Frequently Asked Questions

A Home Office sponsor licence is required for UK organisations that wish to employ foreign workers or students. This licence is also necessary for hiring EEA and Swiss citizens arriving in the UK for work from 1 January 2021.

• Access to Global Talent: A sponsor licence allows organisations to recruit skilled workers from around the world.
• Competitive Advantage: Employing international talent can enhance the organisation's competitiveness and innovation.

• Online Application: Complete the online application form on the Home Office's official website.
• Supporting Documents: Submit specific supporting documents within five working days of the online application. These may include:
• A signed and dated submission sheet.
• Proof of registration with relevant regulatory bodies.
• Details about your organisation’s structure and operations.
• Information about the roles you intend to fill, including job titles, duties, and salaries.
• Application Fee: The fee varies depending on the size and type of your organisation. Payment is made during the online application process.
• Processing Time: Standard processing can take up to eight weeks. The Home Office's priority service offers processing within 10 working days for an additional fee.

The evidence required includes proof of registration with relevant regulatory bodies, details about the organisation’s structure, and information about the roles to be filled. All documents must be in English or Welsh, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Organisations must appoint key personnel to manage the sponsor licence, including:

• Authorising Officer:
• Must be a senior and competent person within the organisation.
• Responsible for the actions of staff and representatives who use the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
• Must not have any unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering.
• Should be familiar with the organisation’s obligations as a sponsor.
• Key Contact:
• Acts as the main point of contact with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• Should be reliable and able to communicate effectively with UKVI.
• Must be based in the UK.
• Level 1 User:
• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the sponsor licence using the SMS.
• Must be an employee or office holder of the organisation.
• Should have a good understanding of the sponsor licence duties and compliance requirements.
• Must not have any unspent criminal convictions for relevant offences.
• Level 2 User (optional):
• Can be appointed to assist with the management of the SMS.
• Has more limited access than a Level 1 User but can perform certain administrative tasks.

• Document Submission: Ensure all required documents are submitted correctly and on time. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the application process.
• Compliance: Understand the compliance requirements thoroughly to avoid penalties or revocation of the licence.
• Training: Regularly train personnel involved in managing the sponsor licence to keep them updated on changes in immigration laws and SMS usage.
• Cooling Off Period: Be aware of the cooling-off period, which may apply if a licence is revoked, affecting the ability to reapply.
• Rejection and Refusal: Address reasons for potential rejection or refusal, such as insufficient documentation or failure to meet compliance standards. Prepare thoroughly to avoid these pitfalls.

• Renewal Process: Outline the steps for renewing the sponsor licence, including timelines and required documentation.
• Ongoing Compliance: Discuss the importance of maintaining compliance with UKVI requirements, including record-keeping and reporting duties.
• Audit Preparation: Provide guidance on preparing for potential audits by UKVI to ensure continued compliance.

We offer comprehensive services to assist with the sponsor licence application, including:

• • Guidance on preparing and submitting the application.
  • Training for key personnel on compliance and use of the SMS.
  • Ongoing management support to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws and efficient handling of the sponsor licence.

If your application is refused, you will receive a detailed explanation from UKVI. You may be able to address the issues and reapply, but a cooling-off period may apply depending on the reasons for refusal.

A sponsor licence is typically valid for four years, after which it must be renewed to continue sponsoring workers.

A sponsor licence is specific to the organisation that applied for it and cannot be transferred. If your organisation undergoes significant changes, such as a merger or acquisition, you may need to apply for a new licence.