How to Get a UK Sponsor Licence: A Complete Guide for Employers

How to Get a UK Sponsor Licence: A Complete Guide for Employers

If you want to hire workers from outside the UK, you'll almost certainly need a sponsor licence. This guide covers everything you need to know about the application process.

What Is a Sponsor Licence?

A sponsor licence is permission from the Home Office that allows your organisation to sponsor migrant workers under the UK's points-based immigration system. Without one, you cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to prospective employees.

Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?

You need a sponsor licence if you want to employ someone on a:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (intra-company route)
• Minister of Religion visa
• Global Business Mobility routes
• Scale-up visa (for the initial sponsorship)

You do not need a licence to employ people with settled or pre-settled status, British citizenship, Irish citizenship, or an existing right to work.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a sponsor licence, your organisation must:

• Be a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK
• Not have any unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other offences
• Have appropriate HR systems in place to monitor sponsored employees
• Be able to offer genuine employment at the required skill and salary level

The Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Licence Type

There are two main licence types:

• Worker — for employing people in long-term roles (Skilled Worker, etc.)
• Temporary Worker — for short-term roles (charity workers, creative workers, etc.)

You can apply for both on the same application.

Step 2: Appoint Key Personnel

Every sponsor must appoint:

• An Authorising Officer — a senior person responsible for the licence
• A Key Contact — the main point of contact with UKVI
• A Level 1 User — someone who manages the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) day-to-day

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

You'll need to provide documents proving your organisation is genuine and operating in the UK. Common documents include:

• HMRC registration (employer PAYE reference)
• Company accounts or bank statements
• VAT registration certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of premises (lease, utility bills, etc.)
• Evidence of trading (contracts, invoices, etc.)

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications are made online through GOV.UK. You'll need to:

• Complete the online form
• Upload supporting documents
• Pay the licence fee

Step 5: Compliance Visit

UKVI may conduct a pre-licence compliance visit to your premises to check that:

• Your organisation is genuine
• You have systems to track and manage sponsored workers
• Your HR processes are adequate

Costs

Organisation Size	Licence Fee
Small or charitable sponsor	£536
Medium or large sponsor	£1,476

The licence is valid for 4 years, after which you must apply to renew.

Processing Times

Standard processing typically takes 8 weeks. There is no priority service for licence applications, though UKVI sometimes processes them faster.

After You Get Your Licence

Once approved, you can:

• Access the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
• Assign Certificates of Sponsorship to prospective employees
• Begin recruiting from overseas

You'll also have ongoing compliance duties — see our guide on sponsor licence compliance for details.

Final Thoughts

Getting a sponsor licence is a significant but manageable process. Plan ahead, ensure your HR systems are robust, and keep thorough records. The investment opens up access to a global talent pool that can transform your business.