Is Getting a Sponsor Licence Difficult?

When Does a UK Business Might Need a Sponsor Licence?

The UK’s immigration system is designed to control the flow of individuals coming to work in the UK from other countries, ensuring that only eligible and qualified individuals can be employed. A sponsor licence is a vital part of this system, enabling UK employers to sponsor individuals for a work visa, thus facilitating their legal employment within the UK.

When a business seeks to sponsor a skilled worker who is a foreign national, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, making a sponsor licence application is typically the first step in the process. The licence demonstrates that the employer is eligible and complies with the UK immigration law and is qualified to hire from abroad and can issue potential employees with a certificate of sponsorship so they can complete their Skilled-Worker Visa Application. 

Are there Different Types of Sponsor Licences?

Is it Hard to Obtain a Sponsor Licence?

Difficulties experienced in acquiring a sponsor licence often stems from how precise one needs to be during the application process. However, it doesn’t have to be hard if the requirements are met, and the correct steps are followed meticulously. 

A well-prepared application is crucial to be successful in the process. Below we discuss the specific requirements. 

Requirement to Get a Sponsor Licence

To obtain a sponsor licence, a UK business must meet several prerequisites designated by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Here are the key requirements detailed:

Eligibility Check:

• The business must be operating legally in the UK.
  
• It should have no record of failing to maintain sponsorship obligations.
  

Genuine Business Test:

• UKVI must be convinced that the business is genuine and has a legitimate requirement for a sponsor licence.
  
• The business should provide evidence of a genuine vacancy that cannot be filled by the local workforce.
  

Appropriate Systems in Place:

• The business must have efficient human resources systems to monitor and manage sponsored employees.
  
• It should be able to comply with the immigration rules and sponsorship responsibilities.
  

Key Personnel:

• Assigning roles such as Key Contact, Authorising Officer, and Level 1 User to trustworthy and competent personnel.
  
• These individuals should not have any unspent criminal convictions or a history of non-compliance with the UKVI’s requirements.
  

Ability to Present Genuine Employment:

• The business should be able to present an authentic job that meets the Tier 2 (General) skill level and appropriate pay rates.
  

Minimum Salary Threshold:

• The job roles offered must meet the minimum salary threshold as set by the UK immigration rules.
  

Employment Records:

• Maintain precise and up-to-date documents of the employees, including their contact details, visa status, and documentation proving their eligibility to work in the UK.
  

Process of Applying for a Sponsor Licence

The application for a sponsor licence involves several steps:

1. Preparation

Assess the need for a sponsor licence and understand the type of licence needed based on the nature of employment and job roles. Also, review and understand the guidance for sponsors the UKVI provides.

2. Online Application:

Fill out the online sponsor licence application form available on the UKVI’s official website. Pay the relevant sponsor licence fee as per the scope of your business and the type of licence you are applying for.

3. Documentation Submission:

Prepare and submit all required supporting documents as specified in the sponsor guidance. Ensure that the records are precise, up-to-date, and reflect the genuineness of your business and the job vacancies.

4. Prepare for Home Office Compliance Visit:

Prepare for a potential visit from the Home Office to check the legitimacy of your application and your business operations. Ensure all documentation, processes, and premises are ready for inspection.

5. Review and Decision:

The UKVI will check the application and the presented documents. They may ask for further details or clarification if necessary.

6. Licence Approval:

Once approved, you’ll be granted a sponsor licence for a period of 4 years. In addition, you will be assigned a rating by the UKVI and access to the online Sponsor Management System (SMS), through which you can manage your sponsorship duties and assign certificates of sponsorship. Note that you will only be able to generate these certificates if you are presented with an A-rated licence. 

To maintain the sponsorship, be sure to continue to comply with the UK immigration law and sponsor duties. Keep accurate records of your sponsored employees and report any changes to the UKVI through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). Failing to fulfil the sponsorship duties may have your licence revoked.