Worker Route Overview

Worker Route

Contents Table for Skilled Worker Licence

1. What is a Skilled Worker licence?
2. What is the Global Business Mobility Licence?
3. How do I apply for a licence?
4. What are the typical requirements for a Skilled Worker Licence?
5. What sort of documents will I need for a Skilled Worker licence?
6. What are my Human Resource Responsibilities?
7. Why was my licence application rejected?
8. Why have I got a sponsor licence refusal?
9. Q&A’s

1. • Initial Steps to Apply for a Skilled Worker Licence

1. • Required Documents for the Application

1. • Application Process Duration

1. • Post-Submission Process

1. • Costs Associated with the Application

1. How We Can Help

What is a skilled worker licence?

Before UK employers can hire non-UK resident workers under work routes like the Skilled Worker visa, Scale Up visa, and Global Business Mobility routes, they must obtain a sponsorship licence from the Home Office. Employing a specific skill-set or range of experience can be vital to the growth of any business. Whether your business is part of an international organisation wishing to relocate staff to the UK or your UK business can’t find the right UK skillset. The Skilled Worker Licence allows you to hire foreign workers.

The Employer Sponsor Licence demonstrates your ability to employ international candidates in accordance with regulation designed to protect the UK resident labour market and the value of skilled labour in the United Kingdom.

How do I apply for a Sponsor Licence?

To sponsor a Skilled Worker, you must hold a valid sponsor licence for the Skilled Worker route. If you don’t already have one, you need to apply by completing the online application form, paying the relevant fee, and submitting the required supporting evidence.

Before applying, it’s important you understand the general requirements and the application process to understand your responsibilities.

If you already have a valid licence to sponsor workers but it doesn’t include the Skilled Worker route, you can apply to add this route to your existing licence. An additional fee may be required for this.

What is a Global Mobility Business Licence?

The Global Business Mobility Route – The Global Business Mobility route is designed for overseas businesses looking to send senior managers or specialist employees to the UK for temporary work assignments. It caters for various business needs, including expansion into the UK market. Go here to find out more about The Global Business Mobility Licence.

What is the Skilled Worker Licence Application Process?

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.

What is a Home Office 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.

What happens after my sponsor licence is approved?

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

You are responsible for paying the sponsor licence fee and associated administrative costs, including premium services. If you are granted a licence, it may be revoked if you are found to have recouped or attempted to recoup any part of the sponsor licence fee or associated administrative costs from a worker you are sponsoring on or after 31 December 2024.

What are the typical requirements for a Skilled Worker Licence?

In addition to the general requirements for a sponsor licence, to be eligible for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, you must be able to offer employment that:

• Meets the skill level and salary requirements for this route
• Is genuine
• Does not involve hiring the worker to a third party for an ongoing or routine role
• Complies with the National Minimum Wage and the Working Time Regulations

What sort of documents will I need for a Skilled Worker Licence?

When applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, you will need to provide various documents to support your application. These documents generally include proof of your business’s legitimacy, evidence of your financial stability, and details about your business operations.

You might need to submit documents that show your business is officially registered, proof that you have a physical location for your operations, and financial records that demonstrate your company’s financial health.

What are my Human Resource Responsibilities?

Employers who hold a sponsor licence have a number of responsibilities. These responsibilities include:

• Checking the immigration status of their overseas workers
• Ensuring that their overseas workers are paid the correct salary
• Ensuring that their overseas workers have access to healthcare
• Keeping the Home Office updated on the employment status of their overseas workers

If an employer fails to meet their responsibilities as a sponsor, they may have their licence downgraded or revoked. This could mean that they are no longer able to sponsor overseas workers to come to the UK to work. The employer sponsor licence process is designed to protect both employers and overseas workers. It ensures that only genuine employers who can meet the needs of their overseas workers are able to sponsor them. It also protects overseas workers from exploitation.

Why was my licence application was rejected?

When small mistakes cause long delays…

• Providing incorrect documentation in support of your business structure
• Unclear employment mechanisms
• Out of date Human Resources personnel records
• Lack of company and HR policies

The above can potentially trigger am application rejection in this instance it is important to understand why the application has been rejected and follow the steps set out by the Home Office. It is important at this stage to seep some advice.

Why has my sponsor licence been refused?

A sponsor licence refusal occurs when the UK Home Office denies an application for a sponsor licence, which is necessary for businesses to hire non-UK workers. This refusal can happen for several reasons, including:

• Failure to meet validity requirements: This includes procedural errors such as incorrect documentation or fee payment.
• Failure to meet suitability and eligibility requirements: This involves more substantive issues like inadequate human resource systems, criminal convictions, or inability to meet specific skill and salary requirements for the workers being sponsored.

If your application is refused, there is no right to appeal, but you may be able to reapply after a cooling-off period, which can range from six months to a year depending on the reason for refusal.

Q&A’s

1. What are the initial steps to apply for a Skilled Worker Licence?

• To apply for a Skilled Worker Licence, you need to first ensure your business is eligible. This involves having appropriate HR systems in place to monitor sponsored employees and being able to provide the necessary supporting documents. You then complete the online application form and pay the relevant fee.

1. How long does the application process take?
   • The standard processing time for a Skilled Worker Licence application is usually around 8 weeks. However, you can opt for a priority service for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.
2. What happens after submitting the application?
   • After submission, the Home Office may conduct a compliance visit to verify the information provided and ensure your business can meet its sponsorship duties. If your application is successful, you will receive a licence rating and be able to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to prospective employees.
3. What are the costs associated with the application?
   • The cost of applying for a Skilled Worker Licence depends on the size of your business. For small or charitable organizations, the fee is £574. For medium or large organizations, the fee is £1579. Additional costs include the Immigration Skills Charge and the Certificate of Sponsorship fee..

How we can help

The Visa Office is dedicated to simplifying the process of obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence for your business. Our team provides comprehensive support, ensuring that your application meets all Home Office requirements. We offer detailed guidance on eligibility and requirements, assist with the thorough preparation and review of your Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application, and manage Certificates of Sponsorship. Additionally, we provide ongoing support to ensure your organisation remains compliant with UKVI regulations. By partnering with us, you can navigate the complexities of the UK’s Points Based System with confidence, securing the skilled talent your business needs to thrive.