Sponsorship Licence for Employers

Wish to employ someone from outside of the UK? You may require a Sponsorship License

Sponsorship License Overview

If you are a business owner in the UK and wish to employ someone from outside the UK (or an individual in the UK who may require a Skilled Worker visa) for a particular job role, you may require a Sponsorship License. This means that your business will first need approval from the Home Office before you can hire any selected individual.

In light of the UK’s recent withdrawal from the European Union, many businesses that relied on flexible movement and working rights for individuals coming from Europe have found they require a Sponsorship License to continue hiring the staff they need. Many businesses have already taken steps to acquire a Sponsorship License to attract the best talent from Europe and around the globe.

Benefits of Obtaining a Sponsorship License

Obtaining a Sponsorship License allows your organization to attract the best talent from around the globe. Whether you have already identified individuals you wish to hire or generally want the license to have a greater pool of candidates, we recommend that businesses obtain a license.

Process of Acquiring a Sponsorship License

The process can be broken down into three specific stages:

  • Stage 1: Apply for a Sponsorship License for your business.
  • Stage 2: Assign Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) to chosen individuals.
  • Stage 3: Apply for a Skilled Worker visa for the chosen individual(s).

Each stage outlined above is dependent on a successful decision at the prior stage (e.g., a COS cannot be applied for until the business has successfully received a Sponsorship License). If your business is successful, you will be given a license rating and will be able to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (COS). Your license will be valid for up to four years.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship License

To get a license, you must not have:

  • Unspent criminal convictions for immigration offenses or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering.
  • Any history of failing to carry out your sponsorship duties.

Additionally:

  • You will need appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.
  • You must appoint individuals within your business to manage the sponsorship process when applying for a license.

Application Fees

The fee for applying will depend on the size of your business:

  • For small businesses, the fee is currently £536.
  • For medium to large businesses, the fee is currently £1,476.

You’re usually considered a small business if:

  • Your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less.
  • You have 50 employees or fewer.
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Why choose UK Immigration Law Chambers for help applying for a Sponsorship License?

The law and requirements surrounding Sponsorship Licenses remain complex and rigid. A well-presented application requires input from competent immigration professionals. UK Immigration Law Chambers’ highly skilled team can advise and help prepare your full application. If you wish to enquire about a Sponsorship License or have any questions, why not take advantage of our initial consultation to get you the advice you need?

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