What Are the Different Types of Sponsor Licences Available for Employers Looking to Hire Foreign Workers in the UK?
A sponsor licence is necessary for UK businesses looking to employ global talent. The type of sponsor licence needed by a business depends on the role they are looking to fill, job requirements, and several other factors.
In this article, you will learn the different types of sponsor licences to help you determine which one aligns with your organisation’s needs.
What Is a Sponsor Licence UK?
The Sponsor Licence is an official approval by the UK Home Office that allows employers to hire non-UK residents. The purpose of this system is to ensure that only those companies that can offer employment to overseas workers are allowed to bring them to the UK.
For an organization to obtain a sponsorship licence, it must prove its legitimacy, operational integrity, capability, and the mandated monitoring system for sponsored employees. Upon securing this licence, businesses can issue Certificates of Sponsorship to individuals they want to hire, an important step in the immigration process.
Understanding and securing the appropriate sponsor licence is crucial for any UK employer looking to access a global talent pool.
Different Types of Sponsor Licences
The type of visa sponsorship licence required by a UK employer depends on the nature of the employment they offer international candidates. Broadly, there are two categories:
- Worker Sponsor Licence: This is intended for skilled or long-term positions. It covers various sub-categories, including but not limited to the Skilled Worker visa, which allows individuals to take on roles that require significant expertise, and the Intra-Company Transfer visa, for multinational companies looking to transfer established employees from overseas branches to the UK.
- Temporary Worker Licence: This licence is designed for specific types of temporary roles and accommodates workers arriving in the UK for short-term engagement. Temporary Worker Licence includes roles such as charity workers, creative and sporting positions, and participants in government-authorised exchange programs.
Employers may choose to apply for a licence covering either one or both types of workers, depending on their recruitment needs. This flexibility ensures that organisations can access the global talent pool in a way that adequately fits their functional requirements.
Worker Licence
A ‘Worker’ licence enables UK employers to sponsor individuals for different types of skilled work. Depending on the visa, the licence can be used for a short time, a longer period, or even permanent positions.
This flexibility allows organisations to meet their diverse employment needs by accessing a global talent pool, ensuring they can recruit for positions that require specialised skills for any duration necessary to support their business objectives.
The licence can be further divided into:
- Skilled Worker: The Skilled Worker route is designed for individuals from outside the UK who have received a job offer for a qualified, skilled position from a sponsor approved by the Home Office. To obtain a Skilled Worker visa, candidates must be sponsored for a designated job that adheres to specific skill and salary criteria.
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility): This visa is tailored for multinational companies that need to transfer senior or specialist employees to their UK operations. It facilitates the mobility of key personnel within global businesses and ensures that expertise is shared across borders.
- Minister of Religion: This licence is for individuals who will serve in religious capacities within the UK. It allows faith organisations to bring in the necessary leadership and support from around the world to serve their communities effectively.
- International Sportsperson: Aimed at elite athletes and coaches, this visa helps bring the best in sports to compete and train in the UK, enhancing the nation’s sporting achievements and culture.
Temporary Worker Route
The ‘Temporary Worker’ licence offers UK employers the flexibility to sponsor individuals for a range of short-term roles, including volunteering and job-shadowing opportunities. This licence is specific to certain employment types and visas, requiring employers to meet distinct criteria and responsibilities as sponsors.
To apply for a visa under any of the Temporary Worker categories, an individual needs a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a job that qualifies under the specific route’s requirements.
Here are the categories under the ‘Temporary Worker’ licence:
- Scale-up Worker: For employees joining businesses that are growing quickly. This helps fast-moving companies bring in the talent they need to expand.
- Creative Worker: This scheme is aimed at people in the arts and entertainment industry, such as musicians or painters. It allows them to work in the UK for up to two years and supports the vibrant culture and arts scene.
- Charity Worker: This is for volunteers working without pay in charities, valid for up to one year. It’s a way to support volunteer efforts in the community.
- Religious Worker: For those taking roles in religious groups or organisations, with a two-year limit. It allows religious communities to bring in workers for various roles.
- Government Authorised Exchange: Covers people coming for work experience, research, or training that shares knowledge, like medical training, for one to two years. It’s great for those looking to gain experience in their field.
- International Agreement: For jobs that are covered by international laws, including embassy employees, ensuring that international agreements are upheld.
- Seasonal Worker: Specifically for those working in seasonal roles, like farm work during harvest time, for up to six months, or in poultry for certain times of the year, addressing the need for seasonal labour.
Global Business Mobility
Under the Global Business Mobility route, these visas will require a temporary worker licence:
- Graduate Trainee: This category is for recent graduates who are part of a structured training program with their company and are moving to a UK branch to continue their professional development. It enables young professionals to gain invaluable international experience.
- Service Supplier: This visa is for professionals coming to the UK to deliver a service under a contract. It supports the seamless execution of international business agreements. It facilitates temporary relocation for up to 12 months, allowing specialists to provide their expertise and specific services not readily available within the UK.
- UK Expansion Worker: Designed for key employees involved in an international company’s efforts to expand into the UK market. This visa category helps businesses establish a foothold by allowing them to send trusted personnel to the UK to oversee the creation or expansion of a UK branch, subsidiary, or office.
- Secondment Worker: This visa supports the temporary transfer of employees to a UK company as part of a high-value contract or agreement. It’s particularly useful for projects requiring specialised knowledge or skills, collaborative innovation and strengthening business ties between the UK and overseas companies.
How to Get a Sponsor Licence
To apply for a UK visa sponsorship licence, you will need to follow the below steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your business meets all requirements set by the Home Office, including being a genuine organisation operating lawfully within the UK.
- Determine the Type of Licence: Based on the roles you intend to fill, decide whether you require a ‘Worker’ or ‘Temporary Worker’ licence.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Assemble the required documentation to prove your business’s legitimacy and ability to meet sponsor duties. This includes financial records, HR practices, and proof of business operations.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Fill out the sponsor licence application form online through the UK government’s website. Ensure accuracy to avoid delays or rejection.
- Pay the Application Fee: Disburse the mandated fee for your application. The charge varies according to the size of your company and the form of licences.
After submitting your online application and supporting documents, wait for a decision. Remember, the Home Office may visit your business premises to verify the information and ensure you can fulfil your sponsorship duties. Preparing your organisation for such checks is part of being a responsible sponsor licence holder.
If your application is successful, you’ll need to use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to manage your sponsorship duties, including assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to your future employees. As a licenced sponsor, it’s also important to comply with UK immigration laws and sponsorship responsibilities to avoid penalties or the loss of your licence.
Fees and Processing Time of a Sponsor Licence UK
The cost and processing time to apply for a sponsor licence in the UK are crucial details for employers planning to sponsor migrant workers. Here’s what you need to know:
Fees
- Worker Licence: The sponsor licence application fee is £574 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,579 for medium or large sponsors.
- Temporary Worker Licence: £574, regardless of the size of the sponsor.
- Worker and Temporary Worker Licence: £574 for small or charitable sponsors; £1,579 for medium or large sponsors.
- Adding a Worker Licence to an Existing Temporary Worker Licence: No fee for small or charitable sponsors; £940 for medium or large sponsors.
- Adding a Temporary Worker Licence to an Existing Worker Licence: No additional fee for either category.
The specific amount for each category is updated periodically, so it’s essential to check the latest fees on the UK government’s website or the Home Office guidance.
You’re typically considered a small sponsor if two of the following criteria apply to your business:
- Annual turnover of £10.2 million or less.
- Total assets worth £5.1 million or less.
- 50 employees or fewer.
Charitable sponsors include:
- Registered charities across the UK.
- Excepted, exempt, and religious corporations established for charitable pursuits.
- For those not registered, proof of charitable status from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is needed.
If you are uncertain about your category, reaching out to the Business Helpdesk at businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk can clarify your status.
Processing Time
Most sponsor Licence applications get processed within eight weeks. However, for an additional £500, you may opt for a faster decision within 10 working days, subject to availability and a first-come, first-served policy. After submitting their application, applicants will be instructed on how to request this expedited service.
Let Sponsor Licence Lawyers Help You
Need help securing a sponsor licence to hire international talent? Let our expert Sponsor Licence Lawyers simplify the process for you. We can help you obtain your first sponsor licence or renew an existing one in accordance with UK immigration laws.
Don’t leave your application to chance; let us help you streamline the process. Contact us today!
You Ask, We Answer
FAQs
Share This Post
Disclaimer
Our articles serve as general guidance and should not be considered legal advice. We do not accept liability for any consequences resulting from reliance on the information provided in our written materials. All readers should seek professional counsel before making any decisions or taking action based on our articles. If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly for consultation with a qualified professional.
