Licensed Sponsor Companies in UK

You’ll usually need a visa sponsorship license to employ someone to work for you from outside the UK. This includes citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020. 

This includes unpaid work, like running a charity.

​You will not need a licence to sponsor certain groups, for example

Eligibility

To get a licence as an employer, you cannot have:
You’ll need appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored employees and people to manage sponsorship in your business. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review your application form and supporting documents. They may visit your business to make sure you’re trustworthy and capable of carrying out your duties.

Job suitability

Worker licence

Temporary Worker licence

A ‘Temporary Worker’ licence will let you sponsor people on a temporary basis, including for volunteering and job shadowing. You can only get a Temporary Worker licence for specific types of employment and visas.

The UK VISA sponsorship for employersis split into:  

Sponsorship management roles

You need to appoint people within your business to manage the sponsorship process when you apply for a licence.

The main tool they’ll use is the sponsorship management system (SMS).

The roles are:

These roles can be filled by the same person or different people.

You can also appoint an optional level 2 user once you have your licensed sponsor in the UK. This is an SMS user with more restricted access than a level 1 user, for example they cannot withdraw a certificate of sponsorship.

Suitability checks

You and your staff will be checked to make sure you’re suitable for these roles. You may not get your licence if anyone involved in sponsorship has:
You and your allocated staff must also:
Your allocated staff must usually be paid members of staff, or office holders.

HR contractors and agency staff

At least one level 1 user must be your employee.

You can have additional level 1 or level 2 users who are employed by third-party organisations that provide you with HR services.

A temporary member of staff supplied by an agency can be a level 2 user.

UK-based legal representatives

You can allocate any of the roles to a UK-based legal representative, apart from the authorising officer role. Your representative must be qualified to give immigration advice or services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of becoming a licensed sponsor company in the UK?

Immigration Services Provider helps licensed sponsor companies in the UK access a global talent pool to meet their workforce needs effectively. 

Yes, with guidance from Immigration Services Provider, small businesses can become licensed sponsor companies if they fulfill the Home Office’s criteria. 

Immigration Services Provider outlines licenses for Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker, and other categories suitable for licensed sponsor companies in the UK. 

Immigration Services Provider ensures compliance by assisting licensed sponsor companies in the UK with reporting duties and record maintenance. 

Immigration Services Provider helps licensed sponsor companies in the UK fulfill obligations by notifying the Home Office within 10 days. 

No, but Immigration Services Provider assists companies in applying for a new license after ownership changes. 

Immigration Services Provider streamlines the process for companies seeking to become licensed sponsor companies in the UK by offering expert advice and document preparation. 

Immigration Services Provider ensures licensed sponsor companies adhere to Home Office guidelines, including reporting changes and maintaining accurate records. 

Immigration Services Provider supports licensed sponsor companies with preparation, ensuring all processes align with regulatory standards. 

Immigration Services Provider estimates that licensed sponsor companies in the UK typically receive their license within 8 weeks of application, barring delays.