UK Sponsor Licence for Employers: Empower Your Organisation Now!

Table Of Contents:

1. What is a sponsor licence?

2. Eligibility requirements for UK sponsor licence

3. Required documents for UK sponsor licence application

4. UK Sponsor licence application fees

5. Applying for UK Sponsor licence

6. Benefits of holding a UK sponsor licence

What is a sponsor licence?

A sponsor licence, previously known as a Tier 2 sponsor licence, enables UK-based companies to employ skilled workers, to hire overseas employees or to enable a foreign national in the UK to switch into the Skilled Worker visa from various other visa types, including Tier 4 Student and Youth Mobility Scheme. Once approved, the licence is valid for four years and can be renewed.

Eligibility requirements for UK sponsor licence

To apply for a sponsor licence, your organisation must have a UK presence and operate lawfully in the country. If you have multiple UK branches, you may choose to apply for a single licence to cover all connected UK entities, or opt for separate licences based on your circumstances. Proof of registration with the appropriate body, as well as planning permission, may be required. The Home Office must be satisfied that you can provide genuine employment in a skilled occupation and pay the correct salary rate.

Required documents for UK sponsor licence application

Your Skilled Worker licence application typically involves submitting at least four specified mandatory documents, depending on your organisation's type, such as public bodies, startups, franchises, or SMEs.

Required documents may include-

• Business bank statement

• Employer's liability insurance

• VAT registration certificate

• Proof of HMRC employer registration, and

• evidence of business premises ownership or lease.

Regulatory body registration evidence may also be necessary, especially for specific industries.

UK Sponsor licence application fees

The sponsor licence application fee varies according to your organisation's size and type. This fee is payable every four years when you renew your licence.

The Home Office reviews fees annually, and any changes are published. "Medium" and "large" organisations typically pay a fee of £1,476.

However, "small" organisations, including registered charities, pay a reduced fee of £536. Adding a subcategory to an existing 'Skilled Worker' sponsor licence incurs no extra fees.

Applying for UK sponsor licence

To apply for a sponsor licence, your company must complete an online application form, accompanied by at least four specified supporting documents demonstrating your UK trading presence.

Occasionally, the Home Office may request additional documents, such as evidence of your HR processes and compliance. Compliance visits may be conducted in person or online, considering COVID-19 restrictions.

Our team can conduct a mock HR audit to identify and rectify weaknesses before your formal application.

The advantages of having a UK sponsor licence

Once your organisation obtains a sponsor licence, it is registered with the Home Office and can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to skilled foreign migrants. This is vital for many companies to access overseas skilled talent, particularly in a post-Brexit landscape with the end of freedom of movement. Companies must secure sponsorship for a significant portion of their workforce, underscoring the importance of holding a UK sponsor licence.

Read the Complete Guide here on UK Sponsor Licence

At Conroy Baker, we have extensive experience of helping companies acquire and maintain their Skilled Worker sponsor licences.

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