If you are looking to employ a non-UK national, then you will likely need a sponsor licence. The application process for a licence, via the Home Office, is strict, complex and constantly changing. Not only that, but there are ongoing compliance requirements to meet, too.
In this article, we will discuss what a sponsor licence is, how to apply and what you have to do to comply with regulations.
What Is a Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence enables UK businesses to hire skilled workers from outside the country. It allows the company to sponsor individuals, permitting them to apply for the appropriate visa. This is usually a Skilled Worker visa.
How to Apply for a Sponsor License
To apply for a sponsor licence, you have to go through the Home Office. There is an online application form, a potential visit to your business, and compliance regulations that you need to demonstrate you can follow.
The online application form is relatively straightforward, but you need supporting documentation to verify your organisation. The application requires a detailed understanding of sponsor guidance, which is where an immigration and visa consultancy firm like Holmes & Partners can support you.
The application process can take up to eight weeks, and longer if a visit is scheduled. While visits are uncommon, they are more likely for specific sectors and start-ups.
Your Compliance Duties
Right to Work
ust as with any other employee, you must check that the non-UK national you want to employ has the right to work in the UK.
If the worker currently holds a visa sponsored by another company, you will need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and the worker must apply for and obtain their new visa under your sponsorship before starting employment with you.
In some cases, sponsorship may not be required. For example, a worker with a dependent visa already has the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
You must keep copies of the documents used to verify an employee’s right to work for a minimum period—generally, for the duration of their employment and for at least one year afterwards.
Sponsorship Duties
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
Employers assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a specific worker for a specific job role. You can only assign a certificate if the relevant minimum salary threshold and skill level requirements set by the government have been met.
As of the 22nd of July 2025, there have been some changes to Skilled Worker Visas, including an increase in salary thresholds and the introduction of a Temporary Shortage List.
Reporting
Any changes to the employee’s details have to be reported to the Home Office in the Sponsorship Management System, within certain timeframes.
Changes that you might report include salary, job title or duties, changes in the work location and unexplained absences exceeding 10 working days.
Record-keeping
Employers are required to maintain accurate records for each sponsored employee, including right to work documentation and employment records.
Other Duties
There are lots of other responsibilities that fall under sponsorship duties. The guidance set out on the government website is a simplified version of the law, but the policy is complex and constantly changing. An immigration and visa consultancy can support you to ensure that you are compliant.
Speak to Our Business Immigration Advisors
We are an experienced immigration consultancy, and our experts can guide you through the entire process, from initial application to ongoing compliance. Speak to our team today.
