Sponsor Licence

Sponsor Licence Services by Wellingtons Solicitors: Helping UK Employers Hire International Talent with Confidence

In today’s competitive UK labour market, especially post-Brexit, many businesses face challenges filling skilled roles locally. That’s where a Sponsor Licence becomes essential. At Wellingtons Solicitors, based in London, we specialise in guiding UK employers through the complex process of obtaining and maintaining a sponsor licence. This licence authorises your organisation to employ non-UK nationals through specific visa routes, opening doors to a global talent pool and helping your business thrive.

What Is a Sponsor Licence and Why Does Your Business Need One?

A Sponsor Licence is an official approval granted by the UK Home Office. It gives UK-based companies the legal authority to sponsor skilled workers from overseas. Without this licence, you cannot legally hire international employees under the Skilled Worker visa or other relevant immigration categories.

Since Brexit, the UK has tightened immigration rules, making the sponsor licence a vital tool for businesses across sectors—from tech startups and healthcare providers to hospitality and manufacturing. It ensures that employers meet strict criteria and take responsibility for their sponsored workers, helping maintain the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.

How Does a Sponsor Licence Work?

Once your organisation obtains a sponsor licence, you can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). These electronic documents confirm that the worker has a genuine job offer and meets visa requirements. The licence also commits your business to comply with immigration duties, such as record-keeping, monitoring sponsored employees, and reporting changes to the Home Office.

Who Can Apply for a Sponsor Licence?

Only organisations—not individuals—can apply. Your business must be a genuine, operating entity in the UK. This includes companies, charities, educational institutions, and other organisations with a legal presence. You must prove your business is legitimate, financially stable, and capable of fulfilling sponsorship duties.

The Sponsor Licence Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for a sponsor licence can be complex and requires careful preparation. Here’s how Wellingtons Solicitors helps you navigate each stage:

Step 1: Identify Your Recruitment Needs
We start by helping you pinpoint the roles you wish to fill with international workers. This clarity ensures your licence application aligns with your business goals.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation
The Home Office demands a detailed bundle of documents proving your business’s legitimacy and compliance capabilities. This includes your Certificate of Incorporation, financial statements, proof of business premises, employer’s liability insurance, HR policies, and more. We review and organise these documents to meet Home Office standards.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application
Our experts assist in accurately filling out the online application via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). We guide you through nominating key personnel—such as the Authorising Officer and Key Contact—who will manage the sponsorship process internally. We ensure your application is comprehensive and compliant before submission.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
We advise on the correct fee based on your organisation’s size: £536 for small businesses or £1,476 for medium and large employers. If needed, we also help you decide whether to use the Priority Service for faster processing.

Step 5: Support Through Compliance Visits
After submitting your application, the Home Office may conduct a compliance visit. We prepare your team, ensuring your HR systems and records demonstrate full readiness to meet sponsorship duties.

Step 6: Ongoing Licence Management and Support
Once granted, your responsibilities don’t end. We provide continuous advice on maintaining compliance, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship, and meeting reporting obligations. We also assist with renewals and any Home Office queries or audits.

Why Choose Wellingtons Solicitors for Your Sponsor Licence?

Navigating sponsor licence requirements can be daunting. Mistakes or omissions risk refusal or licence revocation, which can disrupt your recruitment plans and damage your reputation. Wellingtons Solicitors offers:

• Expert Initial Assessment: We evaluate your company’s eligibility and readiness to hold a sponsor licence.
• Tailored Application Support: From form completion to document collation, we ensure your application is accurate and robust.
• Compliance Guidance: We explain your legal duties clearly, helping you avoid pitfalls and maintain good standing with the Home Office.
• Representation and Advocacy: If your application faces challenges or refusal, we act on your behalf to request reconsideration and resolve issues.
• End-to-End Visa Support: Beyond the licence, we assist your sponsored workers with Skilled Worker visa applications, ensuring a smooth immigration journey.

Understanding the Costs Involved

• Home Office Application Fee: £536 for small sponsors, £1,476 for medium/large sponsors.
• Priority Service (optional): £500 for faster processing (within 10 working days).
• Certificate of Sponsorship: £239 per certificate issued to each employee.
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 for the first 12 months and £182 for each additional six months per employee (small companies and charities may qualify for exemptions).

We provide transparent advice on these costs upfront, helping you budget effectively.

Stay Ahead with Up-to-Date Knowledge

The UK immigration landscape evolves frequently. Recent updates include stricter rules on key personnel eligibility and a ban on sponsoring workers in a personal capacity (self-sponsorship). Our team stays current with all changes, ensuring your licence and processes comply with the latest Home Office guidance.

Unlock Global Talent with Confidence

Obtaining and managing a sponsor licence is a strategic step for UK employers aiming to access international skills. Wellingtons Solicitors is your trusted partner in this journey, offering expert legal advice, practical support, and peace of mind. We simplify the complexities, so you can focus on growing your business with the talent it needs.

Contact Wellingtons Solicitors today to discuss how we can help your organisation secure a sponsor licence and build a diverse, skilled workforce for the future.