UK Sponsorship
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If you're planning to hire skilled workers from outside the UK, you'll likely need a UK Sponsorship Licence. This official government licence enables UK employers to sponsor non-UK nationals, including EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens.
We’ll guide you through what a UK Sponsorship Licence is, who needs one, how to apply, and what your responsibilities are once you have it.
What is a UK Sponsorship Licence?
A UK Sponsorship Licence allows UK-based organisations to sponsor skilled foreign workers so they can legally work in the UK. It’s a legal requirement for employers hiring non-British nationals (excluding Irish citizens and those with settled or pre-settled status).
The licence applies to both paid and unpaid roles — including volunteering positions and religious work.
Who needs a UK Sponsorship Licence?
You’ll need a sponsor licence if you plan to employ someone from outside the UK who does not have an existing right to work in the country.
You do not need a UK Sponsorship Licence to employ:
Irish citizens
Individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Those with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK
UK Sponsorship Licence eligibility criteria
To qualify for a UK Sponsorship Licence, your organisation must:
Be a legitimate and law-abiding business
Have no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences, fraud, or money laundering
Have not had a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months
Have HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may visit your business to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
UK Sponsorship Licence types
There are two main categories of UK Sponsorship licences:
UK Sponsorship Licence type | Description | Visa Routes Included |
Worker Licence | For long-term skilled employment | - Skilled Worker - Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility) - Minister of Religion - International Sportsperson |
Temporary Worker Licence | For short-term or temporary roles | - Creative Worker - Charity Worker - Seasonal Worker - Religious Worker - Government Authorised Exchange - Graduate Trainee - UK Expansion Worker |
You can apply for one or both licence types based on your hiring needs.
How to apply for a UK Sponsorship Licence
Here’s how to get started:
1. Check your business eligibility
Make sure your organisation meets all legal requirements. Call us to get detailed help.
2. Ensure the job is suitable for sponsorship
Jobs must comply with the UK minimum wage and visa-specific conditions.
3. Choose the licence type
Select the appropriate licence based on the type of worker you intend to hire. Apply with Global Law and know what to choose exactly!
4. Appoint key personnel
Assign staff to manage the sponsorship process:
Authorising Officer
- Key Contact
- Level 1 User
5. Apply online and pay the fee
Submit the UK Sponsorship Licence application and upload your supporting documents.
UK Sponsorship License requirements
To be eligible for a sponsorship license, employers in the UK must meet the following criteria
Genuine Vacancies
Employers must demonstrate that the role they wish to fill with a skilled migrant worker cannot be adequately filled by the resident workforce. This requires a comprehensive recruitment process and documentation of efforts to hire locally.
Compliance Record
Employers must have a clean compliance record, which includes a satisfactory history of complying with immigration laws and previous sponsorship duties, if applicable.
HR Systems and Processes
Employers need to establish robust systems and processes to manage their sponsorship duties effectively. This includes maintaining certain records and ensuring compliance with employment and immigration laws.
Suitable Physical Premises
If you are applying for a sponsorship license, you must have physical premises in the UK where the sponsored workers can carry out their duties.
Resident Labour Market Test
In certain cases, employers must conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to prove that they were unable to find suitably qualified resident workers for the skilled roles they are looking to fill.
Minimum Salary Threshold
Employers should ensure that the offered salaries meet the minimum thresholds set for the specific job roles as defined by the UK government. There are different levels of minimum salary requirement. Global Law will give you the information on salaries so you do not breach employment laws.
Sponsorship Management System
Employers must set up and maintain a Sponsorship Management System (SMS), which is an online portal used to manage the sponsorship process and provide vital information to the Home Office. Global Law will train you to navigate around the system so you are complaint with reporting and record keeping.
UK Sponsorship Licence fees (2025)
Licence type | Small or charitable sponsor | Medium or large sponsor |
Worker | £574 | £1,579 |
Temporary Worker | £574 | £574 |
Both (Worker + Temporary) | £574 | £1,579 |
You’re considered a small sponsor if you meet at least two of the following:
Annual turnover of £10.2M or less
50 employees or fewer
Total assets worth £5.1M or less
After you apply for a UK Sponsorship Licence
If successful, you’ll receive an A-rated UK Sponsorship Licence, allowing you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
If your organisation fails to meet its responsibilities, your rating can be downgraded to B-rating, which limits your ability to hire until you take corrective action.
Assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
You must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for each foreign worker. There are two types:
Defined CoS – for applicants outside the UK (Skilled Worker visa only)
Undefined CoS – for applicants already in the UK or for other visa types
CoS cost:
Worker: £525
Temporary Worker: £55
Immigration Skills Charge
If sponsoring a Skilled Worker or Senior/Specialist Worker, you may also need to pay an Immigration Skills Charge, unless the role is exempt (e.g. scientific researchers, higher education roles).
Responsibilities of a Sponsor
Once licensed, you must:
Keep accurate records of all sponsored workers
Report changes in worker circumstances (e.g. job role or address)
Comply with immigration laws and UKVI requirements
Ensure jobs meet minimum wage and visa requirements
Non-compliance can result in licence suspension or revocation.
UK Sponsorship Licence processing times
Standard applications take up to 8 weeks. A priority service (£500) can reduce this to 10 working days, subject to availability.
What happens if your licence Is refused or revoked?
Refused applications: You may request a review if UKVI made an error.
Revoked licences: You must wait 12 months before reapplying.
Why choose us?
At Global Law, we are more than just immigration consultants — we are your trusted partners in navigating the complexities of the UK Sponsorship Licence process.
With over 17 years of proven expertise, our award-winning consultancy operates from offices in London and Dubai, serving a diverse global clientele. Whether you're an individual entrepreneur or a growing business, our services are designed to meet your unique immigration needs with precision and care.
Unmatched expertise: Specialists in UK immigration law, corporate sponsorship, and global mobility solutions.
Proven track record: Trusted by high-net-worth and middle-income clients across the UK, Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Tailored strategies: We don’t offer one-size-fits-all advice — we craft immigration solutions that align with your goals.
Full-service support: From initial application to licence management and compliance, we’re with you every step of the way.
Why choose us?
Our visa service is designed to provide a seamless, secure, and efficient experience for all travelers. Whether you're applying for the first time or need guidance along the way, we've built a system that prioritizes speed, security, simplicity, and support.
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