skilled worker sponsor licence

Learn everything you need to know about the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. Discover the requirements, benefits, and FAQs in this detailed guide.

As the global market continues to evolve, businesses are increasingly looking to hire skilled workers from overseas to meet their workforce needs. However, hiring foreign workers can be a complex process that requires careful navigation of immigration laws and regulations. One key aspect of this process is obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, which grants businesses the ability to hire and sponsor skilled workers from outside the country.

Why do you need a Skilled Sponsor Licence?

Before delving into the details of obtaining a Skilled Sponsor Licence, it is important to understand why this license is necessary in the first place. In essence, the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence gives businesses the legal permission to sponsor and employ skilled workers from outside the country. Without this license, businesses would not be able to hire foreign workers under the Skilled Worker visa category. By obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, businesses can tap into a global talent pool, bringing in skilled workers who possess the expertise and qualifications necessary to fill specific roles within their organizations.

Eligibility criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

To obtain a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, businesses must meet certain eligibility criteria set forth by the immigration authorities. These criteria are designed to ensure that businesses are genuine, reputable, and capable of fulfilling their obligations as sponsors. Some of the key eligibility criteria include:

• Genuine business: The business must be a genuine organization operating legally within the country, with a legitimate need for skilled workers from overseas. For a successful skilled worker sponsor licence, you must provide evidence showing that you are genuine business with physical presence in the UK.
• No immigration breaches: The business must have a clean record when it comes to immigration compliance, with no history of breaching immigration laws or regulations.
• Financial stability: The business must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to meet the financial requirements associated with employing foreign workers.
• Training and development: The business must have appropriate measures in place for the training and development of its existing workforce, as well as the integration of skilled workers from overseas.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. It is important to carefully review and understand these criteria before proceeding with the application process.

You must submit at least four of the supporting documents listed in Appendix A to prove that you are eligible for a skilled worker sponsor licence. The Home Office must be satisfied that you are able to offer genuine employment in a skilled occupation and that you will pay the correct rate of salary, as specified by the Home Office.

Documents required for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application

When applying for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, businesses need to provide various documents to support their application. These documents serve as evidence of the business’s genuineness, financial stability, and ability to meet its obligations as a sponsor. Some of the key documents required for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application include:

• Certificate of incorporation: This document proves that the business is a legally registered entity within the country.
• Proof of business premises: Businesses need to provide evidence of their physical office or business location.
• Financial records: Financial statements, bank statements, and audited accounts are required to demonstrate the business’s financial stability.
• Job descriptions and salaries: Details of the roles to be filled by skilled workers, including job descriptions and proposed salaries, need to be provided.
• Sponsorship management system: The business must have a sponsorship management system in place to effectively manage and track sponsored workers.

These are just a few examples of the documents that may be required for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application. It is important to carefully review the specific document requirements outlined by the immigration authorities and ensure that all necessary documents are provided.

How much does a skilled worker sponsor licence application cost?

The fee for a sponsor licence depends on the size and type of organisation. This application fee is payable every time the sponsor renews their licence (every four years). Fees are usually reviewed annually by the Home Office which publishes them on its website.

Organisations classified as “medium” and “large” are required to pay a sponsor licence fee of £1,476. This fee would apply to all organisations which do not meet the definition of a “small” sponsor.

An organisation would normally qualify as a small sponsor if two of the following apply:

• your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less
• your total assets are worth £5.1 million or less
• you have 50 employees or fewer

Registered Charities are also considered to be “small” sponsors.

Organisations classified as “small” sponsors are required to pay a sponsor licence fee of £536. Click here to know home office cost & Skilled Sponsor Licence.

Step-by-step process for applying for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Applying for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence involves a step-by-step process that requires careful attention to detail. Here is a breakdown of the key steps involved in obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence:

• Preparation: Before starting the application, it is important to gather all the necessary information and documents required for the application. This includes details about the business, its operations, and its workforce needs.
• Online application: The application process is completed online through the designated immigration portal. The application will require the submission of various details and documents, including information about the business, its financial stability, and its intended skilled worker hires.
• Payment of fees: Along with the application, businesses are required to pay the applicable fees for the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. The fees may vary depending on the size of the organization and the duration of the license.
• Compliance visit: After the online application is submitted, businesses may be subject to a compliance visit from immigration authorities. During this visit, the Home Office will assess the business’s compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
• Decision: Once the application and compliance visit are complete, the immigration authorities will make a decision on the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application. If approved, the business will receive the license and can proceed with hiring skilled workers from overseas.

Following these steps diligently and ensuring that all the required information and documents are provided accurately will increase the chances of a successful application for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.

How to apply for a skilled worker sponsor licence?

The first step to apply for a skilled worker sponsor licence is to submit an online application to the Home Office (UKVI). In order to apply for a skilled worker sponsor licence, you must meet the eligibility requirements for skilled worker licence.

We have been very successful in assisting various clients with sponsor licence applications. In addition to helping you apply for your sponsorship license, we are also committed to long-term compliance with all home office requirements. We continue to be effective in creating compliance procedures for sponsor licence holders despite the Home Office getting stricter about compliance.

We offer a robust system which is compliant with the Home Office requirements for a skilled worker licence.

Responsibilities and obligations of a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence holder

Obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence comes with certain responsibilities and obligations that businesses must fulfill. These responsibilities include:

• Compliance with immigration laws: As a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence holder, businesses must comply with all relevant immigration laws and regulations. This includes ensuring that sponsored workers have the necessary visas and permissions to work in the country.
• Record-keeping: Businesses are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their sponsored workers, including their personal details, employment details, and visa information.
• Reporting changes: Any changes to the sponsored workers’ employment, such as changes in job title or salary, must be reported to the immigration authorities within the specified timeframes.
• Cooperation with immigration authorities: Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence holders may be subject to compliance visits and inspections by immigration authorities. It is important to cooperate fully with these visits and provide any requested information or documentation.

Fulfilling these responsibilities and obligations is crucial for maintaining compliance with the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence requirements and avoiding penalties or revocation of the license.

How can we help with your skilled worker sponsor licence application?

We understand that efficiency, both in terms of money and workforce is important to any successful business. At Deluxe Law Chambers, our commercial awareness and experience in dealing with sponsor licence applications sets us apart from other immigration law firms.

We understand what needs to be done to secure a Sponsor Licence allowing you to do what you do best, run your business to ensure it is profitable. We take the stress away from applying for a Sponsor Licence which can be complex in nature giving you confidence of a successful outcome.

• We conduct a review of your organisation and HR structure.
• We advise you on the required documents to apply for a sponsor licence application.
• Our legal team advise you on skilled worker sponsor licence requirements.
• We can find out the priority slot for your sponsor licence application.
• We work with you to build a robust system for your organisation to comply with the Home Office requirements.
• We prepare your application form.
• We advise you about your duties and responsibilities as a sponsor licence holder.
• We maintain a high reputation for being understanding, tenacious, and flexible in dealing with our clients to ensure the best result possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we help with your skilled worker sponsor licence application?

We understand that efficiency, both in terms of money and workforce is important to any successful business. At Deluxe Law Chambers, our commercial awareness and experience in dealing with sponsor licence applications sets us apart from other immigration law firms.

We understand what needs to be done to secure a Sponsor Licence allowing you to do what you do best, run your business to ensure it is profitable. We take the stress away from applying for a Sponsor Licence which can be complex in nature giving you confidence of a successful outcome.

• We conduct a review of your organisation and HR structure.
• We advise you on the required documents to apply for a sponsor licence application.
• Our legal team advise you on skilled worker sponsor licence requirements.
• We can find out the priority slot for your sponsor licence application.
• We work with you to build a robust system for your organisation to comply with the Home Office requirements.
• We prepare your application form.
• We advise you about your duties and responsibilities as a sponsor licence holder.
• We maintain a high reputation for being understanding, tenacious, and flexible in dealing with our clients to ensure the best result possible.