Sponsor Licence Priority Service
Applying for a UK sponsor licence can be a lengthy process; however, if you require a quicker decision, the Sponsor Licence Application Priority Service provides a valuable option.
This premium service from the UK Home Office enables eligible employers to fast-track their sponsor licence applications and receive a decision within 10 working days, rather than waiting the usual 8 weeks or more.
Looking to fast-track your sponsor licence application? Contact Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 and fill out the online contact form today.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Sponsor Licence Priority Service?
- Why Choose the Priority Service for Your Sponsor Licence?
- When Can You Request the Sponsor Licence Priority Service?
- How to Request Priority Service for Your Sponsor Licence
- Key Things to Consider About the Priority Service
- Is The Priority Service Available for All Types of Sponsor Licence Applications?
- Are There Any Limits or Restrictions with the Sponsor Licence Priority Service?
- How Much Does the Priority Service Cost?
- How Long Does a Sponsor Licence Priority Service Take?
- Can Vanguard Solicitors Help with the Priority Service Request?
- Need Help Applying for a Sponsor Licence?
What Is the Sponsor Licence Priority Service?
The sponsor licence priority service allows organisations to expedite their sponsor licence application and receive a decision within 10 working days.
The priority service, also referred to as the pre-licence priority service, is an optional Home Office premium service. By paying an additional fee of £500, you can get a quicker decision on your sponsor licence application within 10 working days instead of the usual 8 weeks.
Why Choose the Priority Service for Your Sponsor Licence?
Choosing the priority service for your sponsor licence means you can get a faster decision from the UK Home Office, usually within 10 working days instead of the usual 8 weeks or more.
This helps your business avoid delays when hiring skilled workers from overseas. It's a great option if you need to speed up the recruitment process and start sponsoring employees sooner.
Here are the main benefits:
- Faster decision times: Get a decision in about 10 working days.
- Reduce recruitment delays: Quickly hire skilled workers without long waits.
- Peace of mind: Know your application is being processed on a priority basis.
However, it's important to remember that the priority service speeds up processing but does not guarantee licence approval.
When Can You Request the Sponsor Licence Priority Service?
You can request the sponsor licence priority service either when you initially apply or after submitting your application, but before a decision is made.
You have two options:
- At the time of submitting your sponsor licence application online.
- After submitting your application, as long as no decision has been made yet.
How to Request Priority Service for Your Sponsor Licence
You can request the priority service for your UK Sponsor Licence either when you first apply or any time after submitting, as long as the decision hasn't been made yet.
Here's how to request priority service for your sponsor licence:
During the Initial Application
- Select the priority service option on the online sponsor licence form.
- Pay the priority service fee of £500 with your application fee.
- Receive payment confirmation on your submission sheet.
After Initial Application
If you have already submitted your application, you can still request the priority service by logging back into your account.
- Log in to your sponsor licence account.
- Go to “Finish incomplete applications” or a similar link.
- Select and pay for the priority service.
- Keep your login details safe.
- Get a separate confirmation for the priority service payment.
Key Things to Consider About the Priority Service
Before using the priority service for your sponsor licence, it's important to understand how it works, who can use it, and its limitations. This helps you set the right expectations and decide if it's the best option for your application.
- Eligibility: The priority service isn't available for every type of sponsor licence application.
- Limited Availability: There's a daily limit on how many priority requests the Home Office can handle, and they work on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Operating Hours: This service runs Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays.
- No Approval Guarantee: Using the priority service speeds up the decision, but doesn't guarantee your application will be approved.
- Complex Applications: If your case is complicated or needs extra checks, it might take longer than 10 working days, even with priority.
Knowing these points can help you decide if the priority service is right for your sponsor licence application.
Is The Priority Service Available for All Types of Sponsor Licence Applications?
No, the priority service is not available for every sponsor licence route. It's important to check eligibility before applying. The service is generally available for main routes like Skilled Worker licences, but may not apply to all sponsorship categories.
Always verify with the UK Home Office or your immigration solicitor to see if your application qualifies.
Are There Any Limits or Restrictions with the Sponsor Licence Priority Service?
Yes, the priority service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and there's a daily limit on how many priority requests can be accepted. It's only available during UK business hours, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays.
While it aims for a decision within 10 working days, this faster processing does not guarantee approval, especially if your application is complex or requires extra checks.
How Much Does the Priority Service Cost?
The priority service costs an additional £500, payable directly to the Home Office alongside your standard sponsor licence application fee. This fee is separate and non-refundable, even if your licence is refused.
How Long Does a Sponsor Licence Priority Service Take?
The pre-licence priority service for sponsor licence applications aims to expedite the processing time to within ten working days for an additional fee of £500.
While this service speeds up processing, it does not guarantee your application will be approved.
Can Vanguard Solicitors Help with the Priority Service Request?
Absolutely. Vanguard Solicitors specialise in UK sponsor licence applications and can guide you through the entire process, including applying for the priority service.
We help ensure your application is correctly completed, advise on fees, and assist with any follow-ups needed to maximise your chances of a quick and successful outcome.
Need Help Applying for a Sponsor Licence?
For expert advice and support with your sponsor licence application, including priority service requests, our legal team is here to help.
Need help with your priority service request? Contact Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 to request your priority service and fast-track your application.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Harrow, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0208 616 5535
- Email us - info@vanguardlaw.co.uk
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - 109 High Street, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 5DL