Sponsorship Licence Application
A sponsorship licence application is the process of applying to become a licensed sponsor in the United Kingdom. A sponsorship licence allows UK employers to sponsor overseas workers who possess the necessary skills and qualifications to fill specific roles. Sponsor licence is particularly relevant to employers looking to hire foreign professionals in industries with skill shortages.
Our team of dedicated business immigration solicitors is equipped to handle all aspects of your sponsorship licence application, from eligibility assessments to document preparation and submission.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your sponsorship licence application, please feel free to contact our immigration solicitor at 0203 959 7755. Let's get started on your sponsorship licence application process today!
Table of Contents
- Applying for a sponsorship licence
- Sponsorship license requirements UK
- Supporting documents for sponsor licence application
- What is the process to apply for a sponsor licence?
- How long does it take to get a sponsorship licence?
- Sponsor licence priority service
- How long is the validity of a sponsor licence?
- Sponsorship licence fees
- How can we help with your sponsorship licence application?
- How much do solicitors charge for a sponsorship licence application?
- Frequently asked questions
Applying for a sponsorship licence
If you are an employer looking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK, you'll need to apply for a sponsor licence. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we can guide you through this process and ensure your application is successful.
The sponsor licence application process involves several stages, including online registration and completing an application form. You'll also need to provide detailed information about your organisation and the skilled workers you plan to hire.
To increase your chances of approval, it's important to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and meet the eligibility criteria. Our team can provide you with expert guidance on this and assist you in preparing your documentation effectively.
If you have any questions or concerns about applying for a sponsor licence, our team is here to help. Call us at 0203 959 7755 to speak with one of our experienced immigration solicitors.
Sponsorship license requirements UK
To be eligible for a sponsorship licence, you must satisfy certain requirements and qualifications as an employer. These include:
- Your company must be registered in the UK.
- Your company must not have a history of failing to comply with immigration laws and regulations.
- You must appoint one or more key personnel who will be responsible for managing your company's sponsorship duties.
- You must offer genuine employment that meets the skill level and experience of the migrant worker.
- You must pay the appropriate salary for the position that you are sponsoring.
- You must have a suitable HR system to monitor sponsored employees and maintain valid documentation.
Our immigration solicitors can assist you in assessing your eligibility for a sponsorship licence and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements involved. Contact us at 0203 959 7755 to learn more.
Supporting documents for sponsor licence application
When applying for a sponsorship licence, it's important to make sure all necessary documentation is completed and submitted accurately. Failure to do so could result in a refusal of your application.
The primary documents you will need to provide as part of your application include:
- A copy of your certificate of incorporation or business registration document.
- Proof of your organisation being registered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), such as a copy of your HMRC employer's reference number.
- Details of your organisation's staffing structure, including job and descriptions.
- Proof of your organisation having adequate HR systems in place to manage sponsorship compliance.
- Details on the intended employee(s), including their CV's, references, qualifications, and criminal record checks.
- Proof of the intended employee(s) having the required skills and experience for the designated role, such as copies of their qualifications and certificates.
- Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.
Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors can offer professional guidance so you can portray your organisation and proposed employees in the best possible light. Contact us for comprehensive support at 0203 959 7755.
What is the process to apply for a sponsor licence?
The sponsorship licence application process involves several key steps, including:
- Determine Eligibility
- Choose the Appropriate License Type
- Gather Supporting Documents
- Create a Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Account
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Pay the Sponsorship Licence Application Fee
- Submit the Sponsorship Licence Application
- Prepare for Compliance Audits
- Wait for Decision
Determine Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that your organisation is eligible to become a sponsor. Different types of organisations, such as businesses, charities, and educational institutions, may be eligible. Make sure that your organisation meets the eligibility criteria.
Choose the Appropriate License Type
Decide on the type of license you need, such as a “Workers” or “Temporary Workers” license. Each category has specific requirements and applies to different types of workers.
Gather Supporting Documents
Gather all necessary documentation for your sponsorship licence application, such as business registration details, financial statements, and evidence of the organisation's ability to meet sponsorship duties.
Create a Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Account
You will need to create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration website to apply for a sponsorship licence. The system used for managing sponsorships is called the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the online application form on the SMS. Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your organisation.
Pay the Sponsorship Licence Application Fee
Pay the applicable fee for the sponsorship licence application. The fee may vary depending on the size and type of organisation.
Submit the Sponsorship Licence Application
Once the application is complete and all necessary documents are uploaded then submit the application online.
Prepare for Compliance Audits
UK Visas and Immigration may conduct compliance audits to ensure that sponsors are meeting their duties. Be prepared to provide evidence of compliance if requested.
Wait for Decision
Wait for the UKVI to review your application and make a decision. It typically takes several weeks.
It is important to consult with expert immigration solicitors to ensure that you have the most current and accurate information, as immigration policies and procedures can change.
With Moeen & Co. Solicitors, you'll have access to expert support and guidance throughout the sponsorship licence application process. Our experienced team of business immigration solicitors in London is committed to assisting you in obtaining the necessary licence to hire skilled workers from overseas.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your sponsorship licence application, please call our business immigration solicitors at 0203 959 7755.
How long does it take to get a sponsorship licence?
The processing time for a sponsorship licence application can vary, but it typically takes around 8 weeks. Timely submission of accurate and complete documentation can expedite the approval process.
Sponsor licence priority service
Using the sponsor licence priority service can be an effective way to expedite your application and avoid any delays to your business operations.
If you require a faster decision on your sponsorship licence application, you may opt for the sponsor licence priority service. With this service, you can expect a decision within five working days of submitting your application, compared to the standard timescale of eight weeks.
You'll need to pay a priority service fee in addition to the standard sponsorship licence application fee.
How long is the validity of a sponsor licence?
A sponsor licence is typically valid for four years, after which businesses must renew it to continue sponsoring foreign workers. You can renew your sponsor licence within three months of the expiry of your current sponsor licence.
Sponsorship licence fees
As part of the sponsorship licence application process, there are various fees that you need to pay. The fee depends on the type of licence you’re applying for and what type of organisation you are.
Type of licence | Fee for small or charitable sponsors | Fee for medium or large sponsors |
---|---|---|
Worker | £536 | £1,476 |
Temporary Worker | £536 | £536 |
Worker and Temporary Worker | £536 | £1,476 |
Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence | No fee | £940 |
Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence | No fee | No fee |
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the most up-to-date information on the UK government's official website before applying for a visa.
How can we help with your sponsorship licence application?
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced business immigration solicitors can assist:
Legal Expertise
We have a deep understanding of UK immigration laws and regulations. We will provide accurate and up-to-date advice, ensuring your sponsorship licence application complies with all legal requirements.
Application Preparation
Our team of immigration solicitors will help you with the selection of the correct type of sponsor licence. We will fill in & submit your sponsor licence application online and prepare a letter of representation to support your application.
Documents Checklist
We will assist in preparing and organising the necessary documentation for the sponsorship licence application. This includes ensuring that all required supporting evidence is gathered and presented in a way that meets the Home Office's standards.
Compliance Check
We will conduct a thorough review of your business and HR system to ensure that it meets the necessary eligibility criteria and is compliant with the sponsor duties outlined by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Advice on Roles and Responsibilities
We will provide guidance on assigning appropriate roles and responsibilities within your organisation to meet the sponsorship requirements. This includes appointing key personnel responsible for managing the sponsorship process.
Responding to Home Office Queries
In case the Home Office requests additional information or raises queries during the application process, our solicitors will help in crafting appropriate and comprehensive responses to address any concerns.
How much do solicitors charge for a sponsorship licence application?
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our immigration lawyer charges a fixed fee between £1000-£1200 for our complete legal services for sponsorship licence application.
The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of the matter and the casework involved in the matter.
Frequently asked questions
Any UK-based employer wishing to hire skilled workers from outside the UK needs to obtain a sponsorship licence. A sponsorship licence is a permission granted by the government that enables businesses to employ individuals from outside the UK.
There are two main types of sponsorship licences in the UK:
- 'Workers' - for skilled or long-term employment
- 'Temporary workers' - for specific types of temporary employment
Yes, you can use the sponsor licence priority service to expedite your application and avoid any delays to your business operations. Please note that there are additional fees associated with the sponsor licence priority service.
Yes, small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for a sponsorship licence. The key is to meet the eligibility criteria, including financial stability and adherence to immigration rules.
Yes, businesses can apply to upgrade or switch their sponsorship licence to accommodate changes in their hiring needs. This process involves submitting a new application with the updated information.
If your application is rejected, you may have the option to review the decision or submit a new application after addressing the reasons for rejection. Seeking professional advice is highly recommended in such cases.
Contact Immigration Solicitors in London
If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.