New UK Immigration System (1) Applying for a sponsor licence

The UK’s immigration rules changed on 1 December 2020 for non-EU nationals, and further changes will come into effect on 1 January 2021 for EU nationals.

It is a legal requirement for organisations to hold a valid ‘sponsor licence’ from the UK Home Office before sponsoring and employing oversees workers. At present, organisations only need a sponsor licence for sponsoring non-EU nationals, although from 1 January 2021; they will need a sponsor licence in place before employing workers from ANY oversees country (both EU and non-EU nationals), except Ireland. There are two broad types of sponsor licence which can be applied for: (1) worker (formerly Tier 2) and (2) temporary worker (formerly Tier 5), or both.

The first step before considering to apply for a sponsor licence should be to seek specialist advice. Specific original and certified documents must be submitted with the application, together with relevant information about your business and key personnel. Sponsor licences last for 4 years at a time and then can be renewed thereafter. Once a sponsor licence is in place, sponsors have certain duties for the duration of their sponsorship. It’s important to comply with sponsor duties otherwise the Home Office may down-grade, suspend or even revoke the sponsor licence, and in the most serious cases; could report your organisation to the police or other relevant authorities.

Our Regulatory team have experience in this field and can assist and advise your business on applying for a sponsor licence. Contact us on 01484 519 999 or email Harveyblake@chadlaw.co.uk for more information and quotes for assisting you.