Sponsor licence: requirements, process and case study.

What is a Sponsor Licence?

In the UK, a sponsor licence is crucial for businesses that want to employ skilled workers from overseas. A sponsor licence allows organisations to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to these international employees, making it possible for them to apply for a visa to work in the UK.

Emigral specialises in assisting companies of all sizes and industries through the sponsor licence application process, helping them understand and meet complex Home Office requirements efficiently.

Sponsor Licence Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a sponsor licence, an organisation must be a bona fide business that is actively trading and legally registered in the UK. This requirement applies to all types of business structures, from Public Limited Companies and limited companies to partnerships and sole proprietorships. Startups and recently established businesses (less than 18 months old) are also eligible to apply but must present a UK corporate bank account regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) as proof of financial legitimacy.

Key Documents Required for a Sponsor Licence

The Home Office requires specific documents to support a sponsor licence application, though the exact requirements can vary depending on the business type. Emigral’s experienced team provides customised checklists for each client to improve document gathering. Here are some commonly required documents for sponsor licence applications:

1. Lease Agreement for Premises - A lease that verifies the business’s UK location.

2.  HMRC Registration - Evidence of registration with HM Revenue & Customs to pay PAYE and National Insurance contributions.

3. Corporate Bank Statement - A recent statement from a reputable UK bank.

4. Employer’s Liability Insurance - Coverage of at least £5 million from an authorised insurer.

5. Organisational Chart - For businesses with fewer than 50 employees, a hierarchy chart showing key personnel is often required.

To meet Home Office standards, applicants typically need to provide at least four documents from the Home Office’s list.

Why Document Requirements Vary – A Successful Case Study

Every sponsor licence application is unique, with document requirements varying based on the nature of the business. Recently, Emigral assisted an educational charity that provides accredited qualifications across sectors like health and social care, education, and skills for employment. Due to the organisation’s charitable status, additional documentation was required to verify legal registrations specific to their field, which added complexity to the application. Our team worked closely with them to meet these unique requirements.

Why Timeframes Matter?

Processing times for sponsor licence applications can vary based on several factors, and planning ahead is critical. For standard applications, a consideration period is up to eight weeks. For those with more immediate needs, a Priority Service option is available for an additional £500, aiming for a decision within 10 working days. However, delays may still occur due to application volume or unique circumstances.

Once a sponsor licence is granted, organisations must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to their prospective employee, which also requires adequate processing time.

This educational charity urgently needed a sponsor licence to retain an employee whose Graduate Visa was nearing expiration. With the deadline approaching, Emigral’s team acted swiftly to complete the process on time, allowing the business to secure this valuable team member. As a result, the company was able to issue the CoS, making sure the employee applies for visa on time before the expiration of the current leave.

Don’t Leave Your Sponsor Licence Application to the Last Minute!

Obtaining a sponsor licence is essential but also is a time-sensitive process. To avoid unexpected delays, start the application process well in advance.

Contact Emigral today for a tailored consultation.

Let us help you make sure your business is fully prepared to meet the Home Office’s requirements and bring in the talent you need.