Sponsorship Licence Solicitors
If you’re looking to hire the best talent, you shouldn’t be limited by borders. A UK sponsor licence gives your business the legal authority to recruit skilled workers from outside the UK, but getting there, and staying compliant once you do, takes careful preparation and a thorough understanding of Home Office requirements.
Our Coventry-based sponsor licence solicitors specialise in helping businesses of all sizes prepare and apply for sponsor licences. From your very first eligibility check, we’re with you at every stage of the process.
What Is a Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence is official permission granted by the UK Home Office that allows your organisation to employ workers from outside the UK and Ireland.Â
Sponsor licences are issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and are available to a wide range of organisations, including small businesses, charities, universities, and healthcare providers. Once granted, the licence allows you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas workers, enabling them to apply for the relevant UK work visa.
There are two main types of sponsor licence:
Worker licence
For employers looking to recruit in skilled, long-term roles such as the Skilled Worker route or Senior and Specialist Worker route under the Global Business Mobility umbrella.
Temporary Worker licence
For organisations sponsoring workers in specific temporary categories, such as charity workers or those on government-authorised exchange programmes.
Most businesses seeking to hire overseas employees on a permanent or long-term basis will need a Worker licence.
The Process of Applying for a Sponsor Licence
The sponsor licence application process involves several distinct stages. Here is an overview:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Your organisation must be a lawfully operating business registered in the UK. You must not have had a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months, and you must not have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes such as fraud.Â
You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have appropriate HR systems in place to monitor and manage sponsored workers.
2. Appoint Key Personnel
You’ll need to nominate individuals to manage the sponsorship process within your organisation, including an Authorising Officer, a Key Contact, and at least one Level 1 User to operate the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Gather Your Supporting Documents
You’ll need to provide evidence of your business’s legitimacy and financial stability. These must be submitted electronically to the Home Office within five working days of your online application.
4. Submit Your Application Online
Applications are submitted through the Home Office’s online portal. You’ll select the type of licence you need, provide your company and personnel details, and pay the application fee.
5. Await The Home Office's Decision
The Home Office will review your application, which may include a compliance visit to assess your premises and HR systems. Once approved, you’ll receive your Sponsor Licence Number and can begin assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to prospective overseas employees.
How Much Does a Sponsor Licence Cost?
The Home Office application fee depends on the size of your organisation:
Worker Visa Licence
Small/charity sponsor: ÂŁ574
Med/large sponsor: ÂŁ1,579
Temporary Worker Licence
Small/charity sponsor: ÂŁ574
Med/large sponsor: ÂŁ574
Worker and Temporary Worker Licence
Small/charity sponsor: ÂŁ574
Med/large sponsor: ÂŁ1,579
Add a Worker Licence to an existing Temporary Worker Licence
Small/charity sponsor: No fee
Med/large sponsor: ÂŁ1,005
Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker Licence
Small/charity sponsor: No fee
Med/large sponsor: No fee
These fees are paid directly to the Home Office and are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. Employers should note that since April 2025, it is prohibited to pass the cost of the sponsor licence application fee on to sponsored workers.
DISCLAIMER: The figures presented here are accurate as of March 2026. These prices are subject to change: if you are ever unsure, refer to the government website for the most up-to-date information.Â
How Long Does It Take to Get a Sponsor Licence?
The standard processing time for a sponsor licence application is up to eight weeks from the date of submission, though many straightforward applications are decided within four to six weeks. It is advisable to plan ahead and allow a buffer of two to three months to account for any delays.
If you need a faster decision, the Home Office offers a priority processing service, which aims to deliver a decision within 10 working days for an additional fee of ÂŁ750. However, priority slots are released daily on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed if the Home Office requires a compliance visit.
How Tann Law Can Help
Our Coventry-based sponsor licence solicitors provide end-to-end support throughout the sponsor licence process, giving your business the best possible chance of a successful outcome first time.
Eligibility Assessment and Pre-Application Advice
Before you invest time and money in an application, we’ll assess your organisation’s eligibility and readiness. We’ll identify any potential issues early, advise on the right licence type for your needs, and help you put the right systems in place before you apply.
Sponsor Licence Applications
We’ll manage your application from start to finish. This includes preparing your documentation and submitting a thorough, accurate application to the Home Office. A well-prepared application significantly reduces the risk of delays or outright refusal.
Intra-Company Transfers
For multinational companies looking to transfer employees to their UK branch, we offer expertise in securing Senior or Specialist Worker Visas (replacing the old Intra-Company Transfer Visa). This service is ideal for businesses seeking to move executives or specialist staff between global offices.
Once Your Licence Is Approved
A successful sponsor licence application is the foundation, but there’s more to international hiring than the licence itself. Once you’re approved, Tann Law can continue to support your business with:
- Skilled Worker visa applications for your prospective overseas employees, ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements.
- Ongoing sponsor management support, including reporting changes in your sponsored workers’ circumstances to the Home Office as required.
- Advice on making redundancies or ending employment for sponsored workers.
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Our goal is to make international hiring straightforward and sustainable for your business in the long term.
Explore our Skilled Worker Management page for more on ongoing sponsor compliance.
Ready to hire the talent your business needs?
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Bringing international talent into your business is a significant investment, and the licensing process can be rigorous and high-stakes.
Our Coventry-based team brings deep expertise in UK immigration law, a thorough understanding of Home Office expectations, and a genuine commitment to getting it right for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for a sponsor licence?
You should apply for a sponsor licence as soon as you know you will need to hire workers from outside the UK, and well before you intend to make any offers.Â
The standard processing time can take up to eight weeks, so it's sensible to plan at least three months ahead to allow for any delays or additional checks. If you're in urgent need, the priority service can reduce this to around 10 working days, subject to availability.
What documents do I need to apply for a sponsor licence?
The required documents depend on your organisation's circumstances, but typically include:
- Your Certificate of Incorporation
- Employer's liability insurance certificate
- VAT registration
- Bank statements
- HMRC evidence
- PAYE records
- Proof of business premises.Â
All documents must be submitted electronically within five working days of your online application. Tann Law will help you compile and review your evidence package before submission to ensure nothing is missing.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for a sponsor licence?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor to apply for a sponsor licence. However, the application process is detailed, and errors or missing documentation are among the most common reasons for refusals and delays.Â
A sponsor licence solicitor can help you present the strongest possible case to the Home Office, reducing the risk of a refusal and the high cost and disruption that comes with it.
What happens if my sponsor licence application is refused?
If your application is refused, a cooling-off period will typically apply before you can reapply (usually between six and twelve months, depending on the reasons for refusal). It is important to fully understand why your application was rejected before reapplying.
What will happen if my sponsor licence is revoked?
Licence revocation is serious. If your licence is revoked, you will lose the ability to sponsor overseas workers, and any current sponsored employees will have their leave curtailed, meaning they may need to leave the UK or find an alternative visa route.Â
You will also be subject to a cooling-off period before you can apply for a new licence. Revocation can result from a failure to meet your sponsor duties, non-compliance identified during a Home Office audit, or other breaches of the rules. This is why ongoing compliance support is so important. If your licence is at risk, contact us as soon as possible.
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