Types of Sponsor Licence UK Employers Visa

A sponsor license is essential for UK enterprises that are interested in hiring global talent. The sponsor license required by a business is contingent upon the role they are seeking to fill, job requirements, and a variety of other factors.

This article will provide you with an understanding of the various varieties of sponsor licenses, enabling you to ascertain which one is most suitable for your organization’s requirements.

What Is a Sponsor Licence UK?

The Sponsor Licence is an official sanction issued by the UK Home Office that enables employers to employ non-UK residents. The objective of this system is to guarantee that only organizations that are capable of providing employment opportunities to international employees are permitted to relocate them to the United Kingdom.

An organization must demonstrate its legitimacy, operational integrity, capability, and the mandatory monitoring system for sponsored employees in order to obtain a sponsorship license. Businesses can issue Certificates of Sponsorship to individuals they wish to employ after obtaining this license, which is a critical step in the immigration process.

It is imperative for any UK employer seeking to access a global talent pool to comprehend and obtain the appropriate sponsor license.

Different Types of Sponsor Licences:

The type of visa sponsorship license that a UK employer must obtain is contingent upon the character of the employment opportunities that they provide to international candidates. In general, there are two categories:

• Worker Sponsor Licence: This license is designed for positions that require long-term or specialized skills. It encompasses a variety of subcategories, such as the Intra-Company Transfer visa, which is designed for multinational companies that wish to relocate established employees from overseas branches to the UK, and the Skilled Worker visa, which enables individuals to assume positions that necessitate a high level of expertise.
• Temporary Worker Licence: This license is intended for specific categories of temporary positions and is intended for workers who are arriving in the UK for a short-term engagement. Roles such as charity workers, creative and sporting positions, and participants in government-authorized exchange programs are all included in the Temporary Worker Licence.

Employers have the option to register for a license that covers either one or both types of workers, contingent upon their recruitment requirements. This adaptability guarantees that organizations can access the global talent pool in a manner that is suitable for their functional needs.

Worker Licence:

A ‘Worker’ license allows UK employers to sponsor individuals for a variety of specialized jobs. The license may be utilized for a brief period, a lengthier period, or even permanent positions, contingent upon the type of visa.

This adaptability enables organizations to recruit for positions that necessitate specialized skills for any duration necessary to support their business objectives by accessing a global talent pool, thereby meeting their diverse employment requirements.

The license can be further subdivided into the following:

• trained Worker: The Skilled Worker route is intended for individuals from outside the UK who have received a job offer for a qualified, trained position from a sponsor approved by the Home Office. Candidates must be sponsored for a designated position that meets specific salary and talent requirements in order to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility): This visa is specifically designed for multinational corporations that require the transfer of senior or specialist employees to their UK operations. It ensures that expertise is shared across borders and facilitates the mobility of key personnel within global businesses.
• Minister of Religion: This license is intended for individuals who will be employed in religious roles within the United Kingdom. It enables faith organizations to effectively serve their communities by attracting the requisite leadership and support from around the globe.
• International Sportsperson: This visa is designed to attract the most talented athletes and coaches to the United Kingdom, thereby improving the country’s sporting accomplishments and culture.

Check Also: Sponsor Licence Lawyers for UK Businesses

Temporary Worker Route:

The ‘Temporary Worker’ license provides UK employers with the ability to sponsor individuals for a variety of short-term positions, such as job-shadowing and volunteering. This license is exclusive to specific visas and employment categories, necessitating that employers fulfill unique criteria and obligations as sponsors.

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a position that meets the qualifications of the specific route is required for an individual to petition for a visa under any of the Temporary Worker categories.

The ‘Temporary Worker’ license encompasses the following categories:

• Expansion Worker: For employees who are entering businesses that are expanding rapidly. This assists rapidly expanding organizations in recruiting the personnel they require to expand.
• Creative Workers: This initiative is intended for individuals employed in the arts and entertainment sector, including musicians and painters. It enables them to work in the United Kingdom for a maximum of two years and contributes to the country’s thriving arts and culture scene.
• Charity Worker: This is a one-year permit that is authorized for volunteers who work for charities without compensation. It is a method of assisting volunteer endeavors within the community.
• Religious Worker: Individuals who are employed by religious organizations or groups, with a two-year timeframe. It enables religious communities to recruit personnel for a variety of positions.
• Government Authorized Exchange: Provides coverage for individuals who are arriving for a period of one to two years to engage in work experience, research, or training that imparts knowledge, such as medical training. It is an excellent resource for individuals who are interested in acquiring experience in their field.
• International Agreement: Ensuring that international agreements are upheld for positions that are subject to international laws, such as those held by embassy employees.
• Seasonal Worker: This category is for individuals who are employed in seasonal positions, such as agricultural work during harvest time for a period of up to six months or poultry during specific periods of the year, to address the demand for seasonal labor.

Global Business Mobility:

A temporary worker license will be necessary for these visas under the Global Business Mobility route:

• Graduate Trainee: This category is reserved for recent graduates who are currently enrolled in a structured training program with their employer and are relocating to a UK branch to further their professional development. It provides youthful professionals with invaluable international experience.
• Service Supplier: This visa is intended for professionals who are traveling to the United Kingdom to provide a service in accordance with a contract. It facilitates the seamless implementation of international business agreements. It enables specialists to offer their expertise and specific services that are not readily available in the UK by enabling transitory relocation for up to 12 months.
• UK Expansion Worker: Intended for critical personnel who are engaged in an international organization’s expansion into the United Kingdom. This visa category enables businesses to establish a presence in the UK by enabling them to dispatch vetted personnel to supervise the establishment or expansion of a UK branch, subsidiary, or office.
• Secondment Worker: This visa facilitates the transient transfer of employees to a UK company as part of a high-value contract or agreement. It is especially beneficial for initiatives that necessitate specialized knowledge or skills, collaborative innovation, and the reinforcement of business relationships between the United Kingdom and foreign companies.

How to Get a Sponsor Licence:

The following actions must be taken in order to apply for a UK visa sponsorship license:

• Verify Eligibility: Ensure that your business complies with all Home Office regulations, including being a legitimate organization that operates lawfully within the United Kingdom.
• Determine the License Type: Determine whether a ‘Temporary Worker’ or ‘Worker’ license is necessary based on the positions you plan to fill.
• Supporting Documents: Compile the necessary documentation to demonstrate the legitimacy of your business and its capacity to fulfill sponsor obligations. This encompasses evidence of business operations, financial records, and HR practices.
• Complete the Sponsor Licence Application Form: Access the UK government’s website and complete the sponsor license application form online. To prevent rejection or delays, guarantee precision.
• Application Fee Payment: Disburse the required fee for your application. The fee is contingent upon the type of licenses and the magnitude of your organization.

Wait for a decision after submitting your online application and supporting documents. Please be advised that the Home Office may conduct an inspection of your business premises to verify the information and guarantee that you can fulfill your sponsorship obligations. Being a responsible sponsor license holder entails preparing your organization for such inspections.

In the event that your application is approved, you will be required to utilize the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to oversee your sponsorship obligations, which will include the assignment of Certificates of Sponsorship to your prospective employees. It is also crucial for a licensed sponsor to adhere to UK immigration laws and sponsorship responsibilities in order to prevent penalties or the revocation of their license.

Fees and Processing Time:

Employers who intend to sponsor migrant laborers must be aware of the cost and processing time associated with obtaining a sponsor license in the United Kingdom. Here is the information that is essential:

Fees

• Worker Licence: The application fee for a sponsor license is £574 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,579 for medium or large sponsors.
• The cost of a temporary worker license is £574, irrespective of the sponsor’s size.
• Worker and Temporary Worker Licence: £574 for small or charitable benefactors; £1,579 for medium or large sponsors.
• Adding a Worker Licence to an Existing Temporary Worker Licence: There is no fee for minor or charitable sponsors, while medium and large sponsors are required to pay £940.
• Adding a Temporary Worker Licence to an Existing Worker Licence: There is no additional fee for either category.

It is imperative to verify the most recent fees on the UK government’s website or the Home Office guidance, as the specific amount for each category is updated on a regular basis.

If your business meets two of the following criteria, you are generally classified as a minor sponsor:

• Annual turnover of £10.2 million or less.
• Total assets worth £5.1 million or less.
• 50 employees or fewer.

Charitable sponsors include:

• Charities that are registered throughout the United Kingdom.
• Religious, exempt, and excepted corporations that are established for charitable purposes.
• Proof of charitable status from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is required for individuals who are not registered.

If you are uncertain about your category, reaching out to the Business Helpdesk at businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk can clarify your status.

Processing Time

The majority of sponsor license applications are processed within eight weeks. Nevertheless, for an additional £500, you may request a decision within 10 working days, provided that it is available and a first-come, first-served policy is adhered to. Applicants will receive instructions on how to request this expedited service after submitting their application.

Let Sponsor Licence Lawyers Help You:

Do you require assistance in obtaining a sponsor license to recruit international talent? Allow our Sponsor Licence Lawyers to streamline the process for you. We can assist you in obtaining your initial sponsor license or renewing an existing one in compliance with UK immigration regulations.

Conclusion:

A UK sponsor licence is the key for employers who want to hire skilled talent from outside the country, whether for short-term projects or long-term roles. Choosing between a Worker or Temporary Worker licence depends on your business needs and the type of job you’re offering. With the right licence in place, you can confidently access a global talent pool and grow your organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions: