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. It will also need to be renewed periodically. We answer the question, ‘How long does a skilled worker sponsor licence last?’ and take a look at the process involved.
At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration experts with in-depth experience of obtaining and renewing skilled worker sponsor licences. We can work with you to ensure your licence is properly managed and that an application to renew is made by the deadline.
If you neglect to renew your licence, it will lapse, meaning you will not legally be able to employ your overseas workers until you have a valid licence back or you could face enforcement action.
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.”
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When Do I Need To Renew A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence lasts for four years and needs to be renewed before it expires. An application to renew a sponsor licence can be made up to 90 days before the expiry date. You are strongly advised to apply as soon as you can so reduce the risk of being without a licence should any queries arise over the renewal.
The Sponsor Management System will tell you when your licence is due to expire and nearer the time you should also receive an email reminding you to reapply.
How do I apply to renew a skilled worker sponsor licence?
You will be able to apply to renew the sponsor licence using the Sponsor Management System. We can advise you as to what evidence you will need in support of your application and help you put together all of the necessary documentation.
It is crucial to make sure that nothing is omitted as it could result in a rejection or refusal and you would run the risk of not having a licence in place after the expiry date.
You can start putting together the documentation well in advance of the renewal date to ensure there is no last-minute difficulty. You should also take the opportunity to review your compliance with the licence regulations and check that everything is in order. UK Visas and Immigration are likely to investigate whether all of your records are being kept properly, which could involve a visit to your premises.
How Much Does It Cost To Renew A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?
The sponsor licence renewal fee depends on the size of your business. For a small or charitable organisation, the fee is £536; for a medium or large business, it is £1,476.
What happens if my sponsor licence lapses?
If your sponsor licence is not renewed in time, you will not be able to issue any Certificates of Sponsorship to workers. If a worker is attempting to enter the country to work for you, they could be detained if your licence has lapsed.
Existing workers will not be able to continue to work for you and would have to find a new sponsor, change to a different visa or potentially have to leave the UK.
You are advised to seek legal advice if you find that your sponsor licence has lapsed. We can help you make an emergency application, either to renew the licence or to apply for a new one.
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 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a sponsorship licence.
We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. 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.
“The Halliday Reeves team have been fantastic from the first engagement to the last in getting our spousal visa approved. Navigating us through the hurdles and ensuring we provided the correct information. Actively chasing up UK immigration to get the matter resolved. A big thank you to Louisa and Hannah for their professionalism, responsiveness, guidance, support, positivity and knowledge to get us through this stressful process. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Thoroughly recommend, don’t risk doing this on your own, engage the professionals.”