Sponsor Licence

Sponsor Licence: Empower Your Workforce

We at Worldwide Immigration realize the value of a mixed workforce with talented people. If you intend to employ foreign nationals to labor in the UK, particularly those who lack settled status or appropriate immigration permissions, then you need a Sponsor Licence. This is applicable to most of the population of the EU, the EEA, and Swiss citizens who entered the UK from the 31st of December 2020 onwards.

Finding your way through the bureaucratic maze of the UK immigration system may not be easy, but these experts can assist you in acquiring the right to sponsor skilled workers for occupations that require skilled labor. Our Sponsor Licence Service guarantees your business's compliance with the current rules established by the Home Office.

Why You Need a Sponsor Licence

A Sponsor Licence is required for businesses and entities wanting to sponsor foreign workers outside the UK. The UK government has increased regulation on bringing in foreign nationals since Brexit. If you have staff with no indefinite leave to remain or other work authorization in the UK, having a Sponsor Licence allows you to sponsor such staff legally for the Skilled Worker Visa and other immigration routes.

A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence enables you to sponsor employees for positions that meet specific skill and salary requirements. Worldwide Immigration offers expert consultancy to help you with the application process for a Sponsor Licence, ensuring that your business meets all the criteria.

Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

A Skilled Worker Visa allows international employees to work in the UK on behalf of a licensed sponsor. Employers have to demonstrate that they can meet immigration compliance obligations, such as submitting evidence that the job is of the appropriate level of skill and pay threshold level.

General Requirements for Sponsor Licence

To qualify as an approved sponsor under the Skilled Worker category, you must provide evidence demonstrating that your organization is legally incorporated in the UK and is capable of performing sponsorship duties. Home Office Sponsor Licence Guidance offers comprehensive documentation requirements that are grouped in Appendix A.

Some of the key points are:

Legal operation in the UK documentation.

Evidence of a genuine job offer meeting the exact requirements for a Skilled Worker.

Details of the sponsoring organization, such as their financial situation and recruitment policy.

There are four central tables in Appendix A, which determine which documents need to be provided:

Table 1: Public authorities and listed companies on the London Stock Exchange are exempt from having to provide certain documents.

Table 2: Start-ups, franchises, and charities need to meet specific evidence requirements.

Table 3: Sponsorship specific evidence for different levels of sponsorship.

Table 4: General documents, for example, financial records, and audited accounts.

Your application will also be challenged on your organization's credibility and integrity. It's important to establish that your business and Key Personnel are reputable and in accordance with the public benefit.

Sponsorship Duties and Compliance

As a sponsor, you are legally obligated to fulfill a range of responsibilities that are set in motion to guarantee the integrity of the sponsorship system. These responsibilities include:

Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records pertaining to your sponsored workers, including contracts, payment details, and job descriptions.

Reporting Obligations: Informing the Home Office about any changes happening in the worker's working status, such as changes in job position or salary levels.

Monitoring Employment: Guaranteeing that all jobs advertised are to the requirements for sponsorship and subject to the UK immigration regulations.

Regularly, the Home Office will review whether your company can continue to meet these obligations.

Key Personnel Requirements

In order to manage your Sponsor Licence, you need to have certain personnel within your company, referred to as Key Personnel. These are key roles to ensuring your immigration compliance. They are:

Authorising Officer: The Authorising Officer has overall responsibility for the license and is responsible for checking that your company meets sponsor obligations.

Key Contact: The Key Contact is your company's main point of contact with the Home Office, passing on any new information, requests, or issues.

Level 1 User: The Level 1 User is charged with the day-to-day management of sponsorship activity through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), including issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

All these individuals are required to meet the needs of the Home Office, such as being based in the UK and undertaking the responsibilities assigned to them.

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) Allocations

When you apply, you'll be required to make an estimate of the number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) that you wish to allocate for the initial year of sponsorship. The CoS are required to sponsor overseas workers.

Once you are granted your Sponsor Licence, you will be assigned a specific CoS allowance, valid for 12 months. If you require additional CoS during the year, you can request additional ones from the Home Office.

Sponsor Licence Application Fee

The application fee for a Sponsor Licence is determined by the size of your organisation:

Small charities and organisations: £536

Medium and large organisations: £1,476

This application charge is a one-time charge for the application process. But in case your application is successful, you have to renew your Sponsor Licence every 4 years to continue sponsoring skilled workers.

Sponsor Licence Validity and Renewal

A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence lasts for four years. After that has elapsed, you will need to renew if you wish to continue sponsoring workers. Renewal involves submitting new documentation and demonstrating continued compliance with Home Office rules.

Further Support from Worldwide Immigration

Our specialists at Worldwide Immigration offer world-class support with obtaining and retaining your Sponsor Licence. We will guide you through the whole process, from initial application to ensuring compliance throughout the duration 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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