If you need to hire skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), your business will need a UK Sponsor Licence. This license comes with responsibilities that must be followed, so it’s important to have strong HR systems in place to manage these duties. Staying up to date with UK immigration rules is also key to maintaining compliance.
Obtaining a Sponsor Licence can help your business grow by giving you access to skilled workers from outside the UK while improving your internal processes.
Case Study: How a Company Successfully Got a Sponsor Licence
Company ‘B’ operates care homes and has been struggling to find qualified staff due to retirements and promotions. To maintain the quality of care, they decided to hire non-EEA workers. Overwhelmed by the Sponsor Licence process, they reached out to an immigration expert for help.
The solicitor conducted an audit of their HR systems and recommended changes to ensure compliance. After submitting their application, Company ‘B’ was informed that a Home Office compliance officer would visit their premises. Thanks to their preparation, the visit went smoothly, and within two months, they received their Sponsor Licence. The company was then able to begin recruiting skilled workers and expand their services.
How to Apply for a UK Sponsor Licence: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the basics of applying for a UK Sponsor Licence.
1. Understand the Basics
A Sponsor Licence is part of the UK’s Points-Based System, which requires visa applicants to earn points based on their skills and qualifications. Holding a Sponsor Licence means you are responsible for making sure your business follows UK immigration rules. Failing to comply can lead to serious penalties.
2. Who Can Apply for a Sponsor Licence?
To qualify for a Sponsor Licence, your company must:
- Be a genuine, legally operating business in the UK.
- Have a good reputation, with no criminal convictions for your business or staff.
- Prove that you have the HR systems in place to manage sponsorship responsibilities.
- Show that you have jobs available that cannot be filled by local workers in the UK or EU.
3. What Should You Do Before Applying?
Before applying, it’s important to prepare your business by:
- Assigning reliable employees as ‘Key Personnel’ to manage compliance duties.
- Filling vacancies with UK or EU workers first (this is called the Resident Labour Market Test).
- Setting up HR systems to check that all employees have the right to work in the UK and to maintain proper records.
4. How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
To apply for a Sponsor Licence, follow these steps:
- Register online and complete the application form on the gov.uk website.
- After submitting the online form, print and send a submission sheet along with your supporting documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can find a list of the required documents on the official website. If you need help understanding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, get in touch with an immigration expert at Law and Visas.
5. Tips for Success
- Expect a compliance visit from a Home Office officer before your license is approved.
- Keep your HR systems up to date to remain compliant with immigration rules.
- Always carry out Right to Work checks for all non-EEA employees and keep records.
- As a Sponsor Licence holder, use the online Sponsor Management System (SMS) to update your information and stay informed about changes to regulations.
Need Help with Your Sponsor License Application?
Getting a Sponsor Licence is just the beginning. Once you have it, you must continue to meet ongoing compliance responsibilities, which can be time-consuming. Immigration authorities also target certain sectors, like restaurants, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
At Law and Visas, we can help you navigate the Sponsor Licence application process and manage your compliance duties. Let us handle the paperwork and updates so you can focus on growing your business and hiring the best talent.
