Sponsor Licence

Sponsor Licence Applications

Most UK employers need a sponsor licence before they can hire workers from overseas. We help you prepare a complete, well-evidenced application and get your systems ready for Home Office scrutiny.


A sponsor licence can help your business access skilled talent from outside the UK. We provide clear guidance and practical support throughout the process.

UK businesses hiring internationally

Businesses looking to employ eligible workers from outside the UK.

Existing employers

Employers dealing with sponsorship requirements for current or prospective employees.

Home Office requests

Support with additional documentation or information requested during an application.

New applications after refusal

Guidance where a previous application was unsuccessful and a new application is being considered.

How we help

Setp 1

Assess your business

We assess your business, proposed roles and circumstances to help determine whether you may be eligible for a sponsor licence and which licence routes may be relevant.

Step 2

Review your systems

We review your HR, right-to-work and record-keeping arrangements against relevant sponsor requirements.

Step 3

Key personnel

We advise on the roles and requirements for your Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User.

Step 4

Prepare your evidence

We help you prepare and review the supporting documents required for your application.

Step 5

Application support

We help you complete the application and prepare the required supporting evidence. The sponsor must submit the application themselves; a representative can assist with the application but cannot submit it on the sponsor’s behalf. 

Step 6

Compliance preparation

We help you understand what to expect if UKVI conducts a compliance visit and prepare your business for the relevant requirements.


The Process

  1. Consultation: we look at your business, your roles and your timeline.
  2. Readiness review: we check your documents and HR systems and identify gaps.
  3. Application: we prepare and submit the application with a full evidence pack.
  4. Decision and next steps: once licensed, we help you assign your first Certificates of Sponsorship.
What you’ll typically need
  • Company registration and trading evidence
  • Business bank account and premises details
  • Evidence of how you monitor staff attendance, records and right to work
  • Details of the roles you want to sponsor

FAQs

Do I need a sponsor licence to hire someone who already has a UK visa?

It depends on their visa. Some people, such as those with Indefinite Leave to Remain, don’t need sponsorship. Others do. We’ll check each case.

They may, before or after a licence is granted. We help you prepare so a visit isn’t a risk.

Home Office fees depend on your business size and licence type (see GOV.UK). Our own fees are set out in writing before any work starts.

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