If you want to employ someone who doesn't have the right to work in the UK — for example, hiring from overseas on a Skilled Worker visa — you need a sponsor licence from the Home Office. Without one, you cannot sponsor visa applications.
Types of Sponsor Licence
- Worker licence — for employing skilled workers, senior or specialist workers, ministers of religion, and sportspeople
- Temporary worker licence — for charity workers, creative and sporting workers, seasonal workers, and others on temporary routes
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a genuine UK employer operating lawfully
- You must have appropriate HR systems to monitor sponsored employees
- You must appoint key personnel — an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User
- You must not have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other offences
- You must be able to offer genuine roles that meet the skill level and salary thresholds
Application Process
- Check your organisation meets the eligibility criteria
- Complete the online application on the GOV.UK sponsorship portal
- Pay the licence fee (currently £536 for small sponsors, £1,476 for medium/large)
- Submit supporting documents (company registration, employer's liability insurance, etc.)
- The Home Office may conduct a compliance visit before or after granting the licence
- Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks
Ongoing Duties
Holding a sponsor licence comes with significant reporting duties. You must report changes to sponsored workers' circumstances, keep records, and comply with all immigration rules. Failure to comply can result in your licence being downgraded, suspended, or revoked.
Need help with sponsor licence compliance? Our compliance audit service covers immigration obligations. Get in touch.