Sponsorship License for Employers.
Do you want to employ someone from outside of the UK? If so you may need a Sponsorship License.
If you are own a business in the United Kingdom and wanted to employ someone from outside of 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 firstly need approval from the Home Office before you can hire any selected individual.
What is Sponsorship license?
In light for the UK's recent withdrawal from the European Union, many businesses who have relied on flexible movement and working rights for individuals coming from Europe have now found they require a sponsorship license to continue to hire the staff they require. With this bring said, many businesses have already taken steps to acquire a sponsorship license for their organisation in order to attract the best and brightest talent from Europe, Asia and around the world for their business needs.
Obtaining a Sponsorship license allows your organisation to attract the best talent from around the world. Whether you have already identified the individual(s) you wish to hire or generally wish to obtain the license in order to have greater candidates to chosen from we always recommend business the obtain a licence.
The process of acquiring a license and hiring your chosen staff member can be broken down into three specific stages as follows: –
- Stage 1: Apply for a Sponsorship license for your business
- Stage 2: Assign COS to chosen Individual(s)
- Stage 3: Apply for skilled worker visa for the chosen individual(s)
Each stage outlined above is dependent on a successful decision at the prior stage (i.e. a COS cannot be applied for until the business has successful received a sponsorship license).
If your business is successful, you will be given a licence rating and will be able to issue certificates of sponsorship (COS). Your license will be valid for up to 4 years.
To get a license, you can't have:
- Unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering and any history of failing to carry out your sponsorship duties.
- You will need appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.
You will be required to appoint people within your business to manage the sponsorship process when you apply for a license.
The fee for applying will depend on the size of your business.
- For Small businesses the fee is currently £536.
- For Medium to Large business the fee is currently £1,476.
You're usually a small business if:
- Your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less
- You have 50 employees or fewer
Benefits of Obtaining a Sponsorship License
Access to Global Talent
With a sponsorship license, your business can recruit skilled workers from anywhere in the world, significantly expanding your talent pool beyond the UK.
Fill Skill Gaps
Address skills shortages within your organization by bringing in qualified professionals with specialized expertise that may be difficult to find locally.
Business Growth
Support your company's expansion plans with the right talent, enabling you to take on new projects and enter new markets with confidence.
Competitive Advantage
Gain an edge over competitors who don't have a sponsorship license, especially in industries where specialized skills are in high demand.
How SLS Immigration Lawyers Can Help You
Our team of expert immigration lawyers specializes in helping businesses obtain sponsorship licenses. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process:
Application Preparation
- Assessment of your business eligibility
- Guidance on appointing key personnel
- Preparation of all required documentation
- Review of your HR systems and policies
Ongoing Support
- Assistance with Certificate of Sponsorship allocation
- Guidance on compliance requirements
- Support with visa applications for sponsored workers
- Advice on license renewal and maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions About Sponsorship Licenses
While it's not mandatory to hire an immigration lawyer for sponsorship license applications, having expert guidance can significantly increase your chances of success. The application process is complex and requires detailed documentation and compliance with various requirements. An immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensure all documentation is correct, and represent you if complications arise.
The cost of immigration legal services varies depending on the complexity of your case and the type of service you require. We offer different packages tailored to different needs and budgets. For a specific quote related to your situation, we recommend booking a free initial consultation where we can assess your needs and provide transparent pricing information.
Yes, we regularly assist clients who are outside the UK. We can conduct consultations via video call (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp) or phone, and handle your application remotely. Our team is experienced in managing overseas applications and can guide you through the entire process no matter where you are located.
The Home Office aims to process sponsorship license applications within 8 weeks, though processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your application and current workload at the Home Office. In some cases, the Home Office may conduct a compliance visit to your premises before making a decision, which can extend the timeline. Our legal team can help prepare your application thoroughly to avoid common reasons for delays and can advise on the expected timeframe based on current processing trends.
If your sponsorship license application is refused, you cannot appeal the decision directly. However, you may be able to request an Administrative Review if you believe there was an error in the decision-making process. In most cases, you'll need to wait 6 months before submitting a new application, making sure to address all the reasons for the initial refusal. Our immigration experts can review your case, identify the issues that led to the refusal, and help you prepare a stronger application for your next submission.
What Our Clients Say
Ready to Expand Your Talent Pool Globally?
Our expert immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the sponsorship license application process.