What Is a Sponsor Licence Number?
A sponsor licence number is a unique identifier assigned to UK businesses by the Home Office once they successfully obtain a sponsor licence. This number is essential for businesses looking to hire skilled foreign workers under visa routes such as the Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa.
Employers must use their sponsor licence number when issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), corresponding with the Home Office, and maintaining compliance under the sponsor management system (SMS).
Why a Sponsor Licence Number Is Important
A sponsor licence is a legal requirement for any UK business intending to hire non-UK workers. Without a valid sponsor licence number, companies are prohibited from issuing CoS, which is necessary for workers applying for a visa.
Holding a sponsor licence also means the employer must comply with Home Office regulations, including:
- Monitoring sponsored employees to ensure they meet visa conditions.
- Updating the sponsor management system (SMS) with relevant changes.
- Reporting breaches or issues that could impact an employee’s visa status.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities can lead to a sponsor licence revocation, fines, and even a ban on sponsoring workers in the future.
How to Obtain a Sponsor Licence Number
To receive a sponsor licence number, businesses must apply for a sponsor licence through the Home Office. The process includes:
- Checking Eligibility: The business must prove it has robust HR systems and a genuine need to sponsor workers.
- Submitting an Application: The online sponsor licence application requires detailed company information and supporting documents.
- Paying the Required Fees: The application costs vary based on company size. Check the latest sponsor licence fees.
- Home Office Visit: Some companies may receive a compliance audit before approval.
- Processing Time: Standard processing takes up to 8 weeks, but businesses can use the Sponsor Licence Priority Service to expedite applications.
Once approved, the business will receive its sponsor licence number, allowing it to hire sponsored workers.
How to Find Your Sponsor Licence Number
Employers may need to locate their sponsor licence number for various reasons, including visa applications, compliance audits, or reporting changes. Here’s how to find it:
1. Sponsor Management System (SMS)
Log in to the sponsor management system (SMS) to view your sponsor licence details, including your sponsor licence number.
2. Home Office Correspondence
Your sponsor licence number is included in:
- The Home Office approval letter upon licence issuance.
- Other official Home Office communications related to your licence.
3. Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
Each certificate of sponsorship issued by your company includes your sponsor licence number for reference.
Is a Sponsor Licence Number the Same as a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Number?
No, a sponsor licence number is assigned to an employer, while a CoS number is unique to each sponsored worker. Every CoS is linked to the employer’s sponsor licence number, but they are not interchangeable.
If a CoS is invalid, it can lead to delays or refusals of an employee’s visa application. Employers should always ensure CoS validity through the sponsor management system.
Need Help Managing Your Sponsor Licence?
Handling a sponsor licence and staying compliant with Home Office regulations can be complex. If you need assistance with:
- Applying for a sponsor licence
- Ensuring compliance to avoid sponsor licence revocation
- Managing CoS and immigration duties
Borderless has helped over 250 UK businesses streamline their sponsorship process. We combine expert guidance with cutting-edge technology to make sponsorship seamless.
Contact us today for a consultation.
Conclusion
A sponsor licence number is crucial for UK businesses hiring foreign workers. It verifies a company’s ability to sponsor employees and must be used in all sponsorship-related activities. Employers should understand how to obtain, manage, and use their sponsor licence number correctly to avoid compliance issues.
For more information on sponsor licence management, compliance, and visa sponsorship, check out these helpful guides:
- Sponsor Licence Application: Step-by-Step Guide
- How Long Does a Sponsor Licence Take?
- Right to Work Checks for Employers
For expert guidance, get in touch with our team today.
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