Our Services

UK Visas offer a comprehensive range of services for corporate clients and individuals.
Our immigration and visa application experts will take the time to understand your requirements before recommending the most appropriate service to meet your needs, all at a competitive price.
See all our Services
a woman sitting at a table with a piece of paper in front of her

, ,

Sponsor Licences

Jan 08, 2024

Finding and hiring top talent can be a daunting task, especially with ongoing recruitment challenges. That's why many businesses are expanding their search and looking for skilled workers outside of the UK. To do this successfully, you'll need a valid sponsor licence.

Our team of business immigration experts are here to provide you with valuable advice and guidance on obtaining a sponsor licence.

We can help you prepare to recruit skilled foreign workers and fill crucial vacancies in your business, particularly in industries that are experiencing a labour shortage.

Having a sponsor license opens a wide and diverse pool of talent, improves employee retention, and keeps you competitive in a growing trend of organisations hiring internationally.

The process of obtaining a sponsor license can be complex, so we've summarized the key steps to help you understand what's involved:

To Become a Licenced Sponsor You Need To;

  • Verify your business eligibility
  • Implement suitable HR systems to manage and monitor sponsored workers
  • Appoint key personnel to handle the online portal (SMS)
  • Gather the necessary supporting documents for your license application
  • Ensure that your job vacancies are suitable
  • Demonstrate the authenticity of your vacancies
  • Ensure that the roles you offer meet the required skill level
  • Align your pay scales with the minimum salary thresholds

Apply for a licence

  • Confirm your annual staff numbers
  • Complete the application form and gather all supporting documents
  • Submit the required fee (£536 or £1,476) and allow up to eight weeks for a decision

What happens next?

If your application is successful, you will be issued a sponsor licence that is valid for four years, with the option to renew in the future.

Once you have selected a suitable candidate, your sponsor licence allows you to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which endorses their employment and enables them to apply for a work visa.

Upon the approval of their visa application, the candidate can travel to the UK to start working or continue their employment on a full-time permanent contract.

For definitive legal advice, it is advisable to seek assistance specific to your situation, contact us today at [email protected]

  • We have a great relationship with the UK Visas team, who provide a prompt, professional service and expert immigration advice. They take the worry out of the visa process, working efficiently even when dealing with numerous requests at once.

    Sarah Bond
    Human Resources Advisor

  • I can honestly say everyone that I deal with at UK Visas are very efficient, super helpful and informative and extremely nice (especially Ana and Garima). Also patient with all my questions – nothing is ever too much trouble, and very prompt with their responses.

    Jackie Thompson
    HR Assistant

  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for almost 10 years now, and the support and advice never fails. From the sponsorship of new employees to training for the whole team, UK Visas are always extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend their services!

    Helena Wittenbach
    Head of Human Resources,

  • Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service.

    Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!

    Amy Gadsby
    Director, Human Resources - EMEA

  • We have worked with UK Visas for a number of years and the service that is provided is excellent.

    No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!

    Louise Goddard
    Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board

  • We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much.

    Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

    Sara Searle
    Head of Human Resources and Payroll

  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for over 6 years and always find them helpful, friendly and experts in what they do. I know I can always call them up or send them an email and I will get a detailed response, fast. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone to help and support with your visa journeys.

    Gerry Weiss
    HR Business Partner

  • We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.

    Jodie Plom
    HR Administrator CVS Vets
Arrange a consultation

Contact our OISC advisor team

For more than a decade we have been assisting businesses and individuals with immigration and visa enquiries, providing sound advice and successfully handling applications.
Please submit your details via our online enquiry form and our expert team will be in touch to progress your enquiry. Alternatively, you may contact us directly on the phone number below.

Our Clients

At UK Visas, we're passionate about delivering exceptional service to our clients. We're excited to share their success stories with you and showcase our commitment to excellence.

Sign up for visa news

[fluentform id="2"]

Regulated by the OISC

We are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Our registration number: F200300183.
Please note we are NOT a UK Government body or agency and have no connection with the UK Government.

Get in touch

[email protected]
01403 801801
UK Visas, Alphacom House, 8A Oakhill Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5SB

Contact us

Arrange a consultation with our team of expertise.

Enquire today