Sponsor Licence

Sponsor Licence: Empower Your Workforce

At Worldwide Immigration, we understand the value of a diverse and skilled workforce. If you are looking to hire overseas nationals for roles within the UK, particularly those who do not have settled status or appropriate immigration permissions, you will need a Sponsor Licence. This requirement applies to most individuals from the EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020.

Navigating the complexities of the UK immigration system can be challenging, but with the support of our experts, we can help you secure the right to sponsor talented individuals for skilled worker positions. Our comprehensive Sponsor Licence Service ensures that your business remains compliant with the latest regulations set by the Home Office.

Why You Need a Sponsor Licence

A Sponsor Licence is essential for businesses and organizations wishing to hire employees from outside the UK. The UK government’s rules on hiring foreign nationals have become more stringent following Brexit. If you employ workers who do not have indefinite leave to remain or other permissions to work in the UK, obtaining a Sponsor Licence allows you to legally sponsor these individuals for the Skilled Worker Visa and other immigration routes.

A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence permits you to sponsor employees for roles that meet specific skills and salary requirements. At Worldwide Immigration, we offer expert guidance to help you with the Sponsor Licence application process, ensuring that your business meets all eligibility criteria.

Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

A Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas employees to work in the UK for an approved sponsor. This type of visa requires employers to demonstrate their ability to meet immigration compliance standards, such as providing evidence that the job meets the required skill level and minimum salary threshold.

General Requirements for Sponsor Licence

To qualify as an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker category, you must provide documentation to prove your organization is lawfully established in the UK and capable of managing sponsorship duties. The Home Office’s Sponsor Licence Guidance outlines detailed documentation requirements, which are grouped in Appendix A.

Key aspects of this include:

• Proof of legal operation within the UK.
• Evidence of a genuine job offer that meets the specific criteria for a Skilled Worker.
• Details of the sponsoring organization, including financial standing and recruitment practices.

There are four primary tables in Appendix A that determine the documentation required:

1. Table 1: Public authorities and London Stock Exchange-listed companies are exempt from providing certain documents.
2. Table 2: Start-ups, franchises, and charities need to meet specific evidence requirements.
3. Table 3: Evidence specific to different tiers of sponsorship.
4. Table 4: General documents, including financial records, and audited accounts.

Your application will also be assessed based on your organization’s honesty and reliability. It’s essential to demonstrate that your business and Key Personnel have a strong reputation and align with the public good.

Sponsorship Duties and Compliance

As a sponsor, you must comply with a range of duties designed to maintain the integrity of the sponsorship system. These duties include:

• Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records about your sponsored workers, including contracts, pay details, and job descriptions.
• Reporting Obligations: Informing the Home Office of any changes in the worker’s employment status, including job role or salary adjustments.
• Monitoring Employment: Ensuring that all advertised roles meet the criteria for sponsorship and are aligned with UK immigration laws.

The Home Office will regularly assess whether your business can maintain compliance with these duties.

Key Personnel Requirements

To manage your Sponsor Licence, you must appoint specific individuals within your organization, known as Key Personnel. These roles are critical to ensuring your compliance with immigration regulations. They include:

1. Authorising Officer: This individual holds overall responsibility for the license and must ensure that your business complies with sponsor obligations.
2. Key Contact: The Key Contact is the primary liaison with the Home Office, communicating any updates, requests, and concerns.
3. Level 1 User: This role is responsible for managing sponsorship activities via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), including assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Each of these individuals must meet the Home Office’s requirements, which include being based in the UK and fulfilling their designated duties.

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) Allocation

As part of the application process, you will need to estimate the number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) you wish to allocate for your first year of sponsorship. These CoS are essential for sponsoring foreign workers.

Upon receiving your Sponsor Licence, you will be granted a specific CoS allocation, which is valid for a period of 12 months. If you require additional CoS during the year, you can request more from the Home Office.

Sponsor Licence Application Fee

The cost of applying for a Sponsor Licence depends on the size of your organization:

• Small organizations and charities: £536
• Medium and large organizations: £1,476

This fee is a one-time charge for the application process. However, if your application is successful, you will need to renew your Sponsor Licence every 4 years to continue sponsoring skilled workers.

Sponsor Licence Validity and Renewal

A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence remains valid for four years. After this period, you must apply for a renewal if you wish to continue sponsoring workers. Renewal involves submitting updated documentation and demonstrating ongoing compliance with Home Office regulations.

Further Support from Worldwide Immigration

At Worldwide Immigration, our team of OISC Level 3 registered advisors offers expert support in obtaining and managing your Sponsor Licence. We will guide you through every step of the process, from initial application to ensuring compliance during the lifespan of your licence.

We understand the intricacies of UK immigration law and provide tailored advice based on your organization's unique needs. Our specialists can also assist with visa applications for your sponsored workers, ensuring they can join your team smoothly and promptly.

For further assistance with Sponsor Licence applications, compliance matters, or any other immigration-related queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to provide clear, efficient, and professional support.

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