If you’re planning to hire overseas talent for your start-up or business in the UK, one of the first things you need to do is secure a sponsor license from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This license is essential for recruiting skilled workers from abroad and issuing them Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). In this guide, we’ll explain the steps you need to take to successfully apply for a sponsor license and manage your sponsored employees.
Do You Meet the Eligibility Requirements for a Sponsor Licence?
Most UK businesses are eligible for a sponsor license, but there are certain conditions. To apply, you must:
- Have no unspent criminal convictions related to immigration offenses or serious crimes like fraud or money laundering.
- Not have had a sponsor license revoked in the last 12 months.
You must also prove that your business has the right systems and processes to monitor and manage your sponsored workers. Additionally, your business must comply with UK employment laws, such as paying the required minimum wage and meeting working hours regulations for sponsored employees.
If you plan to sponsor certain types of workers (e.g., religious workers, creative workers, or international sportspeople), there are extra criteria you need to meet. It’s best to consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure you’re eligible for your chosen sponsorship category.
Types of Sponsor Licences
There are two main categories of sponsor licenses:
- Worker Licences – For skilled workers:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility)
- Minister of Religion
- International Sportsperson
- Temporary Worker Licences – For temporary workers:
- Scale-up Worker
- Creative Worker
- Charity Worker
- Religious Worker
- Seasonal Worker
- Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility)
- Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility), and more.
Choosing the right license depends on the type of workers you need and your long-term hiring plans. Law and Visas can help you decide which license fits your needs and guide you through the application process.
Roles for Managing Sponsorship
Once you have a sponsor license, you’ll need to manage it through the UKVI Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The system lets you issue CoS, report changes, and track your sponsored workers. Certain people in your business must manage the system, including:
- Authorising Officer – A senior person responsible for the actions of the staff using the SMS.
- Key Contact – The main point of contact with UKVI.
- Level 1 User – Handles day-to-day management of the license.
- Level 2 User – Has more limited access.
Before assigning these roles, you must carry out suitability checks on your staff to ensure they meet the legal requirements.
Understanding Your Sponsorship Duties
As a sponsor, you have several important duties. You must:
- Keep accurate records of your sponsored workers.
- Report changes to UKVI (e.g., if an employee changes their job or leaves).
- Check workers’ immigration status to ensure they have valid visas.
- Comply with UK immigration laws.
Failing to meet these duties can result in your sponsor license being downgraded, suspended, or revoked. This could stop you from hiring overseas workers and may affect the visas of your current employees.
How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
If you’re eligible and ready to apply, follow these steps:
- Complete the online sponsor license application form.
- Pay the application fee:
- £536 for small or charitable sponsors.
- £1,476 for medium or large sponsors.
- Post the submission sheet you receive after completing the application.
- Submit any supporting documents requested by UKVI.
After submitting your application, you should receive a decision within 8 weeks. If you need a faster decision, you can pay an additional £500 for a decision within 10 working days.
If your application is refused, there are options for appealing or reapplying. Law and Visas can help guide you through this process and work with UKVI to ensure a positive outcome.
Getting a sponsor license is a big step towards expanding your business by hiring skilled workers from abroad. However, it comes with important responsibilities. You’ll need to manage your sponsored workers carefully, follow UKVI rules, and ensure your business complies with all immigration laws.
For help with applying for your sponsor license or managing your sponsorship duties, Law and Visas can provide expert advice. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from application to ongoing compliance, so you can focus on growing your business with the right talent.
