How Do We Apply for a Sponsor Licence in the UK? A Complete Guide
Apply for a Sponsor Licence in the UK
Applying for a UK Sponsor Licence is an essential step for organisations aiming to hire overseas talent under the Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker, or other visa routes. As approved sponsors, we gain access to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), enabling us to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and legally employ international workers.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process for informational purposes and reflects publicly available requirements from the UK Home Office. If you are under 18, involve a parent/guardian or a qualified adult when exploring legal or immigration matters.
Understanding the UK Sponsor Licence System
The sponsor licence system authorises employers to recruit non-UK residents. It is overseen by the Home Office UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Types of licences include:
Worker Licence: For long-term employment (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).
Temporary Worker Licence: For short-term contracts or sector-specific routes such as creative, charity, or seasonal workers.
We must choose the correct licence based on our workforce planning. In some cases, we can apply for both to broaden recruitment options.
Key Eligibility Requirements for Employers
Before applying, we ensure our organisation meets the following criteria:
We are a genuine organisation lawfully operating in the UK.
We have no history of immigration non-compliance, criminal convictions, or civil penalties for employing illegal workers.
We have robust HR systems to monitor staff, maintain records, and report changes to UKVI.
We can offer roles that meet visa skill and salary thresholds, including minimum salary levels for Skilled Worker visas.
These requirements apply to limited companies, sole traders, charities, partnerships, and other recognised structures.
Required Documentation for a Sponsor Licence Application
We prepare at least four core documents depending on business structure. Common examples include:
Employer’s liability insurance certificate (£5 million minimum coverage)
Latest corporate bank statements
VAT registration certificate
Certificate of incorporation
HMRC registration evidence (PAYE and accounts office number)
Audited or certified annual accounts
Additional evidence may be needed for regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare, education). We always verify the most updated document list directly from government guidance.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UK Sponsor Licence
1. Assess Staffing Needs and Select Licence Type
We determine the visa route and job categories we plan to sponsor, ensuring roles meet:
RQF level requirements (usually RQF Level 3+ for Skilled Worker)
Salary minimums set by the Home Office
2. Assign Key Personnel and SMS Roles
We must appoint suitable individuals to manage the licence through the SMS. These roles include:
Authorising Officer: senior decision-maker accountable for compliance.
Key Contact: liaison between our organisation and UKVI.
Level 1 User: day-to-day SMS administrator.
All personnel must pass background checks and have no disqualifying history.
3. Complete and Submit the Online Application
Using the official government portal, we:
Submit the online form with accurate organisational details.
Upload supporting documents within 5 working days.
Pay the fee based on size and type of business.
Current fees (subject to change):
Small or charitable sponsors: around £536
Medium/large sponsors: around £1,476
4. Prepare for a Compliance Visit (if requested)
The Home Office may conduct an on-site or virtual audit to confirm:
HR and record-keeping systems are compliant.
Workers are genuine and roles align to visa standards.
Right-to-work checks are properly maintained.
Passing this assessment is crucial to avoid refusal.
5. Await Decision
Standard processing times average up to 8 weeks, with optional priority services sometimes available.
Once approved, we receive:
Sponsor Licence Rating (usually A-Rating)
Access to Sponsorship Management System
Ability to assign Certificates of Sponsorship
Sponsor Licence Ratings Explained
| Rating | Meaning | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| A-Rating | Fully compliant sponsor | Full access to sponsor workers |
| B-Rating | Some concerns identified | Action plan required to regain A-rating |
If downgraded, we must follow the Home Office’s Action Plan before sponsoring new workers.
Post-Approval Responsibilities and Compliance
Holding a licence requires continuous compliance. We must:
Conduct right to work checks
Keep accurate records of foreign workers
Monitor attendance and report unexplained absences
Notify UKVI of changes (address, management, company structure, job role changes)
Failure to comply can lead to:
Licence downgrade or suspension
Financial penalties
Revocation, ending ability to sponsor workers
Renewing a Sponsor Licence
Licences last 4 years. To continue hiring overseas workers, we must:
Apply for renewal before expiry
Submit updated documentation
Demonstrate continued compliance
Failing to renew results in automatic licence expiration.
Common Reasons Sponsor Licence Applications Are Refused
We review common pitfalls to avoid delays or refusal:
Missing or incorrect documentation
Insufficient HR systems
Unregistered business premises
Previous unlawful employment of migrants
Job roles not meeting skill or salary criteria
Refusals cannot be appealed but can sometimes be re-applied after a cooling-off period, depending on the refusal reason.
Final Thoughts on Sponsor Licence Applications
Obtaining a UK Sponsor Licence allows organisations to confidently hire global talent in compliance with immigration law. The process involves detailed preparation, accurate documentation, and ongoing compliance, but the benefits can significantly boost access to skills, innovation, and workforce diversity.
If you are under 18 and learning about immigration or business for school or personal interest, this guide is safe to use for knowledge. For actual applications or legal decisions, always involve a parent/guardian or qualified immigration adviser.
Comments