How Long Does It Take To Get A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence – As an employer hoping to take on foreign workers, you need to hold a sponsor licence. This gives you the authority to issue certificates of sponsorship to workers from overseas that they will need to obtain a visa.
Applying for a sponsor licence is an in-depth process and a substantial amount of documentation is required in support. At Halliday Reeves we specialise in immigration law and we regularly represent employers in applying for a sponsor licence.
We know that being able to employ workers from overseas can be hugely beneficial to UK businesses and we always work proactively to ensure that the application process is dealt with efficiently and without avoidable delay.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a sponsorship licence, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and help in obtaining a Tier 2 Visa for myself and my family. Your support is greatly appreciated. The service we received has been excellent and all the team members are very professional”
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How long Does It Take To Get A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?
We are often asked how long it takes to get a skilled worker sponsor licence, formerly known as a Tier 2 sponsor licence. UK Visas and Immigration advise that most applications are dealt with in less than eight weeks, although you need to take into account the amount of time it will take to put together your application. There may also be delays from time to time if UKVI are dealing with a larger volume of applications than normal and of course, it could take longer if your organisation is large or has a complex structure.
If you need a rapid decision on your application, you may be able to pay an additional fee to UKVI to have a quicker response. Only a certain number of applications are dealt with on this basis each day and this is on a first come, first served basis. We can advise you as to how to approach this if you need an urgent response.
It is important to take the time to ensure that your application is correct and that all of the required evidence is included. If errors are made or documents are missing, the application is likely to be refused. Below, we take a look at the application process.
Checking You Are Eligible To Apply For A Sponsor Licence
If you want to employ individuals from outside of the UK you will generally need a skilled worker sponsor licence, unless they are Irish citizens, have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
To be eligible to apply for a sponsor licence you cannot have certain unspent criminal convictions or have had a sponsor licence revoked in the past twelve months.
You also need to make sure that the job you intend to fill with an overseas worker is suitable, has an acceptable rate of pay and skill level and that it meets the criteria needed for the visa that will be applied for.
Applying For A Sponsor Licence
Before you apply, you also need to appoint individuals within your organisation who will be responsible for managing the sponsorship process. You will need:
- An authorising officer – this is the person who will be responsible for the members of your business who use the government’s sponsorship management system to deal with the ongoing requirements of holding a sponsor licence
- A key contact – the individual who will deal with UK Visas and Immigration
- A level 1 user – the person responsible for managing your licence and using the online management system
You can use the same person to fulfil all of these roles if you wish.
You will also need to put together evidence in support of your sponsor licence application. Once you have everything that is needed, the application can be made online. You will also need to pay the licence fee at this point. The amount payable depends on what type of licence you are applying for, as well as the size of your organisation.
Evidence Needed In Support Of Sponsorship Licence Application
You will need to provide a substantial number of documents in support of your application. The exact paperwork required will depend on your application and the licence you are seeking, but is likely to include the following as a bare minimum:
- Written details about your company and its background
- Recent bank statements
- Up to date accounts
- Your VAT registration certificate
- Your tax details, to include the PAYE reference
- Your employer’s liability insurance policy giving details of cover, which should be for a minimum of £5 million
- Confirmation from your bank that you use it and information about the transactions you carry out through it
- Registration details from any professional body that you are required to have membership of
It is important to be as thorough as possible because if paperwork is omitted, your application will be rejected and it could take a considerable amount of time to reapply.
Our team have a strong track record of success in obtaining sponsor licences for employers and we can advise you of the documents you will need to send in support, ensuring you include everything that will be required.
We always work proactively to make sure that applications are submitted as quickly as possible, while also paying exceptional attention to detail.
Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors For Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Applications
Halliday Reeves is a specialist immigration law firm, meaning we have a wide understanding of this complex area of law. We can put together a comprehensive application for a sponsor licence on your behalf and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is included by way of evidence.
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.
“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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