Sponsor Licence Application

If your business wants to employ skilled workers from outside the UK, you'll need a Sponsor Licence. This licence, granted by the UK Home Office, gives your organisation permission to sponsor foreign workers under work visa routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Get your UK Sponsor Licence in 2025 with ease. This guide outlines how to apply for a Sponsor Licence, including requirements, documents, fees, and timeline.

Vanguard Solicitors' specialist business immigration lawyers help UK businesses with all aspects of a UK Sponsor Licence, from application to compliance visit.

To get help with a UK Sponsor Licence application, you can contact our specialist immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or email info@vanguardlaw.co.uk.

Table of Contents

What is a Sponsor Licence?

A Sponsor Licence is an official permission from the UK Home Office that allows UK employers to sponsor skilled workers from outside the UK.

Once approved, you can assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to qualifying candidates so they can apply for a UK Work visa.

The Sponsor Licence is valid indefinitely for most sponsor categories, and businesses no longer need to renew it unless otherwise specified.

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record issued by a UK licensed sponsor to a foreign worker, allowing them to apply for a UK work visa.

This certificate isn't a physical document but an electronic record with a unique number that the worker uses to apply for their UK work visa.

When you hire a foreign worker under the UK's sponsor licence scheme, you must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each overseas employee.

Once assigned, the worker has three months to use this certificate to submit their visa application. It's important they don't apply earlier than three months before their job's official start date as listed on the CoS.

This process ensures that every sponsored worker has the right paperwork to work legally in the UK, helping your business stay compliant with Home Office rules.

How to Check if a Company Has a Sponsor Licence

The easiest way to verify if a company holds a UK Sponsorship Licence is to check the publicly available Register of Licensed Sponsors on the GOV.UK website.

Download the list and search for the company name using “Ctrl + F” (or “Cmd + F” on Mac). You'll be able to see the licence type, rating, and location of the business.

The Register of Licensed Sponsors, maintained by the Home Office, lists all UK organisations licensed to sponsor workers under the Worker and Temporary Worker visa routes.

What Are the Different Types of UK Sponsor Licence?

The Worker licence and the Temporary Worker licence are the two main types of sponsor licences for UK businesses employing foreign skilled workers.

When applying for a Sponsor Licence in the UK, the type you require depends on the roles you intend to fill.

1. Worker licence

A 'Worker' licence gives your business the flexibility to employ skilled overseas workers on short-term or long-term visas, based on your needs.

The 'Worker' licence covers visa categories like:

• Skilled Worker: For roles that meet specific job suitability criteria.
• Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility): For multinational companies transferring key employees to the UK (formerly Intra-company Transfer).
• Minister of Religion: For individuals coming to work in religious organisations.
• International Sportsperson: For elite athletes and coaches based in the UK.

These routes are suitable for permanent or long-term roles.

2. Temporary Worker licence

A 'Temporary Worker' licence allows UK employers to hire overseas workers for short-term roles, including volunteering, internships, or specific job placements.

The 'Temporary Worker' licence covers visa categories like:

• Scale-up Worker: For staff joining a fast-growing UK business.
• Creative Worker: For entertainers, artists, and creatives (up to 2 years).
• Charity Worker: For unpaid voluntary roles with a UK charity (up to 1 year).
• Religious Worker: For individuals working in religious organisations (up to 2 years).
• Government Authorised Exchange: For short-term work experience, research, or training (1–2 years).
• International Agreement: For roles covered under international law, like foreign government employees.
• Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility): For overseas graduates on structured training placements in the UK.
• Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility): For overseas workers delivering a contract to a UK business (6–12 months).
• UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility): For employees setting up a UK branch of an overseas company.
• Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility): For overseas staff seconded to a UK business under a high-value contract.
• Seasonal Worker: For short-term roles in horticulture (up to 6 months) or poultry (from 18 October to 31 December).

You may apply for either or both types of licence, depending on your hiring needs. Each licence allows your business to legally sponsor overseas workers for the appropriate visa categories.

Need help choosing the right sponsor licence? Vanguard Solicitors in London can guide you through the entire application process. Call us on 0208 616 5535 for tailored immigration advice.

Requirements for a UK Sponsor Licence

To get a Sponsor Licence, UK employers must confirm their business is genuine, running in the UK, and equipped to carry out sponsorship duties effectively.

Avoid rejection by ensuring your business meets key sponsor licence eligibility criteria, including:

• Being a genuine and legally operating UK business
• Having a reliable HR and compliance system
• Demonstrating a genuine need for overseas skilled workers
• Appointing key personnel (e.g. Level 1 User)
• No unspent criminal convictions
• Submitting the correct supporting documents
• Commitment to comply with sponsor duties throughout the licence period

For a quick eligibility check and to see if your business meets the Sponsor Licence requirements, call our sponsorship licence solicitors at 0208 616 5535 now.

Supporting Documents for Sponsor Licence Application

When applying for a UK sponsor licence, your business must submit specific supporting documents as outlined in the Home Office's Sponsor Guidance Appendix A.

You will need to provide:

• Recent business bank statements
• VAT registration certificate (if applicable)
• PAYE and Accounts Office references from HMRC
• Certificate of incorporation (for limited companies)
• Proof of business premises (lease, ownership, or utility bill)
• Latest audited or unaudited accounts
• Employer's liability insurance (£5 million minimum cover)
• Professional indemnity insurance (if applicable)
• Organisational chart showing key personnel
• Signed submission sheet from online application
• HR policies and procedures
• HR system for right-to-work checks and absence tracking

Additional documents might be needed based on your business type and the Skilled Worker route you're applying under. Check out our comprehensive list of supporting documents for a Sponsor Licence application.

How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence in the UK

Applying for a UK sponsor licence involves several key steps that ensure your business is eligible to hire overseas workers under the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker routes.

1. Check If Your Business Is Eligible

Before you begin, make sure your organisation is a genuine and legally operating business in the UK. You must also have appropriate systems in place to manage sponsored workers and meet all compliance duties.

2. Choose the Right Type of Licence

You can apply for a Worker Licence, Temporary Worker Licence, or both, depending on the roles you want to sponsor. For example, Skilled Worker visas fall under the Worker Licence category.

3. Appoint Key Personnel

You'll need to nominate people within your organisation to manage your sponsor licence through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). This includes roles like the Authorising Officer and Level 1 User.

You'll need to assign specific roles within your business to manage the sponsor licence:

• Authorising Officer: Usually, a senior person responsible for recruitment, such as an HR manager or company director. They are legally responsible for compliance.
• Level 1 User: This person will manage the online Sponsor Management System (SMS), report changes and assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Key Contact: Your main point of contact with the Home Office.

Initially, the Level 1 user must be someone within your organisation. After your licence is granted, you can appoint others, including legal representatives.

4. Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Gather and submit all required documents. such as proof of business premises, employer liability insurance, and HMRC registration. These are outlined in the Sponsor Guidance Appendix A.

5. Submit Your Online Application

Complete the Sponsor Licence application online and pay the correct fee, depending on your organisation's size and the type of licence you're applying for.

6. Send Your Supporting Documents

After submitting the application, you'll need to email or post your documents and signed submission sheet to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) within 5 working days.

If you don't provide the required mandatory documents, your sponsor licence application will be automatically rejected, no exceptions.

7. Wait for a decision

UKVI usually processes sponsor licence applications within 8 weeks, although a priority service may be available for faster decisions.

Need help with your sponsor licence application? Call Vanguard Solicitors now on 0208 616 5535 for expert guidance and boost the chance of success.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Sponsor Licence?

The standard processing time for a sponsor licence is up to 8 weeks. However, some applications are approved within 4 to 6 weeks if everything's in order.

If you need an urgent decision, choose the pre-licence priority service (if available) to get a faster decision within just 10 working days.

The pre-licence priority service costs an additional £500, which is paid to the Home Office alongside your standard sponsor licence application fee.

How Long is a Sponsor Licence Valid?

As of April 2024, sponsor licences no longer need to be renewed. However, the Home Office can suspend or revoke your licence if you fail to meet your sponsorship duties.

Where Can I Find My Sponsor Licence Number?

Once your sponsor licence is approved, the Home Office will issue a unique Sponsor Licence Number. You'll find this in your decision letter and on the online Sponsor Management System (SMS).

How Much Does a Sponsor Licence Application Cost?

The Sponsor Licence application fee is £574 for small or charitable sponsors, and £1,579 for medium or large organisations. The fee depends on the type of licence you're applying for and the size of your organisation.

These fees are paid directly to the Home Office when submitting your online application. It's important to make sure your business qualifies as a small or charitable sponsor to benefit from the lower rate.

If you're unsure which fee applies to your organisation or need help managing your application, Vanguard Solicitors can guide you every step of the way. Call us today on 0208 616 5535 for expert legal advice on sponsor licences.

Are You a Small or Charitable Sponsor?

You're likely considered a small sponsor if two of the following apply:

• Annual turnover is £10.2 million or less
• Total assets are worth £5.1 million or less
• You have 50 employees or fewer

You're a charitable sponsor if you're registered with the Charity Commission in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, or have HMRC confirmation of charitable status.

What Are Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor?

Holding a sponsor licence comes with important responsibilities that you need to follow carefully. As a sponsor, you must stay on top of your duties to keep your licence valid and avoid any penalties from the Home Office. Here's what you need to do:

• Keep detailed and accurate records of all your sponsored workers
• Regularly check and monitor their immigration status
• Report any important changes like job role, salary, or if a worker leaves
• Maintain your HR systems to ensure they meet compliance standards
• Understand that sponsorship is a privilege, and the Home Office takes any non-compliance seriously

Following these responsibilities helps your business stay compliant and supports your ability to continue sponsoring skilled workers from abroad.

What Is a Sponsor Licence Rating?

When your business is approved for a UK Sponsor Licence, the Home Office assigns you a rating, either an A-rating or a B-rating.

An A-rating means you're fully compliant and trusted to sponsor workers. It's the rating all new sponsors start with.

If you fail to meet your sponsor duties, your rating may be downgraded to a B-rating, which means limited sponsorship ability until you improve and regain an A-rating. Maintaining an A-rating is crucial to keep sponsoring skilled workers without disruption.

If you need help maintaining or regaining your Sponsor Licence rating, speak to our expert sponsor licence solicitors on 0208 616 5535.

We provide tailored legal advice and full support with compliance, audits, or challenging issues with your rating. Let us help you stay compliant and confident.

What Happens If Your Sponsor Licence Application Is Refused?

If your UK Sponsor Licence application is refused, there's no right of appeal, the fee won't be refunded, and a 6–12 month cooling-off period applies. However, if the refusal was due to a Home Office error, you can ask for it to be reviewed through an error correction request.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. No Right of Appeal

Unfortunately, you cannot directly appeal a sponsor licence refusal like you might with other immigration decisions.

2. Request an Error Correction

If you believe the Home Office made a mistake or overlooked important evidence, you can ask for an error correction within 14 days of the refusal. This isn't a full appeal but a chance for the Home Office to review their decision based on the clear evidence you provide.

3. Judicial Review

If you think the refusal was unlawful or unfair, you can apply for a judicial review. This is a legal process where a judge examines the Home Office's decision. Keep in mind that this can be complex, costly, and usually requires expert legal advice.

4. Cooling-Off Period Before Reapplying

Typically, a cooling-off period applies before you can submit a new sponsor licence application. This period often lasts around 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on why your application was refused. When you do reapply, it's crucial to fully address the reasons for the initial refusal to improve your chances of success.

5. Other Options to Consider

If possible, you might hire workers who do not require sponsorship immediately. Seek professional help from specialist immigration solicitors who can review your case, explain the refusal reasons, and guide you on the best way forward.

How Our Sponsorship Licence Solicitors Can Help Your Business

At Vanguard Solicitors, our dedicated sponsorship licence solicitors are here to make the process straightforward and stress-free.

Whether you're applying for a Sponsor Licence for the first time or need ongoing support managing your existing licence, we offer tailored legal advice to suit your business needs.

Our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the process, from your initial application to meeting ongoing compliance duties set by the Home Office.

We'll help you prepare the correct documentation, put compliant HR systems in place, and ensure your business is ready for a successful outcome.

Our Sponsorship Licence Services Include:

• Applying for a new Sponsor Licence
• Preparing and reviewing all required documents
• Ensuring ongoing compliance with Home Office rules
• Managing your Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
• Issuing Certificates of Sponsorship to skilled workers
• Advising on Skilled Worker visa applications
• Assisting with sponsor licence refusals, revocations, and appeals

Our sponsorship licence solicitors in Harrow, London, have a proven track record of supporting UK businesses across all industries. Whether you're a startup or a large organisation, we provide clear, practical legal guidance to help you stay compliant and confident in your hiring process.

For legal advice and assistance with your Sponsor Licence application, call Vanguard Solicitors now on 0208 616 5535 or fill out our online contact form.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sponsorship Licence Solicitor?

Our sponsorship licence solicitors charge a fixed fee between £1,200 and £1,500 (plus VAT) for full legal support with your sponsor licence application.

This covers expert legal support from start to finish, including assessing your eligibility, preparing a strong application, guiding you through the process, and helping you stay compliant with Home Office requirements.

Need Assistance with Your Sponsor Licence Application?

If you need help with your Sponsor Licence application, contact our expert sponsorship licence solicitor in London today at 0208 616 5535 or complete our online enquiry form.