Sponsor Licence & Sponsorship
From initial licence applications to ongoing compliance monitoring, we help UK businesses navigate sponsorship duties with clarity and precision.
Sponsor Licence Overview
A Sponsor Licence allows a UK-based organisation to lawfully employ non-UK nationals under the UK's Points-Based Immigration System. Businesses must hold a valid sponsor licence before they can sponsor migrant workers on routes such as the Skilled Worker or UK Expansion Worker visa.
Holding a sponsor licence places ongoing legal and compliance responsibilities on the employer. The Home Office expects sponsors to operate genuine businesses, offer genuine vacancies, and comply with strict reporting, record-keeping, and right-to-work obligations.
Home Office Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small or charitable sponsor | £574 |
| Medium or large sponsor | £1,579 |
| Premium Service fee | £750 |
| Defined / Undefined CoS | £525 |
| Immigration Skills Charge (small) | £480/year per worker |
| Immigration Skills Charge (medium/large) | £1,320/year per worker |
Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence enables UK employers to recruit overseas workers for eligible skilled roles. To qualify, the business must be a genuine and lawfully operating UK organisation, offer roles that meet the required skill level and salary threshold, and have appropriate HR systems in place.
Sponsor Compliance Audits
Sponsor Compliance Audits are checks carried out by the Home Office to assess whether a sponsor is meeting its ongoing duties. Failure to meet sponsor duties can lead to licence suspension or revocation. Proactive compliance preparation is essential.
Monthly Compliance Monitoring Service
- Monthly sponsor duty checks
- HR and Right to Work reviews
- Sponsored worker monitoring
- Reporting obligation reminders
- Risk identification and compliance guidance
How We Help
- Sponsor licence applications and renewals
- Skilled Worker and Expansion Worker strategies
- CoS allocation and management
- Audit preparation and remediation
- Monthly compliance monitoring
- Suspension and revocation representations
Skilled Worker vs UK Expansion Worker
| Feature | Skilled Worker | UK Expansion Worker |
|---|---|---|
| UK trading entity required | Yes | No |
| Leads to settlement | Yes | No |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Yes | No |
| Maximum stay | Up to 5 years (extendable) | Limited (2 years) |
| Purpose | Ongoing employment | Business expansion |