What Is a UK Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence is required where the employer intends to sponsor a worker under a route that requires sponsorship. Some people already have permission to undertake the proposed work without employer sponsorship. The employer must complete the appropriate right to work checks in every case.
The application process is thorough, the Home Office assesses whether your business is genuine, financially stable and has the HR systems in place to meet your ongoing sponsorship duties.
At Waltham Law Chambers, our IAA regulated immigration advisers manage the entire process for you, so your application is complete, compliant and submitted correctly the first time.
An application may be rejected as invalid or refused after assessment. The consequences and any restriction on reapplying depend on the reason for the decision. The decision notice and current sponsor guidance should be checked before further action is taken.
Do You Need a Sponsor Licence?
You must hold a valid Sponsor Licence if you want to:
Hire a skilled worker from outside the UK (including from the EU post-Brexit)
Employ an overseas national currently on working in United Kingdom
Transfer an employee from an overseas branch to a UK office
Recruit international graduates through the Skilled Worker route
Are You Eligible to Apply?
To be approved for a Sponsor Licence, your business must meet the following Home Office criteria:
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Genuine UK trading business
No unspent criminal convictions
Robust HR systems
you must be operating lawfully and have a real UK presence
key personnel must meet the good character requirement
you must be able to track, monitor and report on sponsored employees
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No previous licence revocations
businesses that have had licences revoked face additional scrutiny