Sponsor Licence Application

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Sponsor Licence Application

Hiring skilled foreign workers in the UK requires employers to hold a valid Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office. This licence allows businesses to sponsor non-UK nationals under the Skilled Worker route or other eligible work visa categories. Without a Sponsor Licence, companies cannot legally employ most overseas workers.

A Sponsor Licence is therefore essential for UK businesses that want to tap into global talent and fill skill shortages in specific industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and more. However, the application process is strict, and employers must meet compliance duties to maintain the licence once granted.

Key Points:

Required for UK companies hiring foreign workers.

Allows sponsorship under Skilled Worker & other eligible routes.

Now you hold it indefinitely but can be revoked or surrendered. uk expansion and scale up is 4 years.

Employers must prove they are genuine, compliant, and capable of meeting sponsorship duties.

Licence can be suspended or revoked if duties are not met.

A Sponsor Licence allows UK employers to legally hire skilled overseas workers, and organisations must continue meeting all Home Office compliance duties to retain their licence.

Eligibility for a Sponsor Licence

To apply for a Sponsor Licence, the company must meet specific Home Office requirements. The organisation must prove it is a genuine, legally operating business and has the right systems in place to monitor sponsored workers.

Key Points:

Business must be genuine and legally registered in the UK.

Must have appropriate HR systems to track and monitor employees.

No history of immigration offences, fraud, or criminal convictions.

Must appoint key personnel for licence management (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User).

Application Process

The Sponsor Licence application is completed online through the Home Office portal. Supporting documents must be submitted within 5 working days. A compliance check or audit may also be carried out by UKVI.

Key Points:

Apply online via the Home Office system.

Pay the relevant fee (varies by company size).

Submit mandatory documents within 5 working days (e.g., VAT registration, business bank statements, proof of premises).

Appoint compliance staff (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User).

Possible Home Office audit before decision.

Employer Duties After Approval

Holding a Sponsor Licence comes with strict compliance duties. Employers must ensure that all sponsored workers comply with their visa conditions and that accurate records are maintained.

Key Points:

Report any changes in workers’ circumstances to the Home Office (e.g., termination, change of job role).

Keep copies of workers’ documents (passport, BRP, right to work checks).

Ensure sponsored roles meet salary and skill thresholds.

Risk of suspension or revocation for non-compliance.

Self Sponsorship Brochure

Download our full PDF guide to understand the process, criteria, documents, timelines, and expert support available for your Self Sponsorship .

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Sponsor Licence Application