What is a Sponsor Licence?

A Sponsor Licence is granted by the Home Office, enabling businesses to sponsor non-UK workers who want to come to or remain in the UK to work. The licence is necessary for businesses hiring foreign nationals through specific immigration routes, including:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa

Having a Sponsor Licence means you will be able to issue Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to applicants, allowing them to apply for a visa to work in the UK.

Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?

Your business will need a Sponsor Licence if:

1. You want to employ non-UK nationals under the UK's points-based immigration system.
2. You are hiring workers for roles that are skilled and require sponsorship, including those in the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker Visa categories.
3. Your employees will need a visa to work in the UK, including new hires or those looking to extend their stay in the UK.

Types of Sponsor Licences

There are two types of Sponsor Licences depending on your business needs:

1. Worker Licence: This licence allows you to sponsor workers who are filling skilled jobs, including those eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa or the Health and Care Worker Visa.
2. Temporary Worker Licence: This licence is for businesses sponsoring temporary workers for short-term roles, such as those under the Temporary Worker Visa categories.

Eligibility for a Sponsor Licence

To be eligible for a Sponsor Licence, your business must meet several key requirements:

• Genuine and Active Business: You must operate a legitimate and active business. The Home Office will assess whether your business is operating and able to sponsor workers.
• Good Compliance Record: You must have a history of complying with immigration laws. If you have previously breached immigration laws, it may affect your ability to be granted a licence.
• Ability to Comply with Sponsor Duties: You must demonstrate that you can fulfil the responsibilities of a sponsor, including keeping accurate records of employees and ensuring they are working in compliance with their visa conditions.
• No Criminal Record: You must not have been convicted of serious criminal offences, including immigration offences.

The Sponsor Licence Application Process

1. Assess Your Eligibility: The first step is to determine whether your business meets the Home Office’s criteria. We can help you assess your business’s suitability for a Sponsor Licence.
2. Prepare Required Documents: You will need to provide specific documents to support your application, including proof of your business's existence, financial standing, and compliance history. Documents often required include:
   • Proof of business registration (e.g., Companies House registration)
   • Proof of payment of tax and National Insurance contributions
   • Evidence of your business's trading activity (e.g., invoices, contracts)
   • Details of key personnel in your organisation (including contact details)
3. Complete the Online Application: The Sponsor Licence application is completed online through the Home Office’s Sponsor Management System (SMS). This will include providing information about your business and the type of workers you intend to sponsor.
4. Submit the Application Fee: There is a fee associated with the application for a Sponsor Licence, which varies depending on the size of your business and the type of licence you are applying for.
5. Provide Supporting Documents: Once the online application is completed, you will need to submit supporting documentation to the Home Office to confirm your eligibility. We can assist you in compiling and submitting these documents to ensure a smooth process.
6. Wait for the Home Office Decision: The Home Office typically takes around 8 weeks to process your application. During this time, they may contact you for additional information or to conduct a compliance visit.
7. Receive Your Licence: If your application is successful, you will receive your Sponsor Licence and access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS), which you can use to manage your sponsorship responsibilities, including issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Responsibilities of a Sponsor

Once you have been granted a Sponsor Licence, you will be required to:

• Monitor and Record Employee Status: Ensure your sponsored employees are complying with their visa conditions, including working in the specified role and location.
• Keep Records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on each sponsored employee, including their contact details, employment status, and passport information.
• Report Changes: Notify the Home Office of any significant changes, such as if an employee leaves the business or breaches visa conditions.
• Comply with Home Office Inspections: The Home Office may conduct random compliance checks to ensure your business is adhering to its sponsor responsibilities.

Failure to meet these duties could result in your sponsor licence being revoked or downgraded, affecting your ability to employ non-UK workers.

Sponsor Licence Fees

The application fees for a Sponsor Licence depend on the size of your business and the type of licence you are applying for:

• Small or Charitable Business:
  • Worker licence: £536
  • Temporary worker licence: £536
• Medium or Large Business:
  • Worker licence: £1,476
  • Temporary worker licence: £1,476

These fees are non-refundable, so it's important to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting.

How We Can Help

At Immigration Advice Consultants LTD, we provide comprehensive support throughout the Sponsor Licence application process. Our expert team can assist with:

• Eligibility Assessment: We will assess your business’s eligibility for a Sponsor Licence and provide advice on improving your chances of a successful application.
• Documentation Preparation: We will guide you in gathering the necessary documents to submit with your application, ensuring that they meet Home Office standards.
• Application Assistance: Our team will help you complete the online application, ensuring that it is accurate and meets all requirements.
• Sponsor Licence Compliance: Once your licence is granted, we can help you stay compliant with Home Office regulations, offering advice on record-keeping, reporting duties, and visa checks.
• Ongoing Support: We provide ongoing support, including helping you manage your Sponsor Management System and renew your licence when required.