Hiring skilled talent from overseas can be complex, but obtaining a UK sponsor licence is the first step to recruiting migrant workers legally and confidently. This guide explains how businesses can become licensed sponsors, including eligibility requirements, licence types, application steps, and ongoing responsibilities.
What is a sponsor licence?
A sponsor licence allows UK employers to hire skilled workers and temporary staff from outside the UK. Without it, employing migrant workers is illegal and can result in fines, criminal penalties, or reputational damage.
Eligibility requirements for a sponsor licence
To apply, your organisation must:
- Be a genuine organisation operating lawfully within the UK
- Have no unspent criminal convictions related to immigration offences or other serious crimes such as fraud or money laundering
- Demonstrate the ability to manage all sponsorship responsibilities, including maintaining records and fulfilling reporting obligations.
Types of sponsor licences
There are two primary categories of sponsor licences:
- Worker licence – for recruiting skilled workers, such as those under the Skilled Worker or Minister of Religion visa.
- Temporary worker licence – for short-term employment, including seasonal roles, charity work, and creative positions.
Organisations may apply for both types if needed to cover any number of routes. This needs to be decided at the outset so should form part of the planning phase.
What you need to apply for a sponsor licence
Applications are submitted online through the GOV.UK portal and require:
- A completed online application form
- A submission sheet, generated automatically after completing the application
- Supporting documents proving your business is genuine and capable of managing sponsorship duties, such as:
- Certificate of business registration
- VAT registration certificate
- Most recent financial accounts
- Employer’s liability insurance certificate
- Job descriptions for the roles you intend to sponsor
Note: If any documents are not in English or Welsh, certified translations must be provided.
Key roles for managing a sponsor licence
You must allocate specific roles within your organisation to manage the sponsor licence effectively:
- Authorising officer – a senior, competent person responsible for the overall licence management.
- Key contact – the main liaison with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Level 1 user – manages day-to-day activity in the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
Application process and fees
Once you have prepared your supporting documents:
- Submit your online application via the GOV.UK portal
- Pay your application fee:
- £574 for small or charitable sponsors
- £1,579 for medium or large sponsors
- Email the submission sheet (generated at the end of the application) and supporting documents to UKVI within 5 working days
Most sponsor licence applications are processed within eight weeks. A priority service is available for an additional £750, aiming to deliver a decision within 10 working days, though this may not always be possible, particularly if UKVI considers the application to be complex.
Compliance visits and licence approval
UKVI may conduct a compliance visit or request additional information to assess your organisation. Licences are rated, with an A-rating being the standard for approved sponsors. Once approved, you can then issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible migrant workers.
Ongoing responsibilities for licensed sponsors
Approved sponsors must continue to:
- Maintain accurate records of sponsored workers
- Report changes in circumstances to UKVI
- Meet all compliance obligations to avoid penalties or licence revocation
