If you’re considering a sponsor licence application in the UK to bring skilled workers into your organization then this process involves multiple steps, from understanding the sponsor licence application form to navigating the sponsor licence application guidance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage, including vital details, processing times, and necessary documents, to ensure a smooth and successful sponsor license application.
Step 1 – Assess The Job You Want to Sponsor
Before diving into the sponsor licence application, it’s essential to evaluate the specific position you intend to sponsor. Notably, not all jobs are eligible for sponsorship, and you should only proceed with a sponsor licence application if your business genuinely needs it.
To meet the eligibility criteria, the job must satisfy specific requirements, such as a minimum salary threshold (typically set at £38,700 per year) and a minimum skill level (usually RQF 3 or higher).
Click here for more information about the minimum salary and skill requirements.
Step 2 – Understand Your Obligations
Initiating a sponsor licence application means committing to various responsibilities and obligations. When your business becomes a sponsor, you effectively step into the Home Office’s shoes. Here are some of the key obligations:
- Reporting: This involves notifying the Home Office of various events, such as sponsored migrants not showing up for work or significant changes within your business, such as a change of address.
- Record keeping: It’s essential to maintain comprehensive records, including relevant degree certificates and employer references, to demonstrate that sponsored employees possess the required skills and experience.
- Right to work checks: Continuously verifying that your employees are eligible to work in the UK is a critical responsibility.
- Compliance with general sponsor duties: Your business must adhere to UK employment law requirements.
You’ll also need to designate key personnel within your organization who will manage and oversee these responsibilities.
Step 3 – Prepare Supporting Documents
When applying for a sponsor licence, you must provide specific supporting documents to establish the legitimacy of your business during the sponsor licence application process.
Typically, you will need to provide four mandatory documents to demonstrate that your company is a genuine, actively trading entity. These documents may include:
- VAT certificate
- Corporate bank statements
- Employer’s liability insurance certificate
- A signed lease agreement
It’s important to note that these documents must be submitted to the Home Office within five working days of completing your online sponsor licence application.
Step 4 – Make Online Application
The sponsor licence application form can be accessed through an online portal. This application requires detailed information about your business, including specifics about the key personnel associated with the licence.
Once the application is completed, the authorized officer in your organization must sign the application submission sheet and forward it, along with the supporting documents, to the Home Office.
Step 5 – Wait for the Home Office Decision
The typical processing time for sponsor licence applications is approximately eight weeks. However, you can expedite this process by carefully preparing your supporting documents and communicating clearly with the Home Office about your business’s purpose for obtaining a sponsor licence including any factors affecting the sponsorship license fee and priority of your application.
Typical Reasons for Refusal
To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to be aware of common reasons for refusal:
- 1. Home Office Doesn’t Consider the Business Able to Offer Genuine Employment: This often occurs when applicants fail to provide a clear rationale for requiring a sponsor licence, particularly affecting small and new businesses.
- 2. Failure to Provide Mandatory Supporting Documents Within the Required Timeframe: Missing the deadline for submitting mandatory documents or providing incorrect ones can result in refusal. Ensuring timely submission can help avoid unnecessary costs and maintain your application’s priority.
- 3. Failed Audit: Failing a Home Office audit is another prevalent reason for refusal. It’s crucial to demonstrate that your business has established processes to monitor and report on sponsored migrants effectively.
Consequences of Refusal
In most cases, if your application is refused, your business will not be eligible to reapply for a sponsor licence for six months.