Sponsorship Licence Requirements UK

Need a UK Sponsorship Licence? Find out the eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, fees, and compliance duties to sponsor foreign workers.

Getting a sponsor licence UK helps your business grow and lets you hire skilled workers from abroad. This guide covers everything employers need to know about obtaining a sponsor licence.

For help with sponsorship licence applications, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700. We can give you advice on getting and keeping your sponsor licence.

What is a sponsorship licence?

A UK sponsorship licence is a permit issued by the Home Office that allows UK-based employers to legally hire and sponsor foreign skilled workers.

This licence ensures that businesses meet specific criteria and compliance requirements, including verifying job roles, skill levels, and salary standards, to employ foreign talent.

Eligibility Criteria for Employers

Before applying for a sponsorship licence, employers must meet certain eligibility criteria:

• Your business must be operating legally in the UK.
• You must demonstrate that your business is financially stable.
• The jobs you offer must meet specific skill and salary requirements.
• You must have appropriate HR systems to manage and monitor sponsored employees.
• Your business should not have any unspent criminal convictions.
• Key personnel should not have any unspent criminal convictions.

To obtain a sponsor licence and hire foreign skilled workers, employers must demonstrate their ability to meet these requirements.

If you're uncertain whether your business qualifies, seek expert advice. For assistance, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Requirements for sponsorship licence

Getting a sponsorship licence in the UK has several key steps.

Proper Organisational Structure

First, you must set up a proper organisational structure. This includes choosing a Level 1 User who is crucial for managing your sponsor licence and following the rules.

Genuine Vacancy

You must prove you have a real job opening. This shows you really need sponsorship and that your UK business is real. Also, you need to show your workers are skilled enough. You should have documents that prove you follow the Home Office rules.

Role and Job Requirements

The job role you are sponsoring must be genuine and meet the required skill level (typically at RQF Level 3 or above for Skilled Worker Visas).

The job must meet the UK's salary requirements, which can vary depending on the type of visa and role.

Appropriate HR Systems in Place

You must have effective human resource and recruitment systems to monitor and manage sponsored employees.

In short, knowing the sponsorship licence requirements UK is key for employers wanting to hire workers from abroad. For help or more info, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700. We can help you with the process and make sure your business meets all the rules.

Sponsorship Licence Obligations

Employers with a sponsorship licence have many duties to follow. It's key to know these duties to avoid fines and keep your licence. This helps your business run smoothly.

Compliance with Home Office Regulations

Your organisation must meet Home Office standards. This means making sure sponsored workers do real jobs in your company. Keeping up with audits and checks helps you follow the sponsorship licence obligations. This keeps your right to be a sponsor safe.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Keeping good records is vital for sponsor compliance UK. You need to have all the details of your sponsored workers. This includes their personal info, visa papers, and any job-related talks. Good records help you stay compliant and answer Home Office questions easily.

• Employee personal details
• Visa documentation
• Contract of employment
• Attendance records
• Any reports to the Home Office

If you don't keep up with these rules, you could lose your sponsorship licence. For help with your duties, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Sponsor Licence Compliance

The Home Office demands strict checks and reports to make sure rules are followed. Regular audits and site visits are crucial parts of this process. They check if employers are doing their job well.

Employers need to know the risks of not following the rules. Breaking the rules can lead to big fines or even losing your sponsorship licence. So, it's vital to keep good records and report any changes about your sponsored workers quickly.

• Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence
• Implement strict record-keeping protocols
• Stay informed about changes in Home Office regulations
• Prepare for possible site visits and audits

If you need help with staying compliant, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700. Our team knows how to help you with your sponsor duties.

Types of Sponsorship Licences

There are two main types of sponsorship licences:

1. Workers - for skilled or long-term employment
2. Temporary workers - for specific types of temporary employment

Worker licence

A 'Worker' licence enables you to sponsor individuals for various types of skilled employment. The duration of the skilled work can be short-term, long-term, or permanent, depending on the worker's visa.

The Worker Licence supports several visa categories, including:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa
• Minister of Religion
• International Sportsperson

To obtain a 'Worker' licence, employers must demonstrate that their job roles meet the UK's skill and salary requirements and that they have appropriate systems in place for managing sponsored employees.

Temporary Worker licence

A 'Temporary Worker' licence allows you to sponsor individuals for temporary roles, including volunteering and job shadowing. This licence is available only for certain types of employment and visas, such as:

• Scale-up Worker
• Creative Worker
• Charity Worker
• Religious Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange
• International Agreement
• Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility)
• Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility)
• UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility)
• Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility)
• Seasonal Worker

Each type of licence has specific requirements and conditions, so employers need to choose the one that best suits their needs and the roles they are looking to fill.

Sponsorship Licence Application Process

The process to get a sponsorship licence to bring workers from abroad to the UK has several important steps. It's key to know these steps well to apply for a sponsorship licence in the UK correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Application

To apply for a sponsorship licence, follow these steps:

• Determine Licence Type: Choose between a Worker Licence and a Temporary Worker Licence based on your business needs and the type of roles you are looking to fill.
• Preparation: Collect needed documents like proof of your business, HR details, and why you need a licence.
• Online Application: Complete the online form on the government website. Make sure all the information is true and accurate.
• Fee Payment: Pay the licence fee, which depends on your company's size and licence type.
• Assign Key Personnel: Assign key roles within your organisation, such as Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User.
• Compliance Visits: The Home Office may conduct compliance visits to ensure you are adhering to the sponsorship duties. Be prepared for these visits by maintaining proper documentation and records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Sponsorship Licence

Knowing common mistakes can boost your application's success. Avoid these errors:

• Missing documents: Make sure you have all the papers needed.
• Wrong info: Check your details carefully to avoid mistakes.
• Not showing you can meet sponsorship duties.
• Not knowing what you must do after applying.

If you need help with your sponsorship licence application, get in touch with experts. Wembley Solicitors can be reached at 0203 417 3700 for guidance on applying for a sponsorship licence in the UK.

Documents Required for Sponsor Licence Application

When you're applying for a sponsor licence, knowing what documents you need is key. Each document has a special role. It helps the Home Office check if your organisation is genuine and follows the sponsorship licence requirements UK.

Here's a list of the main documents you'll need:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Proof of business registration with Companies House
• Recent financial statements or accounts
• Proof of tax payments (e.g., PAYE, VAT returns)
• Lease agreement or property ownership documents
• Utility bills (e.g., electricity, water) to confirm the business address
• Confirmation that the business and its key personnel have no unspent criminal convictions.
• Evidence of your HR systems for monitoring and managing sponsored employees
• Recruitment policies and procedures
• Information about the individuals who will hold key roles, such as the Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User
• Evidence of their roles and responsibilities within the organisation
• Proof of adequate insurance coverage, if applicable
• Confirmation of payment for the application fee

You may need to provide additional documents depending on the type of business and your circumstances.

How Much Does a Sponsor Licence Cost in the UK?

The sponsor licence fee varies depending on the company's size and any concessions. Small or charitable sponsors pay £536, while medium or large sponsors pay £1,476.

Employers should also plan for extra costs during the visa application. These might include:

• Immigration Skills Charge
• Healthcare Surcharge for the Worker
• Legal Fees

Immigration Skills Charge

£1,000 for medium or large sponsors, and £364 for small or charitable sponsors for the initial 12 months. For each subsequent 6-month period, the fee is £182 for small or charitable sponsors and £500 for medium or large sponsors

Healthcare Surcharge for the Worker

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must pay the healthcare surcharge, typically £1,035 per year. This fee helps cover access to the National Health Service.

Legal Fees

Due to the complexity of the Certificate of Sponsorship process, it's advisable to hire an experienced immigration solicitor.

At Wembley Solicitors, our legal fees range from £1,000 to £1,500, with the exact amount varying based on the complexity of the case.

By considering all these costs, you can plan well for the total certificate of sponsorship cost. For more help or details on these fees, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Business Immigration Solicitors for Sponsor Licence Application

Getting a sponsorship licence can be complex, and Wembley Solicitors is here to help. It's crucial to know what you need for the licence in the UK. Our team knows the rules well, making sure your application is done right.

Our highly experienced team of business immigration solicitors in Wembley, London will assist you through the process of making a sponsor licence application.

Business immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

• assess your eligibility and advise you about the requirements
• advise you about who the key personnel should be
• advise you about how to remain compliant and the employer's duties
• provide you with a comprehensive checklist of supporting documents
• help you to choose the correct type of sponsor licence
• prepare and submit the sponsor licence application online
• do all the follow-up work on your sponsor licence application until a decision is received from the UKVI.

Contact our immigration solicitors in London on 0203 417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for legal advice and help with your sponsor licence application.

How to contact business immigration solicitors

If you require a solicitor to obtain or manage a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), Call our business immigration solicitors today at 0203 417 3700.