A Sponsor Licence is required if you intend to hire someone who is not British or who does not have the right to work in the UK. All businesses that need to employ workers from outside the United Kingdom, must obtain a Sponsor Licence. You can obtain a Sponsor Licence by making an application.

As part of the application process, you will be required to prove that you are a legitimate business that requires the use of migrant talent. This is called the ‘genuine business test’. Once this has been arranged, you can apply for a Sponsorship Licence. You can make this application online or by post – the whole process usually takes around three months in full. We assist with advising on audit of HR Systems & Procedures, advise on the most appropriate type of Sponsor Licence application for your business, advice and guidance on using correct SOC codes, undertake all document and business checks required and undertake compliance guidance.

Once you have applied, UKVI will review your application and supporting evidence to ensure you meet the requirements for a Sponsor Licence. As part of this review, they may choose to visit your business site and meet all personnel who intend to be involved in the overseas recruitment process. If the requirements are satisfied, a sponsor licence may be issued. We can assist in ensuring that the application is granted when you apply.

We also train sponsors on compliance with their sponsor duties and the management of the SMS (Sponsorship Management System).

For further information on Sponsor Licence applications, please contact our Business Immigration Team at info@l-xconsulting.co.uk