When it comes to a sponsorship licence application, consider World Wide Work Permit. We provide a cloud-based solution for your sponsor licence application to be UKVI compliant. Get your Sponsor Licence sorted today.
About Sponsor Licence
If a UK firm wants to employ non-UK resident (including EU nationals entering the UK from 1st January 2023), the employer must have a valid sponsorship licence from the UK Home Office. The process of employer sponsorship licence application can be complex, and World Wide Work Permit can assist with this.
How long does it take to apply for a Sponsor Licence?
To apply for a sponsor licence, it usually takes 8 weeks to get a decision from Home Office. Processing time may be longer if your application is complex or you have not provided the required information. The Home Office may need to conduct an on-site visit to your business premises as part of their due diligence and this can add a few more weeks to the process.
If the skilled worker sponsor licence application is refused, there is a six-month cooling-off period before you can reapply. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision. You’ll need to address the reasons your application was denied in your reapplication. World Wide Work Permit can provide assistance in this matter.
What are the Required Documents for a Sponsor Licence Application?
Application for a UK sponsorship licence requires certain documents you need to provide to succeed. In addition to the sponsorship licence application form, you’ll also need to submit a minimum of 4 supporting documents from the list below:
PAYE or Account Office reference letter from HMRC (PAYE reference number is mandatory)
SIGNED Annual Accounts (it’s mandatory if the business is over 18 months old)
Minimum 1-month business bank statement, the bank needs to be registered and regulated by the FCA and PRA.
Copy of regulatory approval, i.e. Health & Safety star rating for food businesses, ACCA, SRA, etc.
VAT Certificate (if registered)
If the skilled worker sponsor licence application is denied, there is a six-month cooling-off period before you can reapply. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision. You’ll need to address the reasons your application was denied in your reapplication.
If the refusal is due to document errors, you may be able to correct the mistake and resubmit your application. For any decisions that were not overturned after an error correction, the only other option would be to lodge a judicial review.
How much does it cost to get a Sponsor Licence?
The cost of a sponsor licence application varies depending on the size of the organisation.
For small organisations, the Sponsor Licence application fee is £536, which needs to be paid to the Home Office
For Medium to large organisations, the Sponsor Licence application fee is £1,476, which also needs to be paid to the Home Office.
A small organisation is defined as 1-50 staff, less than 10.2 million annual turnovers, and total assets worth £5.1 million or less.
Additionally, an annual sponsor licence fee must be paid to maintain the licence, but that will only depend on the number of skilled workers the company employs.
How can World Wide Work Permit help?
Our Sponsor Licence Application service includes the following:
Evaluate an organisation’s sponsorship needs.
Determine the appropriate type of sponsorship licence.
Check organisation’s previous business performance.
Review Authorising Officer, Level 1 User and Key Contact person’s suitability.
Recommend mandatory and supporting documents based on the nature of the organisation.
Assist organisations to respond to Home Office questions correctly.
Provide guidance on sponsorship-related fees.
Help fast track organisations to the Home Office.
Provide expert support for first-time sponsorship license applicants, renewals, suspensions and revocation.
What is the process to Sponsor a Skilled Worker?
The process involves the employer applying for a licence from the UK Home Office, securing the necessary requirements and advertising the role to be filled by the overseas worker.
If the role is suitable for a skilled worker, the employer can then sponsor the worker and apply for their visa.
The process is relatively straightforward but does require some upfront work by the employer.
