Sponsor Licences

If you’re hiring talent from outside the UK, you’ll usually need a sponsor licence to employ individuals who don’t already have the right to work here, including EEA and Swiss nationals arriving after 31 December 2020. They must have a valid job offer and have been issued a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. Securing a licence requires detailed analysis of your company structure, job roles and documentation to demonstrate a genuine UK trading presence. A sponsor licence enables you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship, but securing one requires detailed analysis of your company structure, job roles and documentation to demonstrate a genuine UK trading presence.

There are two types of sponsor licence, and you can apply for various categories within each type, depending on your recruitment needs. A Worker licence covers long‑term job offers, while a Temporary Worker licence is for short‑term (non-permanent) roles.

There are different categories within each licence type:

1. Worker licence

• Skilled Worker: The main route for new hires or permanent relocations where the individual doesn’t already have the right to work in the UK, replacing Tier 2 (General)
• Global Business Mobility, covering five routes:
  • Senior or Specialist Worker: For multinational businesses transferring staff from an overseas entity, replacing the Intra‑Company Transfer route
  • Graduate Trainee: For overseas employees on structured graduate programmes leading to senior or management roles
  • UK Expansion Worker: For overseas businesses establishing a UK presence that has not yet begun trading
  • Service Supplier: For temporary assignments delivered under eligible international trade commitments
  • Secondment Worker: For temporary assignments linked to high‑value contracts or investments overseas
• Minister of Religion: For roles within religious organisations
• International Sportsperson: For elite athletes and coaches based in the UK.

2. Temporary Worker licence

• Creative Worker: For entertainers and artists (initially up to one year, extendable to two)
• Charity Worker: For unpaid roles within charities (up to one year).
• Religious Worker: For those working within a religious order or organisation (up to two years)
• Government Authorised Exchange Worker: For work experience (one year) or research / training programmes, including medical and scientific training (up to two years)
• International Agreement Worker: For roles covered by international law, such as overseas government employees
• Seasonal Worker: For agricultural work in the UK for up to six months.

To secure a licence, you must apply to the Home Office and meet strict eligibility and compliance standards. These include:

• Operating legally in the UK
• Having a genuine trading presence
• Offering genuine employment for suitably skilled candidates and roles at an appropriate salary
• The business having no unspent convictions for immigration or serious offences – the Home Office will look at the company’s history and background
• Putting robust HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers and to fulfil other prescribed duties
• Appointing key personnel to manage your licence who meet the Home Office suitability requirements, including having no unspent convictions and not being an undischarged bankrupt.

What is the application process?

The Home Office will review your application and supporting documents to confirm you meet the criteria and can fully comply with your duties as a sponsor licence holder.

We will guide you through each step:

1. Assess eligibility and job suitability
2. Choose the right licence type
3. Prepare your online application
4. Provide training to key personnel on compliance duties
5. Submit online application and pay the licence fee
6. Advise, review and submit supporting documents
7. Prepare for a potential Home Office compliance visit (a ‘pre-licence’ compliance visit) which can be announced or unannounced, in person or virtual.

Once a licence is approved you’ll need to:

• Keep accurate records
• Report any significant changes to the Home Office
• Maintain compliance with your ongoing sponsor duties.

How long is my sponsor licence valid for?

A sponsor licence is valid indefinitely, but the Home Office can audit you at any time. If they find you have not met your responsibilities, they can suspend or revoke your licence, disrupting your ability to sponsor workers and affecting the status of your sponsored workforce. Robust systems and ongoing compliance are essential throughout the entire period you hold a licence.

How can we support you?

We provide end-to-end support, from assessing your eligibility and preparing your application, to ensuring your documentation is complete and your systems are compliant. We will help you stay ahead of your sponsor duties and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or managing an existing licence, we offer strategic, commercially focused advice tailored to your business needs.