A UK sponsor licence is a legal requirement for any business wishing to employ workers from outside the UK and Ireland under the Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker, or other sponsored routes. We guide businesses through every stage — application, compliance, renewals and Home Office investigations.
Two licence types
Worker Licence
For long-term roles, including:
- Skilled Worker route
- Senior or Specialist Worker (ICT)
- Minister of Religion
- International Sportsperson
Temporary Worker Licence
For temporary or purpose-limited routes:
- Charity Worker
- Creative Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- Seasonal Worker
Eligibility & requirements
The Home Office will assess your organisation against several criteria:
- You are a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK
- You have appropriate HR systems to monitor sponsored workers
- Key personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User) are appointed
- No history of immigration non-compliance or serious criminal convictions
- Supporting documents verify your business and HR systems
Compliance ratings — and why they matter
Holding a licence carries ongoing obligations. Failure can mean downgrade, suspension or revocation — with serious consequences for your business and your sponsored workers.
How we work
Eligibility assessment
Pre-application advice and an honest view of your readiness.
HR systems review
We make sure your monitoring and record-keeping will survive scrutiny.
Application, prepared properly
Documents, key personnel and submission — handled end to end.
Home Office engagement
Compliance visits, questions and follow-up, with us beside you.
Ongoing protection
Audits, training and retainer support that keep the licence safe.
Common questions
How long does a sponsor licence application take?
Standard processing is around eight weeks, and a priority service can shorten this where available. Preparation time matters just as much — a well-prepared application avoids the delays caused by requests for further information.
What happens if our licence is suspended?
You cannot assign new Certificates of Sponsorship while suspended, and your sponsored workers' status is at risk. Deadlines are short and unforgiving — take advice the day you receive the letter, not the week after.
Do we need a lawyer for a compliance visit?
You are entitled to support, and preparation is where visits are won. We run mock audits against the Home Office checklist, fix the gaps, and brief your key personnel before the real thing.
What does it cost?
Fixed fees from £2,000 excluding VAT and Home Office fees, with your exact fee confirmed in writing after an initial consultation. No hidden charges.