Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
What is a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?
An organisation that needs to sponsor non-UK skilled workers must obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. The Skilled Worker route was previously known as Tier 2 (General).
Once a company is an approved sponsor licence holder, it can then use the licence to sponsor under the Skilled Worker route of the Immigration Rules.
What are the main requirements for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Application?
In order to obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the organisation must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that it is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK, that it has relevant HR processes and systems in place and that it has a genuine need for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
In order to assess whether an organisation has a genuine need for a sponsor licence, UKVI will require information that demonstrates that the organisation has genuine vacancies and needs to recruit individuals with specialist skills that are not always available locally.
Our immigration experts have significant experience in sponsor licences, including where there may be complex factors. We will guide you through the process from start to finish.
If you require further information, contact one of our specialists or complete our enquiry form below.
What is the process for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Application?
In order to apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the organisation must complete an online application form. A number of documents will then need to be submitted to UKVI in order to demonstrate that the organisation is genuine and trading in the UK.
Examples of documents that can be submitted include:
- a bank statement;
- a VAT certificate;
- evidence of employer’s liability insurance; and
- evidence of premises.
All supporting documentation must be sent to UKVI within five working days of the online form being submitted.
In addition to the documentation, the organisation is required to provide UKVI with some general information relating to the organisation. The required information is set out by UKVI at Appendix A of the Sponsor Guidance.
How long does a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application take?
Decisions on Skilled Worker sponsor licence applications can take up to 16 weeks, but we would generally expect a decision within 8-10 weeks.
If the Home Office’s priority service can be used, the process can be significantly shortened.
What are Sponsor Licence compliance visits for?
Prior to making a decision on a Skilled Worker sponsor licence application, UKVI may visit the organisation to carry out a compliance review in order to determine whether or not the organisation will offer genuine vacancies to overseas workers and will be capable of carrying out its sponsor duties.
As part of a compliance visit, UKVI carries out a number of checks, including a review of the organisation’s current practices, policies and HR procedures in order to ensure that it has suitable systems in place.
If, following a review, UKVI has any concerns, the sponsor licence application can be refused. It is therefore essential that the organisation reviews relevant systems and policies prior to submitting a sponsor licence application.
Apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence with Carter Thomas
UKVI will carefully scrutinise an application for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. If it does not consider that an organisation is genuine, or it considers that any of the other requirements have not been met, the application will fall for refusal. It is therefore essential that the application is prepared thoroughly and carefully.
Here at Carter Thomas, we are experienced in preparing Skilled Worker sponsor licence applications to ensure a successful outcome and will provide expert guidance and assistance to organisations throughout the process.
Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Application: How our immigration solicitors can help
If your organisation requires legal assistance or you would just like to discuss your situation with one of our experts on a no-obligation basis, please call us or complete our enquiry form below.
More Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence FAQs
However, in certain circumstances, workers can be paid less if they fall under a different tradeable option, for example if the job is on the Immigration Salary List, or the worker is regarded as a ‘new entrant’. There are other salary rules which cover jobs in healthcare and education. You can find further information here. There are also transitional provisions in place for workers who were already on the Skilled Worker route prior to 4 April 2024. You can read more about this here.
If your application has been rejected, we will review the decision letter and advise you on the best course of action, including if there may be grounds to challenge a refusal decision.
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