A skilled worker sponsorship licence allows employers to take on overseas employees to work in their business. If you hold a licence, you will need to manage it carefully to ensure that you maintain an A-rating.
From the 6th April 2024, the Home Office removed the requirement for sponsors to renew their sponsor licence which is welcome news for employers because it removes the cost and administrative burden of having to renew a sponsor licence every four years that was previously required.
At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration experts with in-depth experience of obtaining skilled worker sponsor licences.
How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
Eligibility For A Sponsor Licence
As an employer, the first step is to ensure that you are eligible to apply for a sponsor licence. Your application will not be accepted if you have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or a number of other crimes, including money laundering or fraud. You cannot apply for a licence if you have had a previous sponsor licence revoked within the last year.
You will be responsible for monitoring your overseas workers and you should have systems in place ready to do this, to include monitoring their immigration status, recording attendance, keeping records of their documentation and up to date details and reporting any concerns to the authorities. You will also need to appoint individuals to deal with sponsorship paperwork and monitoring.
Application
The application is made online, with the supporting documents emailed in PDF, JPEG or PNG format.
The evidence needed in support depends on the type of business you have, but could include the following:
- A letter setting out background information about your company
- Bank statements
- HM Revenue & Customs details such as your PAYE reference
- VAT registration certificate
- Your latest accounts
- A letter from your business’s bank setting out the dealings it has had with you
- A copy of your employer’s liability insurance policy held with an authorised insurance company showing that you have cover of £5 million or more
- Paperwork from any registered body that your business is required to be part of, showing up to date registration
There are many other documents that could be needed, depending on the type of business you run and the category of sponsor licence that you need, and it is important to make sure you provide everything with your application or you are likely to be turned down.
At Halliday Reeves, we have secured skilled worker sponsor licences for clients with a wide range of businesses. We know exactly what is needed for a successful application and we can work with you to ensure you have the best chance of securing a sponsor licence.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”
The Jinja Tree Restaurant
Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors For Skilled Worker Sponsor Licences
Halliday Reeves is a specialist immigration law firm, meaning we have a wide understanding of this complex area of law. If you need to renew a sponsor licence or your sponsor licence has lapsed, we can help you with your application, urgently where necessary.
We offer a free enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a sponsorship licence.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“All went well and I got all the special services you could expect from such a professional organisation. I will 100% advise anyone who is in need of the immigration services with pride.”
