Overview of the Sponsor Licence Applications
UK businesses that want to employ workers from overseas may need a Sponsor Licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). A sponsor licence allows an eligible organisation to sponsor workers under qualifying UK immigration routes, including the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes.
For businesses that rely on international recruitment, obtaining the correct sponsor licence is an important first step. However, holding a licence also creates ongoing responsibilities. Employers must have appropriate systems, people and procedures in place to manage sponsored workers and comply with UK immigration rules.
Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?
A business will usually need a sponsor licence if it wants to employ a worker from outside the UK who does not already have immigration permission allowing them to work for that employer.
This can include businesses that want to:
- Recruit skilled workers from overseas
- Transfer employees from an overseas business
- Establish a new UK branch
- Bring specialist employees to the UK
- Employ workers under eligible Global Business Mobility routes
- Sponsor existing employees who require immigration permission
Not every overseas national requires sponsorship. For example, certain individuals may already have permission to work in the UK or may have immigration status that allows them to work without employer sponsorship.
Choosing the Correct Licence
The type of sponsor licence a business needs depends on the type of worker it intends to sponsor.
Businesses may need a Worker licence covering routes such as:
- Skilled Worker
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- UK Expansion Worker
- Other eligible Global Business Mobility routes
The correct licence should be identified before an application is submitted. A business that later wants to sponsor workers under an additional route may need to make changes to its licence.
Sponsor Licence Eligibility
UKVI must be satisfied that the organisation is genuine and operating or trading lawfully in the UK, subject to the specific rules applying to the route concerned.
Businesses should also be able to demonstrate that they have suitable systems and personnel to meet their sponsor duties.
UKVI may consider the organisation’s structure, activities, HR procedures, proposed sponsored roles and the people responsible for managing sponsorship.
For some applications, supporting documents must be submitted within the required timeframe following the online application. UKVI may also conduct checks or visit the business before making a decision.
Key Personnel
A sponsor must appoint appropriate key personnel to manage its sponsor licence.
These roles include:
- Authorising Officer – a senior and competent person responsible for the actions of staff using the Sponsorship Management System.
- Key Contact – the main point of contact between the business and UKVI.
- Level 1 User – responsible for the day-to-day management of the sponsor licence through the Sponsorship Management System.
Depending on the organisation and the circumstances, some roles can be held by the same person.
Businesses should choose these individuals carefully because their actions can affect the organisation’s ability to maintain its sponsor licence.
Supporting Documents
The evidence required will depend on the organisation and the type of licence being requested.
Documents may be required to demonstrate matters such as:
- The nature of the business
- The organisation’s lawful operation
- Business premises
- HR systems
- Recruitment procedures
- PAYE arrangements
- Existing employees
- The proposed sponsored roles
The information provided should be consistent across the application and supporting documents.
The Application Process
A sponsor licence application generally involves:
- Establishing whether the business is eligible
- Identifying the appropriate licence type
- Appointing key personnel
- Preparing supporting documents
- Completing the online application
- Paying the applicable Home Office fee
- Providing supporting evidence
- Responding to any requests or checks from UKVI
A successful application normally results in the business receiving a sponsor licence rating.
After the Licence Is Granted
A sponsor licence is not simply permission to recruit overseas workers. The business must continue to comply with its sponsor duties.
These duties include maintaining appropriate records, monitoring sponsored workers, reporting relevant changes and cooperating with Home Office compliance checks.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in enforcement action, including restrictions on sponsorship, suspension or revocation of the licence.
How We Can Help
We advise businesses throughout the sponsor licence application process.
Our support can include assessing eligibility, identifying the appropriate licence, reviewing business and HR arrangements, preparing supporting evidence and advising on the responsibilities that apply after the licence has been granted.
We can also advise businesses that have experienced a previous refusal or are preparing to expand their sponsorship activities.
Obtaining a sponsor licence is an important decision for any organisation intending to recruit internationally. Careful preparation can help businesses establish appropriate sponsorship systems from the beginning and reduce the risk of future compliance problems.