Employers in the UK must have a current Sponsor Licence from the Home Office in order to hire skilled workers from abroad. Without one, it is illegal for your company to sponsor non-UK nationals through the Global Business Mobility or Skilled Worker pathways.
From document preparation to ensuring compliance after your licence is granted, Adam Bernard Solicitors specialises in helping employers navigate every step of the Sponsor Licence application process.
Types of Sponsor Licence
The Home Office issues two main types of sponsor licence:
- Worker Sponsor Licence – for long-term roles such as Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Minister of Religion, and International Sportsperson.
- Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence – for short-term roles including Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, and Seasonal Worker.
Some businesses may need both licences depending on the type of workers they intend to hire.
Eligibility Requirements
Your company must be a legitimate, legally operational UK business in order to apply for a sponsor licence.
- Establish recruitment and HR procedures to keep an eye on sponsored employees.
- possess no prior convictions for fraud or other similar offences, or immigration violations.
- Select qualified personnel to oversee the licence through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
Skill-Level & Salary Changes (from 22 July 2025)
The UK immigration rules are changing significantly from 22 July 2025.
- Certain jobs that were formerly classified as “medium-skilled” will no longer be eligible for sponsorship unless the employee has continuous skilled worker permission prior to that date.
- Employers are required to pay the going rate for the position or the new minimum salary thresholds, which were implemented in 2024, whichever is higher.
- For some workers who were already sponsored prior to these changes, transitional safeguards are applicable.
Our solicitors will ensure your application meets the updated Home Office criteria.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
You can grant a worker a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) after obtaining your licence.
- Defined CoS: for applications submitted by skilled workers from outside the United Kingdom.
- Undefined CoS: for in-country applications or renewals for skilled workers.
Every CoS needs to be assigned appropriately, with precise job descriptions, compensation, and working conditions; otherwise, your company could face compliance action.
Sponsor Licence Management Roles
- The senior individual in charge of the licensing is known as the Authorising Officer.
- Key Contact: the primary way to get in touch with UKVI.
- Level 1 User: in charge of reporting responsibilities and managing CoS allocations on a daily basis.
We advise businesses on choosing the right individuals and training them to carry out these responsibilities correctly.
Sponsor Licence Renewal
The typical duration of a sponsor licence is four years. You must submit a renewal application before the expiration date if you want to keep sponsoring employees after this time.
We are able to assist you:
- Get the applications for renewal ready.
- Examine the records of compliance.
- Before renewing, be sure that any previous reporting or record-keeping problems have been fixed.
Why Choose Us?
- Attorneys specialising in corporate immigration who have years of expertise applying for sponsor licenses.
- Demonstrated ability to support huge organisations, start-ups, and small businesses.
- Complete assistance, including eligibility verification, renewal, and compliance monitoring.
- Customised guidance on industry-specific sponsorship requirements, transitional regulations, and pay thresholds.
Get Expert Help Today
Whether you are applying for a new Sponsor Licence, renewing an existing one, or need urgent compliance advice, our solicitors are here to help.
Call us on 0207 100 2525 or book an online consultation with Adam Bernard Solicitors today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A UK Sponsor Licence enables UK companies to lawfully employ and sponsor skilled foreign workers through the Temporary Worker or Skilled Worker visa pathways.
Any UK business that wants to employ non-UK nationals (excluding Irish citizens and those with settled/pre-settled status) must first obtain a Sponsor Licence.
You apply online via the UKVI Sponsor Licence portal, submit supporting documents, and pay the relevant fee. UKVI may also conduct a compliance visit before approval.
Your business must be genuine, legally operating in the UK, have no history of immigration breaches, and must have proper HR systems to monitor sponsored workers.
Typical documents include: Companies House registration, VAT certificate, PAYE registration, bank statements, business premises lease, and employer’s liability insurance.
Most applications take around 8 weeks, but you may be able to pay an additional fee for Priority Processing (limited availability).
- Defined CoS: For Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK.
- Undefined CoS: For in-country Skilled Worker extensions or switching visa routes.
Yes. Small businesses and start-ups can apply for a licence if they meet UKVI’s eligibility and compliance requirements. Lower application fees apply for small sponsors.
From 22 July 2025, some “medium-skilled” roles will no longer qualify for sponsorship unless the worker already has continuous Skilled Worker permission. Salary thresholds introduced in 2024 remain in place.
At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we guide UK employers through every step of the Sponsor Licence application. From assessing eligibility to preparing documents and submitting your application to UKVI, our experienced immigration team ensures compliance and reduces the risk of refusal.
Adam Bernard Solicitors assist clients in gathering all necessary documentation, including Companies House registration, PAYE details, business bank statements, lease agreements, and employer liability insurance. We make sure your application is complete and meets UKVI requirements.
The approval process usually takes around 8 weeks, but processing times can vary. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we work efficiently to submit accurate applications and, where possible, advise on priority options to help you start sponsoring overseas workers sooner.
