UK Visa Sponsor Licence Solicitors

When hiring international staff, UK businesses have two main categories of sponsor licences to consider: Worker and Temporary Worker. It is vital that you specify the type of licence you need during the application process. You must only hire international employees who fall under the scope of the granted licence(s).

Worker sponsor licence

The Worker sponsor licence allows your business to employ skilled non-UK nationals for short-term, long-term, or permanent employment. The Worker Licence covers various visa categories:

• Skilled Worker including Health and Care Workers
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (this has replaced the Intra-Company Transfer visa)
• Scale-up Worker
• Minister of Religion
• International Sportsperson

All sponsored roles must meet the requirements of the UK’s points-based system, including minimum salary thresholds, which vary by role and candidate profile.

Temporary Worker sponsor licence

The Temporary Worker licence caters to businesses that aim to employ international staff on a short-term or temporary basis including volunteers, trainees and creative workers. The Temporary Worker sponsor licence covers the following routes:

• Scale-up Worker
• Creative Worker
• Charity Worker
• Religious Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange
• International Agreement
• Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility)
• Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility)
• UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility)
• Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility)
• Seasonal Worker

Not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. It is important to check the specific criteria for each visa route before applying.

There are several requirements you need to meet when applying for a sponsor licence. These can vary depending on which route your organisation wishes to apply under however the key requirements include:

1. Your organisation must be genuine and lawfully operating in the UK
2. The role(s) you are sponsoring must be for a genuine vacancy that meet the visa route’s specific criteria

Failure to meet these requirements can result in your application being refused, with a potential 12-month waiting period before you can reapply.

Securing a sponsor licence can be a complex task. Our specialist immigration team offers tailored support at every stage:

Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a thorough review of your organisation and advise on the most suitable sponsor licence for your needs.

Application Preparation & Submission

We provide hands-on assistance with preparing and submitting your application, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete to maximise your chances of success.

Compliance Management

We help you establish robust compliance systems to meet UKVI requirements and avoid penalties or licence revocation.

Sponsor Management System (“SMS”) Setup

We assist with setting up and managing your Sponsor Management System, ensuring ongoing compliance with sponsor duties.

Staff Training

We deliver training sessions to ensure your team understands their responsibilities and best practices for compliance.

Compliance and Appeals Support

We offer ongoing support with licence compliance duties and, if necessary, guidance through the appeals process.

It’s important you can trust the people who you put in charge of your Sponsor Licence application. Here’s why you can trust us to handle this responsibility for you:

In-Depth Specialisation

We’re a team of immigration experts who stay up to date with the most current laws and regulations in the UK. This ensures your application is managed efficiently and complies with existing rules.

Bespoke Services

We offer advice that’s tailored to the unique needs of your organisation and industry. This level of customisation increases your chances of being accepted for a Sponsor Licence.

Precision and Timeliness

In the world of immigration, both efficiency and accuracy are essential. We’ve a proven track record in streamlining the application process while minimising errors. This reduces the chances of delays or refusals.

Commitment to Your Objectives

We understand the value of your time and resources. We're devoted to helping you navigate the complex landscape of UK immigration laws. This gives you the freedom to focus on your core business needs, safe in the knowledge you're compliant with the law.