Skilled Worker Route
What Is a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?
The UK Skilled Worker visa route allows UK-based employers to hire eligible overseas workers in a wide range of roles, including health, care, engineering, IT, hospitality, and more.
For employers, the key to accessing this talent pool is obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
A sponsor licence is a formal permission granted by the UK Home Office, allowing an organisation to sponsor non-UK workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. Without this licence, an employer cannot legally employ skilled workers from abroad.
Why Employers Need a Sponsor Licence
To sponsor a worker under the Skilled Worker route, your organisation must:
- Be a genuine UK-based and legally operating organisation
- Hold a valid sponsor licence granted by the Home Office
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the overseas candidate
- Ensure the role meets minimum salary and skill thresholds
Sponsor Licence Eligibility Criteria
To apply, your business must demonstrate:
- It is a legitimate and lawfully operating business
- It has genuine vacancies that meet the Skilled Worker visa criteria
- It can manage sponsorship duties reliably (this includes record-keeping and reporting obligations)
- It is not involved in immigration violations or previous compliance failures
Sponsor Licence Application Process
Here’s how to apply for a sponsor licence in 2025:
Online Application – Complete the application form on the UKVI website.
Supporting Documents – Submit at least four prescribed documents proving your business is operational and compliant.
Application Fee – Pay the appropriate fee:
- Small or charitable organisations: £536
- Medium or large businesses: £1,476
Compliance Checks – Be prepared for a potential UKVI audit or site visit.
Decision Time – The standard processing time is around 8 weeks, though priority service (10-working-day decisions) may be available for an additional fee.
Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once licensed, employers can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship—a digital document detailing the role, salary, and employment terms—to eligible overseas workers. The CoS must be:
- Used within 3 months of issuance
- For a job listed on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list
- Matched to the correct salary threshold (usually £38,700+ from April 2024, with exceptions for shortage roles)
Employer Responsibilities as a Sponsor
Holding a sponsor licence brings ongoing duties, including:
- Monitoring the sponsored employee’s attendance and contact details
- Reporting significant changes to UKVI (e.g. change of job, absences, or contract termination)
- Renewing your sponsor licence before it expires (every 4 years)
- Ensuring compliance with immigration laws and preventing illegal working
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Sponsor licence applications are often refused due to:
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Lack of HR systems to manage sponsorship duties
- Prior history of non-compliance with immigration rules
- It is advisable to seek expert legal guidance to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and well-supported.
Supporting Skilled Worker Visa Applications
Once the CoS is assigned, the candidate can apply for their visa. Employers may also:
- Certify maintenance to exempt the worker from financial requirements
- Support dependants of the sponsored worker
- Track processing timelines (typically 3 weeks for standard service)
Latest Sponsor Licence News
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