Hire International TalentFor Your UK Business
Expert sponsor licence application support with 98%+ success rate. Bring skilled workers to your UK business.
£536 (small/charity) or £1,476 (medium/large) fee. 8-12 weeks processing. Genuine business, HR systems, Key Personnel required. Indefinite licence if compliant.
*Success rates based on properly prepared applications. UKVI makes final decisions.
Free Sponsor Licence Assessment
Expert business immigration advice • Same-day callback
What is a UK Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence allows UK businesses to hire international workers by sponsoring their visa applications. It's essential for companies wanting to recruit skilled talent from overseas when UK workers are unavailable.
Two Route Types
Worker route (permanent roles) or Temporary Worker route (short-term). Most businesses apply for Worker route to sponsor Skilled Workers.
Fee Structure
£536 for small/charity sponsors or £1,476 for medium/large businesses. Plus £239 per Certificate of Sponsorship per worker.
Processing Time
Typically 8-12 weeks for decision. No priority processing available. Plan ahead - apply 3-4 months before you need to sponsor workers.
Key Benefits of Having a Sponsor Licence
Access Global Talent
Recruit skilled workers from anywhere in the world when UK talent is unavailable.
Sponsor Multiple Workers
Once licensed, sponsor as many workers as your business needs (A-rating allows unlimited).
Indefinite Licence
No annual renewal required - licence remains valid as long as you stay compliant.
Competitive Advantage
Attract international talent and grow your business without geographic recruitment limits.
Sponsor Licence Requirements
Your business must meet these criteria to qualify for a UK sponsor licence in Loading....
Genuine Trading Business
Your business must be actively trading in the UK with genuine commercial operations. You need to demonstrate a legitimate need to hire international workers.
- Registered with Companies House or equivalent
- Active trading with business bank account and trading history
- Genuine UK business premises (not residential address)
- Cannot get licence solely to sponsor family members
HR Systems and Record-Keeping
You must have appropriate HR systems to monitor and manage sponsored workers effectively. The Home Office requires robust compliance processes.
- HR policies and procedures documented
- Payroll system for tracking salary payments
- Attendance/working pattern monitoring capabilities
- Record-keeping for right to work checks
Key Personnel Appointments
Every sponsor must appoint specific Key Personnel to manage the sponsorship duties. These individuals must meet strict eligibility criteria.
Authorising Officer (AO)
- Senior person (director, owner, partner) with decision-making authority
- Legally responsible for sponsor compliance
- Must be British citizen or have settled status/ILR
Level 1 User
- Day-to-day management of sponsorship duties
- Assigns Certificates of Sponsorship via SMS system
- Must be British citizen or have settled status/ILR
Both must be UK-based, working for your business, and cannot be the same person. CVs and evidence of eligibility required in application.
Compliance History
Your business must have a clean record regarding immigration compliance and employment law. Previous breaches can result in refusal.
- No history of illegal working in your business
- Evidence of conducting right to work checks for all employees
- No civil penalties or criminal convictions for immigration breaches
- Good compliance record if previously held sponsor licence
Genuine Need to Sponsor
You must demonstrate a legitimate business need to recruit international workers, not just a desire to help overseas individuals obtain UK visas.
- Job roles that meet skilled worker requirements (RQF Level 3+)
- Ability to pay required salary thresholds (£38,700+ typically)
- Genuine vacancies that cannot be filled from UK labor market
- Cannot be primarily for sponsoring family members or friends
Sponsor Licence Application Process
Follow these key steps to successfully apply for your UK sponsor licence. Our experts guide you through every stage to maximize success.
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Evaluate your business eligibility and prepare necessary documentation. This crucial first step determines if you meet the requirements.
- Review business structure and trading history
- Identify suitable Key Personnel (Authorising Officer and Level 1 User)
- Audit existing HR systems and compliance procedures
- Gather company documents (incorporation, accounts, bank statements)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks to gather and review all documents
Develop HR and Compliance Systems
Implement or enhance HR systems to meet Home Office requirements. Strong systems demonstrate compliance capacity and increase approval chances.
- Create or update HR policies (recruitment, monitoring, reporting)
- Set up attendance/working pattern tracking systems
- Establish record-keeping procedures for right to work checks
- Document payroll processes and salary payment methods
Timeline: 1-3 weeks depending on existing systems
Complete Online Application
Submit your application via the Home Office online portal. Accuracy and completeness are critical at this stage.
- Complete online application form on gov.uk sponsor portal
- Upload supporting documents (company docs, Key Personnel CVs, policies)
- Pay application fee (£536 small/charity or £1,476 medium/large)
- Authorising Officer signs the application electronically
Important: Check all details carefully - errors can delay processing or cause refusal
Home Office Assessment
The Home Office reviews your application and may conduct additional checks. Be prepared to respond promptly to any requests.
- Case worker reviews application and supporting documents
- May request additional information or clarification
- Possible compliance visit to your business premises
- Verification of Key Personnel eligibility and business legitimacy
Timeline: 8-12 weeks typical processing time (can vary)
Licence Granted - Start Sponsoring
Once approved, you'll receive access to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) and can start assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to workers.
- Receive A-rating (full status) or B-rating (probationary)
- Access SMS portal to assign Certificates of Sponsorship
- Start recruiting and sponsoring international workers
- Comply with ongoing sponsor duties and reporting requirements
Licence is indefinite: No annual renewal required if you remain compliant
Expert Guidance Through Every Step
Our immigration specialists have helped 3,450+ businesses successfully obtain sponsor licences. We handle the complexity so you can focus on growing your business.
Industries We Help with Sponsor Licences
We've successfully helped businesses across all sectors obtain sponsor licences in Loading....
Technology & IT
Software developers, data scientists, IT specialists. High demand roles with strong justification for overseas recruitment.
Healthcare
Nurses, doctors, care workers, physiotherapists. NHS and private healthcare providers regularly sponsor international staff.
Finance
Financial analysts, accountants, compliance officers. Banks, fintech, and accounting firms frequently sponsor workers.
Hospitality
Chefs, restaurant managers, hotel staff. Must meet skilled worker requirements (RQF Level 3+) and salary thresholds.
Education
Teachers, lecturers, education administrators. Schools, colleges, and universities sponsor qualified teaching staff.
Engineering
Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers. Construction and manufacturing sectors regularly sponsor technical specialists.
Not Sure If Your Industry Qualifies?
Almost any UK business can apply for a sponsor licence if they meet the requirements. We've helped startups, SMEs, charities, and large corporations across all sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from UK businesses about sponsor licences answered by our experts.
Speak to Sponsor Licence Specialist
Get expert advice about sponsor licence requirements and application process for your business.
Call 0121 271 0499Need Certificates of Sponsorship?
Already have a licence? Learn about assigning CoS to workers for Skilled Worker visas.
98%+ Success Rate for Sponsor Licences
Our specialist knowledge has helped over 3,450 UK businesses successfully obtain sponsor licences with Loading... requirements. From startups to established companies, we guide you through the complete process.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it. See what thousands of satisfied clients say about our immigration services.
How We Compare to National Average
Value for Money
Would Recommend to Friend
Satisfied With Outcome
"Sponsor licence granted at the first attempt with zero compliance issues."
"Renewal completed before expiry so our Skilled Worker visas stayed valid."
"Mock compliance audit kept us safe from Home Office visits."
Outstanding Client Satisfaction – 4.7/5 Rating
Trusted by clients worldwide with 251 verified Google reviews. BSB-regulated immigration specialists helping thousands achieve their UK visa goals.
Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →Dated: 04 April 2025
Meet the Specialists Behind Your Success
Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.
Ian Henery
Solicitor
Malik Ansar
Immigration Consultant
Saima Kauser
Head of Administration
Alybah Fatima
Admin
Mohamed Mohamed
Immigration Case Worker
Safwan Shah
Legal Assistant
Musa Babal
Immigration Consultant
With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.
Our Offices
Nationwide coverage via our offices plus secure remote representation worldwide
Get In Touch Today
Ready to start your UK visa journey? Contact our expert team for personalized guidance and professional representation.
How to Reach Us
Email Enquiry
info@ukmigrationsolicitors.co.uk
Send your questions via email
Response within 24 hours
Send email →Online Assessment
Free consultation
Get started with our online form
Available 24/7
Emergency & Urgent Cases
Facing detention, deportation, or time-sensitive deadlines? Call us immediately for priority assistance.
Emergency Line: 0121 271 0499Send Us a Message
Ready to Start Your UK Visa Journey?
Get a free online assessment and speak to a solicitor today.