A Sponsor Licence allows an eligible UK organisation to sponsor workers or, under the relevant arrangements, students who meet the requirements of the applicable immigration route. For employers, the appropriate licence will depend on the type of workers the organisation intends to sponsor.

If your organisation wants to sponsor a worker who requires sponsorship under the UK immigration system, you will generally need an appropriate Sponsor Licence. The specific requirements depend on the immigration route and circumstances of the worker.

Your organisation must meet the relevant eligibility and suitability requirements and demonstrate that it can fulfil its sponsorship duties. You will also need to provide the supporting documents required by the Home Office.

The documents required depend on the type of organisation, the licence being sought and your circumstances. The Home Office has specific supporting-document requirements, so it is important to identify the correct evidence before submitting your application.

Key Personnel are the people responsible for managing sponsorship within your organisation.

The required roles generally include:

Authorising Officer – responsible for the organisation’s sponsorship activity.

Key Contact – the main point of contact with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Level 1 User – responsible for the day-to-day management of sponsorship through the Sponsorship Management System.A Level 2 User can also be appointed where appropriate. Key Personnel must meet the relevant eligibility and suitability requirements.

The Sponsorship Management System (SMS) is the Home Office system used by sponsors to manage aspects of their sponsorship responsibilities. It can be used for activities such as managing sponsorship information, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship and reporting relevant changes.

A Sponsor Licence comes with ongoing responsibilities. Sponsors must comply with their sponsorship duties, keep appropriate records, monitor sponsored workers where required and report relevant changes or events to the Home Office. Failure to comply can result in Home Office compliance action, including restrictions or revocation of the licence.

Yes. MYM Solicitors can advise your organisation on Certificate of Sponsorship requirements and related sponsorship processes. Certificates of Sponsorship are managed through the Sponsorship Management System by the licensed sponsor, and the relevant requirements depend on the immigration route and sponsored role.

If your application is refused, the appropriate next step will depend on the reasons for the decision and your organisation’s circumstances. MYM Solicitors can review the Home Office decision, explain the available options and advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Yes. A Sponsor Licence can be revoked if an organisation fails to comply with its sponsorship duties or no longer meets the relevant requirements. The Home Office can take compliance action where there are concerns about a sponsor’s compliance.

Yes. We can provide guidance on sponsor duties, record-keeping, reporting responsibilities, sponsorship processes and other compliance matters. Our aim is to help your organisation understand its responsibilities and manage sponsorship appropriately throughout the life of the licence.

Processing times can vary depending on the circumstances and the Home Office’s current processing arrangements. Eligible applicants may be able to use the pre-licence priority service for an additional fee. Where the service is available and the application is eligible, the Home Office aims to consider the application within 10 working days. This does not guarantee that the application will be approved.