A sponsor licence is the legal requirement set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for any UK business or employer who is wanting to recruit individuals from overseas to work in the UK. This is applicable to the number of individual immigration routes, such as a Skilled Worker.
Legal compliance in the UK's employment framework requires a sound understanding of the role of a sponsor licence, including for employers aiming to hire workers from EU nations, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, post-December 31, 2020.
The journey towards securing a sponsorship licence is marked not only by its complexity but also by its critical importance in the overseas hiring process, underlining that obtaining a sponsor licence does not inherently guarantee that the applicant will receive a work visa for the UK.
The article will explore the essentials of understanding what a sponsor licence is, shedding light on the procedural and regulatory framework that govern the sponsor licences in the UK.
Sponsor Licences: The Basics
A sponsor licence is a mandatory requirement for UK employers looking to hire non-settled workers or individuals who do not currently hold the right to work within the UK.
The essence of obtaining a sponsor licence lies in its ability to legally enable businesses to employ overseas talent, which is particularly crucial in filling long-term skilled positions (Skilled Worker Visa, Health & Care Worker Visa) or temporary roles (Temporary Worker Visa).
The application process for a sponsor licence is detailed and involves several steps:
Online Application Submission: Employers must complete and submit their application online through the gov.uk website, a process taking approximately 20-30 minutes.
Supporting Documents: Within 5 working days of submitting the online application, businesses are required to send the Home Office the submission sheet along with necessary supporting documents via email.
Application Review and Decision: The Home Office commits to processing applications within 8 weeks. However, for an additional fee, a priority service is available, ensuring a decision within 10 working days.
Why Sponsorship Is Critical
Stabilise Workforce: Employ skilled & values-driven care professionals, both in the UK and abroad.
Reduce Cost: Reduce costs associated with high staff turnover & reliance on expensive agencies
Unlock Growth: Save time & get back to what’s most important: delivering quality care!
What Are the Business Requirements for a Sponsor Licence?
It is required that businesses meet specific eligibility and suitability criteria that demonstrates their lawful operation within the UK and their ability to comply with immigration rules. This includes maintaining accurate records, offering genuine job opportunities, and ensuring employment conditions meet prescribed standards.
Additionally, the business or organisation must appoint key personnel roles, including an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User, to manage the sponsorship process effectively.
Understanding the Various Types of Sponsor Licences
In the complex world of UK employment, understanding the distinction between the two primary types of sponsor licences is important for employers aiming to efficiently utilise the sponsorship licence process.
These two types are a Worker Licence and a Temporary Worker Licence. Below are some examples of both of these types of licences:
Worker Licences
Skilled Worker: Requires 70 points achieved through skill and salary thresholds, English language proficiency, and a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility): For employees transferring to a UK subsidiary or branch of their overseas employer.
Minister of Religion: For individuals serving within a faith-based organisation or religious order.
International Sportsperson: Aimed at elite sportspeople or coaches contributing at the highest level.
Temporary Worker Licences
Categories include Scale-up Worker, Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Religious Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility), Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility), UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility), Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility), and Seasonal Worker.
This delineation enables employers to identify the appropriate type of licence based on the specific nature of employment that they are offering, whether it be for a permanent, long-term skilled position under the Worker Licence, or for a specific temporary role through the Temporary Worker Licence.
Do Any Overseas Workers Not Need a Sponsor Licence?
There are some notable exceptions to the sponsor licence requirements, such as Irish citizens and individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, alongside those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Require Assistance with your Sponsor Licence? Let Us Know
If you have any concerns or questions about the sponsor licence process, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert support. Schedule a demo with Borderless today.
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