Sponsorship Licence
Hire international talent legally. We guide UK employers through the entire Sponsor Licence application, from eligibility and compliance systems to submission and ongoing duties.
4yr
Licence Validity
2
Licence Tiers
8wk
Avg Processing
QUICK OVERVIEW
Overview
What is the Sponsorship Licence?
A Sponsor Licence is what allows a UK business to legally employ skilled workers from outside the UK. Without one, you cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, and any visa application by your prospective hire will fail.
The Home Office assesses your organisation’s genuineness, financial stability, HR systems, and right-to-work compliance processes before granting a licence. You will also be assigned a licence rating and a named Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User.
Holding a licence comes with ongoing legal duties — reporting changes in sponsored employees’ circumstances, keeping accurate records, and conducting right-to-work checks correctly. Failure to comply can result in licence suspension or revocation.
We support employers from the initial readiness assessment through to submission, and can also assist with setting up compliant HR processes so your licence remains in good standing.
Eligibility
Do You Qualify?
To apply for the Sponsorship Licence, you must meet the following criteria. Our team will assess your situation in a free consultation before any fees are charged.
Genuine Operating Business
You must be a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK, with no unspent relevant criminal convictions among key personnel.
Genuine Vacancy
The role(s) you intend to sponsor must be genuine vacancies that meet the skill and salary requirements of the relevant route.
HR Systems in Place
You need systems to track sponsored workers, monitor visa expiry dates, and carry out compliant right-to-work checks.
Named Personnel
You must appoint an Authorising Officer, a Key Contact, and at least one Level 1 User to manage your Sponsorship Management System account.
No Adverse Immigration History
Your organisation and key personnel must not have a history of immigration or employment law non-compliance.
Correct Licence Tier
You must apply for the correct route(s) — e.g. Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker, or Global Business Mobility — matching your hiring needs.
Application Process
How It Works
Our step-by-step process ensures your application is prepared accurately and submitted on time. We keep you informed at every stage.
Free Consultation & Readiness Assessment
We review your organisation’s structure, HR systems, and the roles you want to sponsor to confirm eligibility before applying.
Document & System Preparation
We help you assemble required evidence and put in place compliant HR monitoring processes if not already established.
Application Submission
We complete and submit your Sponsor Licence application via the Sponsorship Management System, including fee payment.
Home Office Site Visit (If Required)
Some applications trigger an unannounced compliance visit; we prepare you and your team for this in advance.
Home Office Decision
Standard processing is around 8 weeks; a priority service is available for an additional fee in many cases.
Licence Granted & Ongoing Support
Once granted, we advise on issuing Certificates of Sponsorship and maintaining your compliance duties.
Documents Required
What You'll Need
Below is the standard list of documents required. Your personal checklist may vary — we will confirm the exact requirements during your consultation.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A Sponsor Licence is valid for 4 years, after which it must be renewed. We can assist with renewal applications closer to expiry.
Licences are rated A or B. An A-rating allows unrestricted sponsorship; a B-rating (often issued after compliance concerns) restricts your ability to assign new Certificates of Sponsorship until you take corrective action. We help employers maintain or improve their rating.
Yes — there is no minimum company size, but you must demonstrate genuine trading activity, a real vacancy, and the HR capacity to meet sponsor duties.
Breaches can lead to a licence downgrade, suspension, or revocation, which also affects your sponsored employees’ visas. We help employers set up systems to stay compliant and respond promptly to any Home Office concerns.
Free Consultation
Speak with our immigration lawyer today
🔒 Your information is 100% confidential
VISA DETAILS
IAA Registered Firm
Registration Ref No. F202200016
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Sponsorship Licence?
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