Sponsorship Licence
Sponsorship Licence
What is a Sponsorship Licence?
A Sponsorship Licence is a permission granted by the UK government to an organization, which allows it to sponsor foreign workers to live and work in the UK. Employers who wish to recruit workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland must have a valid Sponsorship Licence. The licence allows businesses to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to workers applying for Skilled Worker Visas and other types of visas.
The Sponsorship Licence is required for businesses hiring employees under certain categories such as Skilled Worker Visas, Temporary Worker Visas, and Student Visas. Without a valid Sponsorship Licence, employers cannot sponsor foreign workers to work in the UK.
Types of Sponsorship Licences
There are two main types of Sponsorship Licences that employers can apply for:
Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Licence: This licence is for businesses wishing to sponsor skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK. Employees must meet the required skill level and salary threshold to qualify for this visa.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Licence: This licence allows businesses to sponsor workers for temporary roles in the UK. This includes seasonal workers, charity workers, and religious workers, among others.
Tier 4 Licence (for Student Sponsorship): If you are a UK educational institution looking to sponsor international students, you will need a Tier 4 Sponsorship Licence to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Global Business Mobility Visa: For companies with global branches looking to transfer workers to the UK.
Eligibility Criteria for a Sponsorship Licence
Before applying for a Sponsorship Licence, your business must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Registered Business: Your company must be legally established in the UK and registered with the relevant UK authorities (e.g., Companies House).
- Proper Record-Keeping: Your business must have robust systems in place for tracking the employment of sponsored workers and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
- Fit and Proper Person: The business must not have any criminal convictions or breaches of immigration laws, and the company’s owners and senior officials must be deemed fit and proper persons to hold a Sponsorship Licence.
- Eligible Role: The job you are sponsoring must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or higher) and salary threshold for the respective visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).
- Compliance: Your business must comply with immigration requirements and provide evidence of your ability to meet obligations as a sponsor (e.g., keeping records of workers, reporting non-compliance).
Documents Required for a Sponsorship Licence Application
When applying for a Sponsorship Licence, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of Business Registration: A copy of your registration with Companies House, HMRC, or other regulatory bodies.
- Evidence of Financial Standing: Documents showing that your business is financially stable and able to sponsor workers.
- Compliance Documents: Information showing that your business complies with UK employment laws, such as tax returns and payroll records.
- Company’s Governing Documents: These could include articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, or other official documents.
- Proof of Vacancy: Job descriptions or adverts proving that the role being sponsored is legitimate and meets the visa requirements.
- Proof of Recruitment Practices: If applicable, documents showing that you’ve followed the correct recruitment procedures (e.g., advertisements, interviews).
Application Process for a Sponsorship Licence
Applying for a Sponsorship Licence involves the following steps:
Check Eligibility: Ensure that your business meets the criteria for applying for a Sponsorship Licence. This includes ensuring that your business is properly registered and complies with all UK laws.
Choose the Type of Licence: Decide which type of sponsorship licence you need—Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker, or Student Sponsorship Licence.
Submit Online Application: Complete the online application form and submit it through the UK Home Office’s official website.
Submit Supporting Documents: Upload the necessary documents, including proof of your business registration, financial documents, and compliance records.
Payment: Pay the required application fee. The fee varies depending on the size of your business and the type of licence you are applying for.
Home Office Inspection: In some cases, the Home Office may conduct a site visit to verify that your business complies with sponsorship requirements. Be prepared to provide additional information if required.
Receive Your Licence: Once approved, you will receive your Sponsorship Licence, allowing you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign workers. You must renew your licence periodically.
Responsibilities as a Sponsor
Once you hold a Sponsorship Licence, you must take on certain responsibilities to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws:
- Issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS): You will issue a CoS to workers you want to sponsor. This document is required for the worker’s visa application.
- Record Keeping: You must keep accurate records of your sponsored employees, including their immigration status, job details, and any changes in their circumstances.
- Monitoring Compliance: Ensure that your sponsored workers continue to meet the requirements of their visa and report any changes to the Home Office.
- Reporting Obligations: You must report certain changes, such as workers failing to attend work or leaving the company.
Why Choose AK Immigration Services Ltd for Your Sponsorship Licence Application?
At AK Immigration Services Ltd, we help businesses navigate the complexities of obtaining and managing a Sponsorship Licence. Our services include:
- Eligibility Assessment: We ensure your business meets all requirements for a Sponsorship Licence.
- Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and preparing all necessary documents for your application.
- Application Submission: We guide you through the application process, ensuring everything is submitted correctly.
- Compliance Assistance: We provide ongoing support to help you maintain compliance and manage your sponsorship obligations.
- Licence Renewal: We help you manage the renewal process to ensure that your business remains licensed.
A Sponsorship Licence is essential for UK employers who wish to hire workers from outside the UK. It is a vital document that enables businesses to hire skilled workers, temporary workers, and students, contributing to the growth of their workforce and overall business. AK Immigration Services Ltd provides expert guidance and support through the entire process, ensuring your application is successful and that you remain compliant with immigration regulations.
