Why is a sponsor licence essential for businesses?

The aftermath of Brexit and the ongoing pandemic have had a profound impact on numerous organisations across various industries. These challenges have made it increasingly difficult for businesses of all sizes and shapes to address their recruitment needs and fill crucial skilled positions.

The primary means of economic migration to the UK is through the Skilled Worker visa. This visa is designed for skilled workers who have secured employment with an approved sponsor. It applies to both EU and non-EU nationals, except for those EU nationals who have obtained settled or pre-settled status, as well as Irish nationals who are exempt.

Additionally, multinational businesses may opt for the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes, which allow them to temporarily send skilled workers to the UK.

However, other visa options may not be suitable for fulfilling the specific requirements of an organisation. They may restrict an individual from undertaking the necessary tasks or simply postpone the need for sponsorship to a later date, such as with graduate or high-potential visas.

To access the Skilled Worker or GBM routes, organisations must apply to UK Visas and Immigration for a sponsor licence. Holding a licence broadens the talent pool from which businesses can recruit. Without a licence, organisations are unable to utilise these visa routes.

Obtaining a sponsor licence is increasingly becoming a crucial strategic objective for businesses. The timely acquisition of the licence, along with submitting a successful application from the start, often holds significant importance.

The exponential growth in registered sponsors over the past year demonstrates this. Recent figures from the Home Office reveal that nearly 10,000 organizations registered to become sponsors between June 2021 and June 2022, bringing the total number of sponsors as of June 2022 to over 45,000, marking a 27% year-on-year increase.

The process of applying for a sponsor licence and becoming a sponsor entails a significant level of responsibility for immigration compliance. Sponsorship is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, when applying for a licence, businesses must demonstrate their ability to meet compliance obligations and understand the expectations moving forward.

Once a sponsor licence is obtained, sponsoring individuals require a comprehensive understanding of eligibility criteria under the Immigration Rules, the specific requirements for issuing Certificates of Sponsorship, and the timing of these applications. Organisations must also continue to meet detailed compliance requirements to maintain their sponsor licence.

Our team of experienced immigration specialists is here to alleviate the burden by providing guidance on the various visa options for recruiting into your organisation, along with the associated compliance requirements.

If you have any inquiries regarding sponsor licences or require assistance with applying for or managing a sponsor licence application, as well as making specific visa applications, please don't hesitate to contact one of our expert advisors at 01403 801801 or [email protected]