To be able to employ international workers in your business, you first must apply for what is known as a Sponsor License. A Sponsor License is a license from the Home Office that gives you the authority to ‘sponsor’, or employ, workers from overseas. Jackson Lees understands that having a diverse workforce of people from all kinds of backgrounds with different life experiences is what makes a business thrive. We’ve helped many businesses successfully obtain Sponsor Licenses in order to add exceptional talent to their teams.
Call our immigration experts for help with your Sponsor License application
Eligibility to apply for a Sponsor License
Sponsor Licenses are required for workers, students, ministers of religion and sportspersons.
To successfully obtain a license, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
- That your business is functioning
- The nature of the work you undertake
- Confirm the structure of your business and who will take on the key responsibilities for managing a Sponsor License
- That you have appropriate structures in place to manage employees/students
- That you have attempted and failed to recruit from the domestic labour market and have conducted a full resident labour market test to show this
- You are offering work at a sufficient skill level and salary/course at the correct level for a student
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you then must gather and submit supporting evidence as part of your application. Our Immigration solicitors will be able to advise on what specific documents you will need. Contact us to book an initial ‘Where Do I Stand’ meeting where one of our experts will be able to advise you on this process.
Who does and does not need a sponsor?
Following Brexit, you now must need to apply for a Sponsor License to employ anyone from outside of the UK, though there are a few exceptions. You will not need a Sponsor License to employ someone from:
- Ireland
- Those with Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
- Those with settles or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Do I need an Immigration solicitor?
Sponsor License applications can be complex and costly, particularly if you get them wrong. Unfortunately, if you submit the wrong application, or submit an application with errors, you will have to start all over again and pay the fee again. It is best to seek the help of an experienced solicitor who will ensure your t’s are crossed, and your I’s are dotted, so that you won’t have to go through the process multiple times.
Our solicitors can also make sure your business is in a position to take on a Sponsor License. It isn’t unusual for the Home Office to undertake compliance visits for new Sponsors. We can come to your premises and look at your HR practices and records to see whether they are compatible with what the Home Office would expect.
Why choose Jackson Lees?
Our Immigration experts have the experience and knowledge to help you successfully obtain a Sponsor License. No matter where you are in the process of your application, you will feel more knowledgeable and confident with the help of an expert. We offer a ‘Where Do I Stand’ consultation meeting that allows you to gain clarity on the process and the steps you need to take.
Regardless of if you want us to prepare your application for you or simply perform a document check on your evidence, our trusted experts will support you every step of the way.
You can reach our team on 0151 282 1700. Alternatively, you can make an enquiry or request a callback at a time that is convenient for you.