What is sponsorship license
The sponsorship licence in the UK is a license that allows an organization to sponsor individuals from outside the European Union to work or study in the UK. If you are an individual seeking work in the UK, you will need a sponsor to sponsor your visa application. The sponsor will need to be an organization that holds a valid sponsorship licence.
How to get it?
To get a sponsorship licence in the UK, an organization must apply
to the Home Office. The process involves providing details about the organization, its
activities, and its staff, as well as demonstrating that the organization is reputable
and has appropriate HR systems in place. The application process also requires payment
of a fee, which varies depending on the size of the organization and the type of licence
being applied for.
Once the organization has been granted a sponsorship licence, it will be assigned a
sponsor rating and will be able to issue certificates of sponsorship to individuals who
are seeking to work or study in the UK. These certificates are required as part of the
visa application process.
It's worth noting that the UK's immigration system is currently undergoing significant changes following the country's departure from the European Union, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest information if you are planning to work or study in the UK.
You need a sponsor licence to employ most types of workers from outside the UK, including Skilled Visa workers.
Our service
We are committed to not only assist you in your application for a
sponsor licence, but also to achieve long-standing compliance with all Home Office
requirements. The Home Office are incredibly strict with regards to sponsors remaining
compliant, and we have developed a comprehensive compliance pack, as well as providing
our clients with a ‘mock’ compliance audit to put them in a great position should the
Home Office ever request a visit.
We provide a complete ‘hand-holding’ service that offers peace of mind, assurance and
better chance of success in your application. Our service extends to all aspects of
sponsorship.
How do you help?
We will share insight into what the Home Office’s UK Visas &
Immigration department (UKVI) is looking for in a successful sponsor licence
application. As well as dealing with preparation for the licence application, we also
cover the practicalities of submitting a sponsor licence application and what to do if
the licence application is approved, rejected or refused.
The sponsor licence application form itself is a relatively small part of the process.
We will also examine in detail other key aspects of the process which employers may not
be familiar with, but which play a critical role in securing a sponsorship licence.
How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?
Processing times can usually be reduced if the application is comprehensive and correct, but at best, licence application decisions will generally be no quicker than 4-6 weeks.
The priority application service allows licence applicants to pay an additional £500 to receive a decision on their application within ten working days.
How much does a sponsorship licence application cost?
The fee to apply
560£
Payment for UKVS services
€2000-4000
Documents required for a sponsor licence application
List of documents
It is incredibly common for employers to fall foul of the supporting documentation requirements. Appendix A details the documents and mandatory information to be submitted in support of a sponsorship licence application. A minimum of four mandatory documents must be submitted to demonstrate that the organisation meets the eligibility requirements, i.e. it is genuine and operating lawfully in the UK.
• Employer’s liability insurance certificate
• Certificate of VAT registration
• Latest corporate bank account statement
• HMRC registration evidence, such as including PAYE number and accounts office reference number
• Evidence of ownership of, or a commercial lease for, business premises
Additional supporting documents
As well as the four pieces of documentation, employers must also: In addition to the mandatory documentary evidence in relation to the organisation, if a skilled worker is being hired the organisation will also need to provide specific information relating to the role(s) to be sponsored. This includes:
Submit a list of the names and job titles of all employees, if the organisation has 50 employees or fewer
The job title and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code for the role.
A job description detailing the duties of the role
Details of the skills, experience and qualifications required to perform the role.
Contact details of an employee (address, telephone, email) of the endorsing organization who can confirm the issuance of the endorsement to the Home Office employee
Appointing key personnel
Another important consideration when preparing your application
will be who to appoint as your ‘key personnel’.
Sponsor licence holders are required to nominate individuals who will assume specific
responsibilities to manage the licence in compliance with Home Office guidance. These
are referred to as key personnel.
