Discover the steps your business needs to take to obtain a Sponsorship License in the UK.
If you’re a business owner looking to scale your operations globally by accessing the widest pool of talent and sponsoring migrant workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) – including the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway – a Sponsorship Licence is what you need.
This licence aims to regulate sponsorship and bring in skilled workers from overseas when UK businesses cannot fill vacancies with resident workers.
To obtain a Sponsorship Licence, employers must demonstrate that they have adequate HR systems in place and can financially support any workers they sponsor. The Home Office issues licences that last for up to four years.
The Sponsorship Licence aims to benefit the UK economy by filling important job vacancies while protecting resident workers and preventing abuse, such as illegal work.
Contact us to learn how Pearson Locke Solicitors can open the door to global opportunities while keeping your business compliant.
There are two main categories under which UK sponsorship licences can be held:
Tier 2 visa sponsorship allows employers to hire skilled migrant workers on a permanent or long-term basis. This includes roles that require a certain level of education, experience, or training.
Tier 5 sponsorship covers the temporary deployment of migrant staff. These positions are usually time-limited roles to complete a specific task or project, such as an internship, training opportunity, or creative/arts activity.
Typically, sponsorship licence applications are completed within an 8-week standard processing period once submitted to the Home Office. However, this timeframe can vary depending on application volume and complexity.
For organisations requiring a faster decision, Pearson Locke offers a premium service, allowing applications to be prioritized and fast-tracked ahead of others. By paying an additional expedited processing fee, we aim to secure licence approval in a short period subject to suitability based on the Home Office guidance.
The types of eligible businesses generally include large or medium employers, small companies partnering with endorsing bodies, creative or research projects with public funding support, and the UK branches of multinational corporations. Here are the key criteria for UK business eligibility for a Sponsorship Licence:
Companies must have genuine job vacancies that suit the migrant workers being sponsored.
Sponsorship is for legitimate, actively trading businesses with a real presence in the UK. Start-ups and speculative roles generally cannot sponsor.
Companies must have genuine job vacancies that suit the migrant workers being sponsored.
Companies must have genuine job vacancies that suit the migrant workers being sponsored.
Companies need to operate from real, stable business premises in the UK rather than virtual offices.
Applicants with a history of breaching UK laws, including immigration offences, will likely be declined.
It’s important to include all necessary details in your sponsorship licence application to avoid potential delays or rejections. Below are the key areas the UK Home Office will want to see covered
Explain why you need the ability to hire overseas talent.
Provide an overview of your industry, operating hours, organizational structure, number of employees, etc.
Include a list of specific job titles/roles you aim to fill through sponsorship, along with required qualifications.
Outline your recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for sponsored employees.
Request the number of CoS you anticipate using over the licence term based on expected hires.
Demonstrate your company can support staff salary and compliance duties associated with sponsorship.
Submit necessary documents like equal opportunities and anti-discrimination policies.
Expert Solicitors at Pearson Locke handle everything from initial advice to licence maintenance.
Here are the key documents needed for a Sponsorship Licence application:
With Pearson Locke’s expertise, employers can be confident all essential documentation is thoroughly prepared, meets the Home Office criteria, and increases their chances of swift licence approval.
Get in touch today if you require any assistance with your application process.
Applying for a sponsorship licence yourself can be time-consuming and confusing. Pearson Locke simplifies the process and guides you through each step.
If this criterion is satisfactorily met, you will receive confirmation that your sponsorship licence has been approved. We will then help you access the new sponsorship management system and certify sponsorships for the initial 4-year validity period.
The first step is to designate an Authorising Officer who will understand the case requirements and compliance responsibilities fully.
Next, we assist you in gathering all necessary documents, such as registration, recent financial accounts, and details of your existing HR and immigration processes.
Once prepared, we will submit your online application to the Home Office along with the upfront payment.
Once prepared, we will submit your online application to the Home Office along with the upfront payment.
If the Home Office requests additional documentation or clarification during verification, we will work closely with your assigned caseworker to address any outstanding items efficiently.
Over 90% of our clients are approved for licenses, thanks to our proven application methods and track record.
Over 90% of our clients are approved for licenses, thanks to our proven application methods and track record.
On average, we submit fully compliant applications within 4 weeks of onboarding.
If your application is unsuccessful for any reason, you pay nothing for our services.
Our sponsorship consultants have over 15 years combined experience in navigating Home Office regulations to clients’ advantage.
We offer a bespoke service tailored to your company’s individual needs at every step of the sponsorship process.
As your ongoing licence partners, we provide regular updates and help to ensure continuous immigration compliance.
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Pearson Locke Law is a trading name for Pearson Locke Limited which is a Limited Company registered in England and Wales with the registered number 12851925 and it is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under the SRA Number 807786 A list of directors of Pearson Locke Law is available for inspection at the registered office. Registered office: Suite 2014c, City Tower, 20th Floor Piccadilly Plaza, New York Street, Manchester, England, M1 4BT
