Sponsor Licence (Employers)

Become a UK Sponsor & Hire Global Talent

Apply for a Sponsor Licence to recruit skilled and temporary workers from overseas — then manage them compliantly through the Home Office Sponsor Management System.

What is a Sponsor Licence?

A Sponsor Licence authorises UK employers to sponsor non-UK nationals for work visas by issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). Once granted, the licence is typically valid for up to 4 years and must be renewed before expiry.

🌍 Access global talent
Recruit the skills you need, when you need them.
🧾 Issue CoS
Assign Certificates of Sponsorship for eligible roles.
🖥️ Manage via SMS
Use the Sponsor Management System to stay compliant.

Types of Sponsor Licence

Choose the licence that matches the workers you intend to hire.

🧑‍💻 Skilled Worker
Long-term roles across IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, education and more.
🎭 Temporary Worker
For time-limited roles (e.g., Charity Worker, Creative, Seasonal).
🔁 Intra-company / GBM
Move staff from overseas group entities to the UK (where eligible).

Eligibility for a Sponsor Licence

✅ Legitimate UK business registered with relevant authorities (e.g., Companies House/HMRC).
✅ Good compliance history — no serious immigration or legal breaches.
✅ Robust HR systems to track workers, absences, and visa dates.
✅ Genuine vacancies at eligible skill/Salary levels.
✅ Key personnel appointed: Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User for the Sponsor Management System.
✅ Premises operating with appropriate insurances, payroll and record-keeping.

Documents You’ll Typically Provide

Evidence of legitimacy, finances, and HR capability. We’ll tailor the exact list to your business.

  • ✅ Companies House registration & ownership structure
  • ✅ HMRC evidence (PAYE/VAT where relevant)
  • ✅ Business bank statements / recent accounts
  • ✅ Lease/utility/biz insurance confirming active trading premises
  • ✅ HR policies (right-to-work checks, absences, record keeping)
  • ✅ Sample employment contract / job descriptions / org chart

How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

1) Scope & roles
Confirm licence type(s) and genuine vacancies.
2) Appoint key personnel
Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User.
3) Prepare evidence
Business legitimacy, finances, and HR systems.
4) Apply online
Submit the form and pay the Home Office fee.
5) Upload documents
Provide supporting evidence as requested.
6) Compliance check
Home Office may conduct a pre-licence visit.
7) Decision & setup
Access the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

Processing times vary. Priority services may be available in limited numbers.

Sponsor Licence Fees

🏷️ Small/charitable
Application fee: £536
🏷️ Medium/large
Application fee: £1,476
🧾 Certificate of Sponsorship
CoS assignment fee — charged per worker.
🏫 Immigration Skills Charge
Payable by sponsors for many roles — varies by employer size & years sponsored.

Fees are set by the Home Office and can change; we’ll confirm the correct amounts for your application.

Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor

🧾 Issue CoS correctly
Only for genuine, eligible roles and workers.
📂 Record-keeping
Maintain right-to-work checks, contact details, contracts.
🕒 Monitoring
Track attendance, changes in role, salary and location.
📣 Reporting
Notify the Home Office promptly about reportable changes (e.g., job changes, non-attendance, leavers).
🔐 SMS control
Manage access, keep key personnel up-to-date, safeguard logins.

After You Get Your Licence

✅ Access SMS
Set up users, maintain organisation details.
✅ Assign CoS
Issue certificates to eligible candidates for their visa applications.
✅ Hire & onboard
Complete right-to-work checks and keep records.
✅ Maintain compliance
Meet reporting and monitoring duties; prepare for audits.

Avoid Refusals & Downgrades

❌ Weak HR systems
✔ Put formal right-to-work, absence & record policies in place.
❌ Unclear vacancies
✔ Provide genuine job descriptions, salaries and reporting lines.
❌ Poor evidence
✔ Use up-to-date company docs; ensure addresses & registrations match.
❌ Late reporting
✔ Update SMS promptly for reportable events.

How We Can Help

From eligibility to renewal — practical support that keeps you compliant.

🔎 Eligibility assessment
Confirm the right licence type and roles.
📋 Document preparation
We build a robust evidence pack for submission.
🖊️ Application submission
Accurate forms, fee guidance, and uploads.
🏛️ Audit readiness
HR policy templates, SMS setup & training.
🧭 Ongoing compliance
Reporting reminders and best-practice reviews.
🔁 Renewals & changes
Licence renewal and variations when your business grows.

Why Choose Us?

🧠 Specialist guidance in Sponsor Licences
⚙️ Process made simple — documents, forms, SMS
📈 Proven outcomes with compliant submissions
💬 Transparent fees — clear from the start

Sponsor Licence — FAQs

How long does it take?
Timelines vary; many applications are decided within several weeks. Priority slots may be available at times.
Can a sole trader apply?
Yes, sponsors can be various business types if they meet eligibility and compliance requirements.
Do we need a UK office?
Yes — you must be actively trading in the UK with appropriate records, systems and premises.
What if staff leave?
Update the SMS promptly and keep leaver records; we’ll guide you on reportable events.

Ready to hire global talent? Secure your UK Sponsor Licence with confidence.

We’ll map your route, set up compliant HR systems, and build a strong application—so you can start sponsoring skilled workers quickly and safely.

✅ Readiness & risk check 🧩 HR templates & SMS guidance 🔒 Ongoing compliance support
🧾 Transparent fees
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🤝 No-obligation consultation
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📍 UK-wide support