UK Sponsor Licence for Employers
If your business wants to employ workers from outside the UK, you must hold a valid Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office. UK Visa Assistance guides employers of all sizes through the application process, compliance requirements and ongoing management. Call 0141 496 0321 to speak with a specialist.
Sponsor Licence Requirements
Your business must be a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK. You must have appropriate HR systems to monitor sponsored workers, and you must appoint key personnel: an Authorising Officer, a Key Contact, and a Level 1 User.
Frequently asked questions
The Home Office typically processes Sponsor Licence applications within 8 weeks. There is no priority service available. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.
Sponsors must keep copies of documents for all sponsored workers, report changes in circumstances to the Home Office, maintain a compliant HR system, ensure sponsored workers comply with visa conditions, and cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits.
Yes. The Home Office can downgrade, suspend, or revoke a Sponsor Licence if the sponsor fails to meet duties, employs illegal workers, or provides false information. A compliance visit may be triggered by a complaint or randomly.
A Level 1 User is the person who manages the Sponsor Management System (SMS) on a day-to-day basis. They assign Certificates of Sponsorship, report worker activity, and handle compliance tasks. This is often an HR manager or director.
Audits (compliance visits) can be triggered randomly, by a specific complaint, by patterns in your sponsorship activity, or as part of a renewal assessment. Preparation is essential. UK Visa Assistance offers mock inspection services.
The application fee is £536 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,476 for medium and large sponsors. There is no fee for renewal, but you must apply before your licence expires.
A Sponsor Licence allows you to sponsor workers from outside the UK who need a visa to work. This includes workers on the Skilled Worker route, Global Business Mobility routes, and other work visa categories.
Key documents include proof of business registration (Companies House), HMRC evidence, proof of premises (lease or ownership), employer liability insurance, HR policy documents, and evidence of genuine business activity.