At First Migration, we understand the complexities that UK employers face when hiring skilled talent who require a UK work visa to work in the UK. With extensive experience and a proven track record of over 45,000 successful visa approvals since 2007, we’ve created this engaging and informative guide to simplify your sponsorship journey—from obtaining your Sponsor Licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to successfully onboarding skilled workers.
A UK Sponsor Licence is essential for any UK-based employer aiming to hire international talent. This licence, granted by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), authorises you to employ skilled workers who require a visa to work in the UK legally. The licence covers various categories, notably the Skilled Worker visa, which facilitates the employment of long-term, skilled employees crucial to your business growth.
Before beginning the application process, your organisation must meet several fundamental criteria. UKVI expects employers to demonstrate a genuine need for skilled workers, uphold ethical business practices, maintain proper operational standards, and effectively manage immigration compliance. This includes proving that your organisation is actively trading, has sufficient HR processes in place to manage a non-British worker, and possesses genuine vacancies that require skilled professionals.
“Sufficient HR processes” are simply UKVI jargon for maintaining accurate employee records and proactively monitoring employees’ attendance. If there are any issues with the employee’s employment, you must inform UKVI via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). If you can show you can do this, you will be fine.
Your application to UKVI requires carefully collated supporting business documents to establish credibility and compliance. Commonly required documents include proof of business registration, Employer’s Liability Insurance, VAT and PAYE records, and evidence of your commercial premises. Having clear, complete documentation not only expedites the process but also increases the likelihood of a successful Sponsor License application.
Your business’s journey to sponsorship formally begins with an online application submitted via the UKVI’s online portal. Depending on your organisation’s size, application fees vary (£574 for smaller businesses and charities; £1,579 for medium to large organisations). Once your application is submitted, you’ll have five working days to provide UKVI with the required supporting documents. Applications typically take up to eight weeks to process; however, an expedited service can shorten this timeframe to approximately ten working days.
Upon approval, you will receive your Sponsor Licence number and gain access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS) (a dedicated UKVI website). At this stage, you will appoint designated key personnel responsible for managing your licence and maintaining compliance. These key roles include the Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User. Effective selection and training of these individuals are crucial for ongoing compliance and smooth operation.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a pivotal component of hiring skilled workers. Although called a certificate, it’s an electronic record containing critical details required for your employee’s visa application. There are two types:
Understanding which type to use and efficiently managing your allocations via the SMS significantly streamlines your hiring processes.
Once you have your CoS, assigning it via the online Sponsorship Management System (SMS) involves entering detailed information about the employee and the role they’re filling. This includes their salary, job description, and employment terms. You will also pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which varies depending on your company size (£364 or £1,000 annually per employee). Once assigned, you will provide the unique CoS number to your employee to use in their Skilled Worker visa application. You will be able to download a PDF version of the CoS, which your employee uploads with all other supporting documents when they apply for their Skilled Worker Visa online.
With the CoS number you provided, your employee can now apply online for their Skilled Worker visa. The application requires payment of relevant fees, including the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, as well as the provision of biometric information. Supporting documentation from your organisation further strengthens their application, enhancing the likelihood of swift approval. The required documents are typically listed at the end of the Skilled Worker online application.
Your sponsorship responsibilities extend beyond securing the licence and initial hire. Employers must adhere to ongoing obligations set by UKVI, including monitoring immigration statuses, maintaining accurate employment records, reporting any significant employee or organisational changes promptly, and facilitating periodic audits by UKVI. Proper management ensures you avoid penalties and retain your valuable licence.
As of April 2024, all Sponsor Licences have been made “indefinite” and no longer expire every four years. This positive development means employers do NOT need to plan for the Sponsor License renewal process online every few years.
At First Migration, we’re dedicated to simplifying your journey through the complexities of UK sponsorship. Our expertise includes guiding you through every step – from obtaining your Sponsor License, managing Certificates of Sponsorship, and ensuring compliance with UKVI’s requirements. Partnering with us allows you to focus on your business growth, secure in the knowledge that your sponsorship processes are handled professionally and efficiently.
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Begin your sponsorship journey with confidence and ease. Reach out to First Migration today and let us support your ambitions for international talent acquisition.
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Trust First Migration to manage your sponsorship process expertly and efficiently, giving your business the global talent advantage you deserve.
First Migration is a private visa and immigration company offering consultancy services. We are regulated and authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority with the registration number F200700083.
If you want to apply for a UK visa, you can do so directly on the UKVI website.
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