Sponsor License for Business

How to Sponsor Someone for a UK Skilled Work Visa

Section Guide

• What is a Sponsor Licence?
• Sponsor Licence Eligibility Requirements
• Sponsor Licence Application Process
• Costs of Sponsoring a Worker
• Ongoing Sponsor Obligations
• Need Assistance?
• FAQs on Sponsoring Someone

UK employers must typically hold a valid sponsor licence to hire international workers. 

Here we explain you the rules, eligibility criteria, and application process for obtaining a sponsorship licence.

What is a Sponsor Licence?

A sponsor licence is Home Office approval allowing UK employers to recruit foreign workers who do not already have the right to work in the UK.

There are two types of sponsor licences:

1. Worker Licence – For long-term employment (e.g., Skilled Worker, International Sportperson Visa, etc).
2. Temporary Worker Licence – For short-term roles (e.g., Charity Worker Visa, Creative Worker Visa, Seasonal Worker Visa, etc).

Employers can apply for one or both licence types, depending on their needs. Once approved, they can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)—a mandatory document for visa applications.

Note: A sponsor licence is not required to hire individuals with existing UK work rights, such as EU nationals with settled/pre-settled status.

Sponsor Licence Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, the Home Office must verify that your business is:
✔ Genuine & Lawful – You must provide legal documents proving your UK operations.
✔ Trustworthy – No history of immigration violations, fraud, or serious criminal activity.
✔ Compliant – Capable of fulfilling sponsorship duties (e.g., HR systems, proper recruitment practices).

Key Considerations:

• Criminal convictions (e.g., immigration offences, fraud) lead to automatic refusal.
• Previous non-compliance may trigger a 12-month to 5-year cooling-off period.

Sponsor Licence Application Process

Step 1: Online Application

• Register with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• Complete the form, including:
• Key Personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User).
• Estimated CoS needed in the first year.

Step 2: Required Documents

Submit mandatory business documents (e.g., proof of registration, VAT compliance) within 5 working days. Missing/invalid documents result in rejection.

Step 3: Processing & Decision

• Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks.
• Priority service (optional): £500 for a 10-working-day decision.

Costs of Sponsoring a Worker

Note: Fees are non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Ongoing Sponsor Obligations

Once licensed, employers must:
✔ Maintain records (e.g., worker passports, right-to-work checks).
✔ Report changes (e.g., worker absences, business restructuring).
✔ Update UKVI on key personnel changes.

Non-compliance risks:

• Licence downgrade, suspension, or revocation.
• Fines or prosecution for illegal employment.

Need Assistance?

Navigating sponsorship rules can be complex. 

We will be happy to guide you, contact us for expert guidance.

FAQs