How to Get Sponsor Licence in UK: A Detailed Guide for Employers
Navigating the UK’s sponsor licence process can be daunting for employers hiring overseas workers, whether for highly skilled positions, rapid business expansion, or to fill ongoing skills gaps. At UK Visas, our experienced immigration advisors in the UK are dedicated to helping businesses in sponsoring overseas workers, from taking care of the sponsor licence application in the UK to ensuring total compliance with Home Office requirements.
Securing a sponsor licence is essential for any UK-based employer wishing to employ foreign workers, including skilled professionals, seasonal staff, or intra-company transferees. This comprehensive guide outlines why the sponsor licence is vital, how to get sponsor licence in UK, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. Read on to learn how UK Visas can help with the sponsor licence process and make employing overseas workers easy for employers.
What Is a Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence is an authorisation granted by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) that legally permits UK businesses to sponsor and employ overseas workers who do not hold a right to work in the UK by default (such as those from outside the UK and Ireland). By obtaining this licence, your organisation can access the global talent pool and fill workforce gaps through highly skilled or essential migrant workers.
Types of Sponsor Licences
Skilled Worker Licence: Enables sponsoring migrant workers for most professional, technical, or shortage occupation roles.
Global Business Mobility Licence: Covers overseas transfer of key personnel for UK expansion or project needs.
Seasonal Worker Licence: Allows employers to hire professionals for agriculture, horticulture, and short-term projects.
Temporary Worker Licence: Suitable for sponsors needing short-term staff under specific government schemes.
Determine what type of sponsor licence you should apply for based on your staffing needs.
Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?
Any UK-based entity intending to hire someone from outside the UK or Ireland must obtain a sponsor licence. This is relevant for:
- Small businesses recruiting specialist talent or expanding operations
- Corporates with frequent international hires or intra-company transfers
- Educational institutions that want to sponsor international students or teachers
- Charities and Non Profit Organisations that require overseas expertise
Employing overseas workers is illegal without a valid sponsor licence and can cause you hefty fines, reputational risk, and even subject you to Home Office scrutiny. Even if your company only plans occasional hiring, sponsor licence compliance is a must for lawful business expansion and strategic workforce planning.
Now, let us take a look at how to get sponsor licence in UK.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Sponsor Licence in UK
For those searching for “how to employ foreign talent?” The first step comprises applying for a sponsor licence, which requires careful planning and thorough documentation. Here is a step-by-step process of how to get a sponsor licence in the UK that could maximise your chances of success:
1. Check Your Business Eligibility
Before applying, make sure that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements set by UKVI. According to its requirements, businesses must:
- Be active and genuine in the UK (with evidence of trading)
- Have no history of serious immigration/non-compliance breaches
- Have the right HR training and record system to meet the reporting requirements set for sponsors
2. Choose the Right Licence Type
If you find that your business is eligible for a sponsor licence, you have to apply for the right licence type. Consider your plans for expansion, roles you wish to fill and if you want to sponsor temporary or permanent staff to make the decision.
3. Prepare Sponsor Licence Documents
Before you apply, make sure that you have the documents required for a sponsorship licence in the UK that are listed below:
- Recent business bank statements
- Certificate of incorporation (for limited companies) or equivalent proof of business registration
- VAT registration certificate
- HMRC registration evidence (PAYE Reference and Accounts Office Reference)
- Proof of business premises (lease/ownership documents, or a recent utility bill showing address)
- Employer’s liability insurance certificate (minimum £5 million cover, issued by a UK-authorised insurer)
- Latest audited or unaudited accounts
- Signed and dated submission sheet (generated after the online sponsor licence application is submitted)
- Company organisational chart (showing structure and reporting lines for sponsored workers)
- HR & compliance documents (HR systems for right-to-work checks, tracking sponsored staff, absence management)
4. Apply Online via UKVI Portal
Visit the UKVI portal and submit your licence application securely online. You are required to upload supporting evidence and confirm key business details during the submission.
5. Pay the Application Fee
How much you will have to pay for the licence depends on your company status, i.e., depending on whether you are a small, charitable, or large sponsor and the type(s) of licence selected. If you are a small or charitable sponsor, you will have to pay £574, while that for medium to large sponsors is £1,579 for permanent workers. For temporary workers, the fee is £574 irrespective of the company size. Payment is required for processing to begin.
6. Prepare for Possible Compliance Visits
Before granting you the sponsor licence, UKVI may conduct a compliance audit on your premises. So, it is important to make sure that all systems, documents and processes within your organisation demonstrate your ability to manage sponsor duties and report migrant worker details.
7. Wait for Decision (Standard vs Priority Processing)
After you submit the sponsor licence application in the UK, you may have to wait for up to eight weeks to receive a decision. Priority service, available for eligible applicants, can reduce wait times to ten working days (for an additional fee).
Common Mistakes Employers Make
Here are some common issues our immigration advisors in the UK often witness that you should avoid:
- Uploading incorrect or outdated documents
- Not having strong HR and compliance systems
- Underestimating the value of Home Office audits and site visits
- Lack of adequate staff training for people responsible for maintaining sponsor licence compliance
- Ignoring to outsource sponsor assistance to experts and risking licence refusal with no right of appeal
How Long Does It Take to Get a Sponsor Licence?
The standard processing time for those exploring how to get sponsor licence UK is generally eight weeks from the time of application submission. Priority service, available at an extra cost, can expedite the process, and you can get the results within 10 days.
Unexpected delays may arise if documents are missing or further checks are required by UKVI, especially following compliance visits.
Costs & Fees Involved
The fees and payments involved with sponsoring migrant workers include:
Licence application fee: The sponsor licence fee is £574 for small sponsors or charities; £1,579 for large sponsors.
Immigration Skills Charge: Immigration skills charge is charged per sponsored migrant worker, according to the employment period.
Consultancy fees: In case you outsource immigration assistance, then you will have to consider their fees as well.
Firms that offer UK immigration support services, like us, can help you save money in the long run because we help you avoid costly mistakes.
Why Work with an Immigration Advisor?
Many businesses attempt to sponsor licence applications themselves, not realising there’s no right of appeal if refused due to administrative error or incomplete compliance. Seeking immigration support services for UK businesses or partnering with a visa agency in London or wherever you are in the UK can provide you with several advantages, some of which are listed below:
Right guidance
Corporate immigration advisors know every aspect of the sponsor licence process and can guide you through the entire process of hiring foreign employees, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Time and cost savings
Though you will have to pay an initial cost for their assistance, immigration advisors that offer UK immigration services for business expansion or foreign hirees can help you avoid submitting outdated paperwork, incorrect submissions and expensive delays.
Compliance assurance
When sponsoring migrant workers, ongoing compliance, training, and licence management are necessary to keep your business compliant year-round. Immigration advisors can help you with this, so you can maintain the hard-earned licence.
No Win No Fee guarantee
Some immigration advisor firms (like our visa agency in London) offer a 100% money-back promise covering all associated costs if your sponsored worker application is refused. This gives you peace of mind that your investment stays protected.
Conclusion
The process for obtaining a sponsor licence in the UK is incredibly complex. It demands meticulous record keeping, documentation and ongoing adherence to sponsorship duties for a successful outcome. Organisations that wish to hire foreign employees in the UK should seek the help of immigration experts to simplify the process.
At UK Visas, our immigration advisors and visa consultants in London provide sponsor licence support to employers, visa application support to employees, and complete document management to ensure sponsors are fully compliant and successful in recruiting foreign talent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply for a sponsor licence in the UK?
To apply for a sponsor licence, visit the UKVI portal, submit an online application form, pay the necessary fee and provide all required documents.
What documents are required for a UK sponsor licence?
Paperwork needed to obtain a sponsor licence in the UK includes the statements of company bank accounts, VAT registration certificate, HMRC registration, Companies House listing, lease/ownership of premises, audited statements, organisation chart, and HR policy.
How long does it take to get a sponsor licence UK?
Standard processing time is up to 8 weeks; however, priority service can deliver a decision in 10 working days.
Can I employ overseas workers without a sponsor licence?
No. Employing migrant workers from outside the UK/Ireland without a sponsor licence is unlawful and exposes your business to penalties.
What are the main sponsor licence requirements?
To obtain a sponsor licence, businesses must prove genuine trading, robust compliance systems, provide complete documents, and pass potential Home Office audits.
What happens if my sponsor licence application is refused?
There is no right of appeal for sponsor licence refusals. So, it is better to consult with immigration advisors or immigration lawyers in London and ensure success in the first attempt.
Do I need ongoing support after getting a sponsor licence?
Yes. Sponsor licence holders must maintain compliance, conduct regular checks, and update records to maintain the licence. The best way to ensure this is through partnering with a visa consultant in London, like UK Visas, for ongoing compliance support.
Reach out to UK Visas and let our experienced immigration advisors guide your business to a sponsor licence success, risk-free.
Garima, a seasoned legal professional, became part of the UK Visas team in 2018 and brings with her vast expertise in all areas of immigration law. She qualified as a solicitor in 2017 and holds IAAS Level Senior Caseworker status
