Sponsorship Licence

Our experienced UK Sponsor Licence Solicitors based in London have deep understanding of the Sponsor Licence Regulations and the immigration rules. We work with you to get your Sponsorship Licence along with Compliance visit preparation and mock audits for a seamless and well prepared application process.

A UK Sponsor Licence is a fundamental requirement for UK employers, educational institutions, and other organisations wishing to hire or enrol non-UK residents, including foreign workers and students. It is an essential aspect of the UK’s immigration system, designed to regulate and monitor the employment and study of individuals from outside the UK

The Sponsor Licence issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), represents a formal endorsement of the particular organisation’s suitability to sponsor and support migrants, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations. To apply for a Sponsor Licence, an organisation must meet specific criteria and demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling various responsibilities.

A Sponsor Licence allows organisations to tap into a global pool of talent, bringing skilled workers to the UK to fill positions that cannot be readily filled by the domestic workforce. This is particularly crucial for industries with labour shortages or specific skill requirements. Having a Sponsor Licence obliges organisations to maintain meticulous records and comply with immigration rules. This ensures that migrants under their sponsorship have the right to work or study in the UK, safeguarding against potential legal issues.

There are two main types of sponsor licences available for employers: worker licences for skilled or long term employment and temporary worker licences.

It is important to understand that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. For example, under the skilled worker sponsor licence, all candidates must meet certain requirements. Sponsoring businesses must pay at least the minimum salary for the relevant role. The exact minimum salary depends on the role and the ‘going rate’. It also depends on other factors such as the candidate’s experience level, age or qualifications.

Acquiring and maintaining a Sponsor Licence comes with its challenges. Organisations must be diligent in fulfilling their sponsorship duties and obligations, including but not limited to record-keeping, monitoring migrants’ activities, and promptly reporting any changes or issues to UKVI. Failure to do so can result in licence suspension or revocation.

Sponsor licences are issued for a period of 4 years, at which point employers need to apply for renewal. The sponsor licence application process is strict, and keeping your licence requires committing to a rigorous compliance regime. This involves ensuring that your HR processes and procedures run smoothly and effectively in accordance with the Home Office’s requirements