UK Sponsor Licence Application
For UK employers seeking to hire skilled workers from abroad, a Sponsor Licence application is essential. These licences generally fall under two categories: Worker Licence and Temporary Worker Licence, and the choice depends on the job role in question.
As an employer of foreign workers, several pre- and post-employment responsibilities must be met. Firstly, you must designate company members as representatives. These representatives must hold executive or senior positions within the company and cannot be shareholders.
During the application, you’ll need to demonstrate that your business is legitimate and requires the services of migrant workers. For a smoother application process and increased chances of success, you can seek assistance from Immigration Services.
Sponsor Licence Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Sponsor Licence, the employer must meet certain criteria:
The application process entails providing comprehensive information about your organization. Under the UK’s new immigration system, Resident Labour Market testing is no longer mandatory, but the Home Office may still require evidence to justify the necessity of hiring foreign workers.
Employers can apply for a sponsor licence to hire either regular workers or temporary workers, depending on the nature of the job.
Once the sponsor licence application is approved, the employer must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to each foreign worker. Additionally, the employer is obligated to meet various other responsibilities as an employer of overseas workers.
Types of Sponsor Licences
Worker Sponsor Licences:
The Skilled Worker Visa is for long-term skilled workers with the right to work for at least three years, typically five. Subcategories within the Skilled Worker Visa include:
Temporary Worker Sponsor Licences:
The Temporary Worker Visa applies to skilled workers engaged in temporary employment and is divided into subcategories, including:
Sponsor Licence Application Fees
The Appendix A sponsor licence form must be completed for the application, and the fee depends on the organization’s size:
Sponsorship Management Roles
When applying for a licence, you’ll need to designate individuals within your business to oversee the sponsorship process via the sponsorship management system (SMS). The key roles to fill include:
These roles can be performed by a single individual if necessary. However, at least one Level 1 user must be an employee of the company, while other Level 1 and Level 2 users can be employed by third-party organizations.
All individuals involved in the sponsorship process must undergo specific checks, including an assessment of unspent criminal convictions and any prior reporting to UKVI.
Required Documents for a Sponsor Licence Application
Supporting documents must be submitted to bolster your case. Typically, at least four documents are needed, but the specific requirements vary based on your business’s nature and the vacancy you’re filling. For instance, a Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Worker (Creative Worker Visa) application may necessitate a document confirming endorsement from a relevant sports governing body.
All documentation must be provided within five working days of the online application, preferably in their original form. In some cases, certified documents may be accepted by the Home Office.
Immigration Secure has extensive experience with various sponsor licence applications. With our guidance, we can help you determine which documents are required for your specific sponsor licence application.
Sponsor Licence Rating
Upon approval, your business will receive an A-rated licence and be listed in the register of sponsors. Failure to meet sponsorship duties may lead to a B rating, requiring an action plan costing £1,476 for reinstatement. New certificates of sponsorship cannot be issued until improvements are demonstrated, and an upgrade back to an A rating is achieved.
Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor
As an employer of overseas workers, several responsibilities must be fulfilled before and during employment:
Sponsor Licence Application Rejections
Having a sponsor licence application rejected can be frustrating. Common reasons for rejection include inaccurate or incomplete documents, prior sponsor licence revocations, and failure to provide requested information within the stipulated timeframe. To avoid rejection, working with a qualified immigration solicitor to submit a strong application is recommended, saving both time and money.
How Immigration Secure Can Assist You
Navigating the various visa categories and application procedures can be challenging. Immigration Secure offers expert guidance to help you choose the right Workers Visa category and ensure you meet all specific requirements for a successful application. Our services include comprehensive document checks, assistance with application forms, and the provision of a Letter of Representation to strengthen your case.
To initiate the process of obtaining your Temporary Worker Visa, please reach out to us or make an online enquiry. Our team of professionals is here to guide you through the entire application process.
SPONSOR LICENSE
Frequently Asked Questions
A Sponsor Licence in the UK is required by employers who want to hire foreign workers. It allows them to legally employ workers from abroad and falls under two categories: Worker Licence and Temporary Worker Licence.
To qualify for a Sponsor Licence, employers must meet certain criteria, including having no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offenses and fulfilling sponsorship duties without a history of failure.
There are two main types of Sponsor Licences: Worker Sponsor Licences, which are for long-term skilled workers, and Temporary Worker Sponsor Licences, which are for skilled workers engaged in temporary employment. Each type has subcategories.
The application fee for a Sponsor Licence depends on the size of your organization. Small or charitable sponsors pay £536, while medium or large sponsors pay £1,476. Fees also apply to Temporary Worker and Worker applications.
When applying for a licence, you need to designate key roles within your organization, including a Key Contact, Authorising Officer, and Level 1 User. These roles oversee the sponsorship process via the sponsorship management system (SMS).
Supporting documents are required to strengthen your case, and the specific requirements vary based on your business’s nature and the vacancy you’re filling. Examples include proof of endorsement for certain visas and evidence of the necessary skills and qualifications.
Upon approval, your business will receive an A-rated licence and be listed in the register of sponsors. Failure to meet sponsorship duties may lead to a B rating, which requires an action plan for reinstatement.
Employers must ensure foreign workers possess the required skills and qualifications, only assign Certificates of Sponsorship when eligible, and notify UKVI if an employee fails to comply with visa conditions.
Common reasons for rejection include inaccurate or incomplete documents, previous sponsor licence revocations, and failure to provide requested information within the stipulated timeframe.
To receive guidance and assistance with your sponsor licence application, you can contact Immigration Secure or work with a qualified immigration solicitor to submit a strong application.