For roles such as artists, entertainers, or other professionals in the creative arts sector, with a stay of up to two years.
  • Charity Worker: Geared towards volunteers at UK-based charitable organisations for up to one year.
  • Religious Worker: For individuals serving in religious organizations or orders for up to two years.
  • Government Authorised Exchange: For those engaged in work experiences, research projects, or specialized training, with options for a one or two-year stay.
  • International Agreement: For employees whose roles are covered by international law, such as diplomatic staff.

Each type of sponsor licence has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and associated costs. Organizations must ensure they meet the Home Office’s requirements for genuine vacancies, lawful operation in the UK, and necessary HR and recruitment systems. To know more about UK sponsor license call now at 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

What is a ‘temporary worker’ sponsor licence?

A ‘temporary worker’ sponsor licence in the UK is designed for organisations that need to employ non-British nationals on a temporary basis. This licence is essential for companies looking to sponsor individuals for short-term roles in specific sectors. Key categories under this licence include:
  • Creative and Sporting: For employees whose roles are covered by international law, such as diplomatic staff.
  • Charity Workers: For unpaid voluntary positions within registered charities.
  • Religious Workers: For those undertaking religious work, like preaching or pastoral duties.
  • Government Authorised Exchange: Aimed at individuals coming to the UK through approved schemes that aim to share knowledge, experience and best practice.
  • International Agreement: For those coming to the UK under international law or treaty, such as employees of overseas governments.

For information dial 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

Is my organisation eligible for a sponsorship licence?

Eligibility for obtaining a Sponsorship Licence (sponsor licence UK) is governed by specific criteria to ensure only qualified businesses can employ foreign nationals.

  • Verified Business Operations: Ensuring the organisation is legitimately operating within the UK (sponsor licence guidance).
  • Honesty and Reliability: The key personnel involved in the sponsorship process must not have a history of failing to comply with the sponsorship duties or any record of criminal behavior.
  • Legal Compliance: A history of adherence to UK legal and immigration regulations is necessary.
  • Effective Sponsorship Management: The ability to manage and monitor sponsored employees effectively (sponsor guidance).
  • No Unspent Criminal Convictions: Especially for offences related to immigration, fraud, money laundering, or other serious crimes.

These criteria ensure that only legitimate and responsible organisations can sponsor foreign workers. It’s important to review the detailed guidance provided by the UK government or seek professional advice to ensure your organisation meets these requirements. Call 0203 384 4389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

Sponsorship licence compliance & management

Managing and complying with the requirements of a UK Sponsor Licence involves several responsibilities to ensure adherence to immigration laws and regulations. 

  • Certificate of Sponsorship: Every skilled worker you sponsor requires a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You need to request CoS from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and assign them to each skilled worker. It's important to monitor your allocation and usage of CoS and report any unused certificates.
  • Right-to-Work Checks: Conduct right-to-work checks to verify the legal working status of your sponsored workers. This includes checking and retaining copies of relevant documents such as passports or biometric residence permits and recording the date of the checks.
  • Record-Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and promptly report any significant changes to UKVI. This includes keeping details of your sponsored workers' contact information, job titles, salary, and any absences.
  • Human Resources Policies and Procedures: Implement compliant HR policies covering recruitment, employee rights, and record-keeping. Ensure your sponsored workers receive the same rights and benefits as other employees.
  • Appointing Key Personnel: Designate specific roles within your organisation for managing the sponsor licence, including an Authorising Officer, Level 1 and Level 2 users, and a Key Contact. Each role has specific responsibilities and eligibility criteria.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Call Now

Frequently Asked Questions

A Sponsor Licence is permission granted by the UK Home Office to an organisation, allowing it to employ non-UK residents under specific visa categories.
Any UK-based organisation looking to employ non-UK residents under work or study visa routes needs to apply for a Sponsor Licence.
The application is submitted online through the UK Government website. The process includes filling out an application form and providing supporting documents to prove your eligibility.
There are two main types: a ‘Worker’ licence (for long-term or permanent job offers) and a ‘Temporary Worker’ licence (for short-term employment in specific sectors).
Responsibilities include conducting right-to-work checks, keeping accurate records, reporting significant changes to UKVI, and ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.
A Sponsor Licence is usually valid for four years and must be renewed before it expires.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties such as suspension or revocation of the licence, which would impact your ability to employ non-UK residents.
How can we help you today?