How to Apply For A Sponsorship License

What is a sponsorship license?

A sponsorship license grants permission to a UK employer to sponsor European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) skilled workers to work for them in the UK. The sponsorship license is valid for four years and employers have an option to renew it thereafter.

The sponsorship license previously applied to businesses which only intended to employ non-EEA nationals. However, because of Brexit and the end of free movement of people, the sponsorship license has extended to EU, EEA, as well as Swiss nationals.

 

Why might businesses want a sponsorship license?

There are various reasons why an employer would want a sponsorship license. Some businesses may be reliant on the migrant workforce due to a lack of skilled UK workers in their type of business. On the other hand, some businesses may just be hoping to access talent from overseas.

Regardless of the reasons for wanting a sponsorship license, it is important that businesses do this the correct way to avoid any rejections which will halt the business’ development.

 

How to apply?

Firstly, the business must meet the eligibility requirements which are:

• Having a UK presence (eg, having an office in the UK).
• Actively trading and operating lawfully in the UK.
• No unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes such as fraud or money laundering.

The application process is online. There is a form that must be completed, and evidence that must be sent along with this application. The evidence needed depends on the type of organisation that is applying for the license.

As well as completing the online application and providing the required evidence, there is a fee that businesses must pay for the sponsorship license. The fee varies depending on the size of the business and whether the business has charitable status. For example, a small sponsor would have to pay £536 whilst a large sponsor must pay £1,476.

 

Common problems

The application for a sponsorship license has many requirements and elements that must be met, which may be complicated for businesses who are applying for the sponsorship license for the first time.

Many applications are rejected yearly due to complications in the application process. The process has many requirements and elements that must be met. Any small errors in the application or failure to provide the required supporting evidence may mean that the application is rejected, and a new application must be processed.

Additionally, there are time restraints on certain parts of the application process, for example, the supporting evidence must reach UKVI within five working days of submission of the online application. Failure to comply with this timescale will mean that the application is rejected and a new one must be processed.

 

How can Chadwick Lawrence assist?

Chadwick Lawrence has vast experience in immigration matters and has assisted businesses with all elements of the application process. Including pre-application requirements in terms of eligibility, ensuring that the application process is completed accurately and post-application requirements in terms of compliance.

If you are a business considering a sponsorship license, then please do get in touch with Naila Hussain or Nils O’Donoghue from our Regulatory Team who will be more than happy to help.