A sponsor licence is an official approval issued by the UK Home Office that permits UK-based organisations to hire non-UK nationals through specific work visa routes. Due to skills and labour shortages in the UK following Brexit, sponsor licences have become essential for businesses of all sizes across various sectors of the economy. As a key component of the UK’s immigration framework, sponsor licences help regulate and streamline the recruitment of skilled talent from overseas. This licence provides an organisation with the legal authority to employ international workers. It is important to note that only organisations, not individuals, can obtain a sponsor licence.

This licence allows your company to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and sponsor skilled workers. To qualify for a Sponsor Licence, your business must meet certain criteria, such as proving it is a legitimate and capable sponsor and ensuring compliance with immigration responsibilities.

Step 1: Identify the vacancy your company wishes to fill now or in the near future.

Step 2: Collate applicable documents in support of your Sponsor Licence application.

Step 3: Submit the Sponsor Licence application to the Home Office.

How can we help the UK employer?

If you need help in applying for the Sponsor Licence, we will be delighted to assist you.

1. Initial assessment: We can help assess whether your company meets the eligibility criteria to apply for a sponsor license. We can review your company’s structure, operations, and HR processes to determine if you are ready to sponsor migrant workers.
2. Application preparation: we are helping in completing the online form and guiding you on submitting your application and communicating with the Home Office representatives when appropriate. We will help to ensure that all necessary documentation is included and that the application is completed accurately and in compliance with the requirements.
3. Compliance advice: We can provide guidance on the legal obligations and responsibilities that come with being a sponsor license holder and to ensure that your company is compliant with the sponsor’s duties, such as record-keeping, reporting requirements, and compliance with immigration rules.
4. Representation in case of issues: If your sponsor license application is refused or if you encounter any issues with the Home Office, we can provide representation and assistance. We can help by asking for reconsideration in case of refusal of the Sponsor licence on your behalf, responding to queries from the Home Office, and navigating any legal challenges that may arise.
5. Ongoing support: We can provide ongoing support and advice to ensure that your company remains compliant with the sponsor license requirements and of course, assist your prospective worker with obtaining a Skilled Worker visa.

Costs involved in the Sponsor Licence Application.

Home Office fee – £536 (consideration time up to 8 weeks) – for “small” sponsored companies, £1,476 – for “medium” or “big” companies.

If required, a Priority service for a Sponsor Licence application is £500 (consideration time up to 10 working days)

Certificate of Sponsorship – £239 per certificate per employee

Immigration Skill Charge (depends on visa length; small company/charity) – £364 for the first 12 months and then £182 for each additional six months per employee, unless exceptions apply. To be payable once assigning a CoS.

We offer comprehensive support in preparing and submitting the necessary documentation, ensuring all requirements are met and that the application is completed accurately and on time. Our team can help navigate potential challenges that may arise during the process, such as addressing issues related to the sponsor’s eligibility or providing additional evidence to strengthen the application. Furthermore, we provide ongoing support and representation throughout the visa application journey, helping to achieve the best possible outcome.

Why you should choose us?

At Wellingtons Solicitors, we are aiming to simplify the application process for the Sponsor Licence, minimise the risk of refusal and ensure that your company can successfully recruit an overseas worker. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration specialists is vital to a prompt and stress-free process when applying for a sponsor licence. We also provide guidance on best practices in managing the licence and avoiding enforcement issues. For guidance on applying for a sponsor licence, contact us or book a consultation online.

Make an Enquiry Now

We offer a free 15-minute call to assess your options. Please call us now on 07876181226 or 0208 528 3171 or complete the Online Enquiry form.

What Our Clients Say

“This is my first experience of this firm and I am more than happy to recommend his services.”

We offer a free initial consultation, where we will advise you on the viability of your case, as well discussing the options which are available to you.

If you then choose to take your case forward with us, we can advise and assist you at all stages of the process. This will include negotiation, mediation, preparing a letter of claim and court action where necessary.