Sponsor Licence Solicitors
If your business is looking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK, obtaining a Sponsor Licence is an essential step. At Slater Heelis, we provide expert legal advice to businesses of all sizes, helping them through the Sponsor Licence application process. Our dedicated team ensures that your business remains compliant with UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) requirements while benefiting from access to international talent.
Talk to one of our team members on 03300297347
Looking to hire the best talent from across the globe?
A Sponsor Licence allows UK businesses to legally employ skilled workers from overseas under specific visa routes. This licence is essential for companies that wish to hire individuals who do not already have the right to work in the UK. Without a Sponsor Licence, businesses cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship, which are necessary for visa applications under work-related immigration categories.
Employers can apply for either a Worker Licence or a Temporary Worker Licence, depending on their recruitment needs. Each category has specific requirements that must be met to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Our specialist Immigration and Visa Solicitors can support your business in applying for the license, assessing and improving your likelihood of acceptance, and maintaining your license through vigorous audits and government checks.
Based in Manchester and Sale, and serving clients nationwide, our solicitors build lasting relationships with business owners, senior directors, and HR representatives to manage potential risks and add commercial value by opening pathways to the talent you need.
If you’d like to contact our solicitors, fill out the adjacent contact sheet on this page or call 03301 732 339.
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Worker Licence Categories
- Skilled Worker Visa – For roles that meet job suitability requirements.
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) – For multinational companies transferring experienced employees to the UK.
- Minister of Religion Visa – For individuals working for religious organisations.
- International Sportsperson Visa – For elite sportspeople and coaches who will be based in the UK.
Temporary Worker Licence Categories
- Creative Worker – For professionals in the creative industry (valid for up to 2 years).
- Charity Worker – For unpaid charity workers (valid for up to 1 year).
- Religious Worker – For those working within religious organisations (valid for 2 years).
- Government Authorised Exchange – For work experience, research projects, or training (valid for 1 or 2 years).
- International Agreement – For roles covered by international law agreements.
- Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility) – For workers transferring under a graduate training programme.
- Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility) – For those providing contracted services in the UK (valid for 6 or 12 months).
- UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) – For businesses setting up a UK branch.
- Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility) – For high-value contract workers transferring to the UK.
- Seasonal Worker – For workers in the edible horticulture sector (valid for up to 6 months).
Eligibility for a Sponsor Licence
To apply for a Sponsor Licence, your business must meet the following criteria:
- No unspent criminal convictions related to immigration offences, fraud, or other relevant crimes.
- No prior revocation of a Sponsor Licence in the past 12 months.
- A robust HR system in place to monitor sponsored employees.
- A genuine need for sponsorship that meets UKVI’s job suitability requirements.
- Readiness for an inspection by the Home Office to assess compliance and suitability.
Sponsor Duties and Compliance
Once a Sponsor Licence is granted, businesses must comply with strict UKVI regulations, including:
- Reporting Duties – Keeping UKVI updated on any changes to your business or sponsored employees.
- Record-Keeping Duties – Maintaining accurate records of all sponsored workers.
- Compliance with Immigration Laws – Adhering to all Home Office guidelines for sponsorship.
- Public Good Conduct – Ensuring that neither the business nor its key personnel engage in actions deemed harmful to the public interest.
Failure to comply with these duties can result in fines, licence suspension, or revocation, significantly impacting your ability to hire overseas talent.
How We Can Help
At Slater Heelis, we understand the intricacies involved in applying for and maintaining a Sponsor Licence. Our immigration solicitors work closely with businesses to provide tailored guidance, ensuring a smooth application process and ongoing compliance.
Our Services Include:
- Licence Application Assistance – We guide you through the entire process, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Home Office requirements.
- Compliance Support – Helping you establish and maintain the necessary systems to meet sponsorship obligations.
- Preparation for Home Office Audits – Conducting internal audits to ensure your business is fully prepared for inspections.
- Appeals and Judicial Reviews – Providing expert representation if your licence application is refused or if you face compliance issues.
- Ongoing Legal Support – Keeping you updated on changes to immigration laws and how they affect your business.
How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
The application process involves:
- Completing an online application form via the UKVI website.
- Submitting supporting documents that prove your business is legitimate and capable of fulfilling sponsorship duties.
- Paying the relevant application fee, which varies depending on the size of your business.
- Preparing for a potential Home Office visit to assess your organisation’s compliance readiness.
UKVI assesses applications based on factors such as:
- The legitimacy of your business operations.
- The reliability and integrity of your company and its key personnel.
- Your ability to meet sponsorship obligations.
- The suitability of the job roles being offered for sponsorship.
Why Choose Slater Heelis?
With a wealth of experience in UK immigration law, we have helped numerous businesses successfully obtain and manage their Sponsor Licences. We take a proactive approach, ensuring that our clients are fully equipped to meet UKVI requirements while benefiting from access to global talent. Whether you are applying for a Sponsor Licence for the first time or need assistance with compliance, our solicitors are here to help.
If your business is considering hiring overseas workers, contact us today to discuss your Sponsor Licence needs and how we can support your application process. Our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.
Meet the Team
If you need expert advice on UK immigration and visa matters, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation with one of our experienced immigration solicitors.
