An organization 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.

Main Requirements

In order to obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the organization must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that it is a genuine organization 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 organization has a genuine need for a sponsor licence, UKVI will require information that demonstrates that the organization 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.

Application Process

In order to apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the organization must complete an online application form. A number of documents will then need to be submitted to UKVI in order to demonstrate that the organization is genuine and trading in the UK.

Examples of documents that can be submitted include:

1. a bank statement;
2. a VAT certificate;
3. evidence of employer’s liability insurance; and
4. 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 organization is required to provide UKVI with some general information relating to the organization.

Application Timeline

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.

Compliance Visits

Prior to making a decision on a Skilled Worker sponsor licence application, UKVI may visit the organization to carry out a compliance review in order to determine whether or not the organization 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 organization'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 application can be refused. It is therefore essential that the organization reviews relevant systems and policies prior to submitting a sponsor licence application.

The Government Fees

The Home Office fees for a sponsor licence are currently £536 for small businesses and £1,476 for larger businesses. A sponsor licence will then enable the organization to recruit individuals from the EU and non-EU countries.

Minimum Salary Requirements

The general minimum salary threshold has risen as of 4 April 2024 to £38,700, or the ‘going rate’ for that particular job, whichever is higher.

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’.

Renewal Process

Sponsor licences used to be granted for a period of four years. This changed in January 2024. Sponsors with a licence expiry date on or after 6 April 2024 no longer need to renew the licence. If the licence is due to expire before then, it must still be renewed one last time. If you wish to renew your sponsor licence, you can do so by accessing your SMS account and paying the appropriate fee.