UK Sponsor Licence Application

A UK Sponsor Licence allows businesses to legally hire skilled workers from abroad under the Skilled Worker Visa, Global Business Mobility, and other sponsored work categories. Whether you are filling critical skill gaps, expanding your UK operations, or transferring specialist employees, obtaining a Sponsor Licence is a vital step in accessing global talent.

At Bishop & Sewell LLP we support businesses of all sizes with a tailored, compliance-focused approach—ensuring successful Sponsor Licence applications and long-term immigration compliance.

What is a Sponsor Licence?

A Sponsor Licence, issued by the Home Office, authorises UK employers to sponsor non-UK nationals to work in skilled roles. Once approved, your organisation can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas workers, enabling them to apply for relevant work visas.

A Sponsor Licence is essential for businesses wishing to hire under routes including:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility routes
• UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
• Service Supplier and Secondment Worker routes

Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?

You will need a Sponsor Licence if your organisation plans to:

• Employ skilled workers from outside the UK and Ireland
• Transfer overseas staff to a UK branch or subsidiary
• Appoint contractual service providers, specialists, or secondees
• Expand into the UK using overseas personnel

This applies to limited companies, charities, start-ups, partnerships, educational institutions, and multinational corporations.

Sponsor Licence Eligibility Requirements

To be granted a Sponsor Licence, your business must demonstrate that it is:

• Legally registered and actively trading in the UK
• Capable of complying with immigration reporting and monitoring duties
• Able to appoint suitable key personnel to manage the licence
• Offering genuine, skilled employment at the appropriate salary level
• Free from previous immigration or compliance breaches

We conduct a detailed compliance audit before submission to minimise risk and ensure approval.

Sponsorship Management System (SMS) – Required Key Roles

When applying for a Sponsor Licence, your business must appoint individuals to manage your licence through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS):

SMS Role / Key Responsibilities

Authorising Officer
Senior employee responsible for immigration compliance

Key Contact
Main liaison with the Home Office

Level 1 User
Manages day-to-day licence operations

Level 2 User
Limited administrative support for SMS

We provide guidance and training to help your business manage these roles with confidence.

Types of Sponsor Licences

1. Worker Licence – Suitable for long-term employment
   Used for Skilled Worker and Senior or Specialist Worker categories.
2. Temporary Worker Licence – Suitable for short-term assignments

Includes Graduate Trainee, Service Supplier, and Seasonal Worker categories.
We help you choose the correct sponsorship route based on your hiring needs and business goals.

Our Sponsor Licence Application Service Includes:

• Business eligibility assessment and document preparation
• Advice on HR systems and compliance readiness
• Online Sponsor Licence application management
• Drafting legal representations to support your case
• Support with Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation
• Ongoing compliance advice and Home Office audit preparation

Sponsor Licence Compliance – Ongoing Employer Duties

Holding a Sponsor Licence means accepting strict Home Office compliance obligations, including:

• Maintaining accurate records of sponsored employees
• Reporting employee changes (job role, salary, location) within set deadlines
• Conducting right-to-work checks
• Monitoring visa expiry and immigration status
• Cooperating fully with audit and inspection visits

Failure to comply may result in penalties, licence suspension, or revocation. We provide ongoing compliance support to protect your business.  Our blog post provide further details on compliance obligations for sponsor licence holder.

Why Choose Bishop & Sewell LLP

• Expert business immigration solicitors with proven approval success
• Support for SMEs, charities, start-ups, and multinational organisations
• Tailored advice with clear, fixed-fee options
• Strategic guidance for long-term workforce planning

Begin Your Sponsor Licence Application Today

Whether you’re applying for a new licence, or facing compliance issues, our immigration lawyer is here to help.