What is a UK sponsor licence?

A UK sponsor licence is the authorisation granted by the Home Office that allows a business to employ overseas workers under the immigration system. It enables organisations to sponsor individuals across different visa routes, including Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker categories. Holding a sponsor licence places the business under ongoing regulatory oversight. It is not simply permission to hire, but a formal position requiring accountability, compliance, and effective internal control.

Contents Table for Sponsor Licence Services

1. Sponsor Licence Services
2. What is a sponsorship licence?
3. What is a worker sponsor licence?
4. What is a Temporary Worker Licence?
5. How the Visa Office Can Help
6. What is the licence application process?
7. What are the main reasons for a licence refusal?
8. Q&A’s

Sponsor Licence Services

Strengthen your HR Team’s Efficiency: Our services streamline the sponsorship process and ensure compliance with all regulations, enhancing your HR team’s operational efficiency and professional standing.

What is a Sponsorship Licence?

A Sponsor Licence is essential for UK employers who wish to hire non-UK resident workers. This licence, granted by the Home Office, allows organisations to sponsor foreign workers under specific visa routes. There are two primary categories of Sponsor Licences: the Worker Route and the Temporary Worker Route.

What is a Worker Licence?

The Worker Licence Route is designed for long-term employment and includes two main Licence types:

1. Skilled Worker Licence: This Licence is for sponsoring skilled individuals from overseas for up to a period of 5 years
2. Global Business Mobility Licence- The Global Business Mobility (GBM) Licence is a key component of the UK’s immigration system, designed to facilitate the temporary movement of workers from overseas businesses to the UK. This licence allows organisations to sponsor foreign workers under specific visa routes, ensuring compliance with UK immigration regulations

What is a Temporary Worker licence?

The Temporary Worker Route is for short-term employment and includes various visa types:

1. What is a Scale-up Worker?  This route is for people coming to work for a fast-growing UK business
2. What is a Charity Worker?  This route is open for individuals undertaking unpaid voluntary work for a charity.
3. What is a Creative Worker? This route is for those in creative industries, such as actors, musicians, and artists.
4. What is a Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee? This route is for recent graduates being transferred to a UK branch of their company.
5. What is the Government Authorised Exchange? This route is available for individuals coming to the UK through government approved exchange schemes
6. What is International Agreement? This route is for workers coming to the UK under international law or agreements.
7. What is Religious Worker? This route is available for individuals undertaking religious work, such as preaching or pastoral work.
8. What is the Seasonal Worker route? For those coming to the UK for seasonal work in sectors like agriculture.

How the Visa Office Can Help you?

The Visa Office specialises in Sponsor Licence applications and compliance. We provide comprehensive support to ensure your application meets all Home Office requirements and that your organisation remains compliant with the immigration rules. Our services include:

• Detailed guidance on eligibility and requirements
• Thorough preparation and review of your Sponsor Licence application
• Certificate of Sponsorship management
• Ongoing support to ensure compliance with UKVI regulations.
• Sponsor Licence Management Support

Navigating the complexities of the UK’s Points Based System can be challenging, but with the right support, your business can successfully secure the talent it needs to thrive.

What is the sponsorship licence application process?

Getting Started

Kick off your sponsor licence application through the online Sponsor Management System portal. Gather all necessary documents and pay the required fee. While the standard processing time is up to 8 weeks, you can opt for a faster 1-week consideration for an extra fee.

Pre-Licence Audit

The UKVI might visit your premises to ensure your company is ready to employ legal migrants. This audit checks your practices, processes, and HR policies. Make sure everything is in top shape to avoid delays.

After Approval

Once approved, appoint key personnel to manage the Sponsor Management System and handle compliance duties. This step is crucial for maintaining your licence.

What are the main reasons for a licence refusal?

Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Incorrect documentation
• Unclear employment mechanisms
• Outdated HR records
• Lack of company policies

Avoiding these issues can save you from a 6-month reapplication ban and potential business losses.

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Q&A’s

What is the tier 2 Sponsorship licence cost?

The UKVI fee for a Tier 2 Employer Licence application for Small to Medium Enterprises is £536 (not subject to VAT) and for a Medium to Large organisation is £1,476. If you have a micro company or charitable status please expect the fee to be £536 (not subject to VAT). As a company you will be required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge as well as the processing fee for a Certificate of Sponsorship £239 (not subject to VAT). You may be invited to expedite your application for a fee of £500 (not subject to VAT).

What is the sponsor licence processing time?

The UKVI processing time for an Employer Sponsor Licence is up to 8 weeks, some application can take longer if the application is of a complex nature. You may be able to pay £500 to get a decision within 10 working days, this service is only offered to certain applicants and you will be notified after your application has been submitted.

What happens if you have just taken on responsibility for the licence and your predecessor has left?

It is important for the key person who is leaving to ensure that they appoint a successor who is eligible to take on the additional role, and provide a full and thorough handover. If you are in any doubt of your responsibilities or you are having difficulty unpicking things, please call us, we will be able to put things in context for you.