Apply for a Sponsor Licence

End-to-end support applying for a new skilled worker sponsor licence.

Reviewed by Border & Boundaries Immigration Team·Last updated 30 Aug 2026

Overview

We assess your business suitability, prepare your sponsor licence application, and guide you through the Home Office process, including key personnel nominations and HR system requirements.

Overview & Eligibility

What is a sponsor licence?

A sponsor licence allows a UK organisation to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to skilled workers and other sponsored migrants. Without an A-rated licence, you cannot lawfully hire most overseas workers who need sponsorship.

Who may qualify as a sponsor

Your business may qualify if it is genuine and operating in the UK, has legitimate need for sponsored workers, and can meet sponsor duties including Right to Work checks and record-keeping.

Skilled Worker sponsorship

Most employers seek a licence to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. The role must meet skill and salary rules when you assign a Certificate of Sponsorship — planning job descriptions early reduces later refusals.

Requirements & Evidence

Genuine trading and business need

Companies House filings, bank statements, contracts, and organisational charts may show the business is real and requires sponsored skills.

HR compliance systems

Policies for recruitment, monitoring, and reporting sponsored workers must align with Home Office guidance before you apply.

Key personnel nominations

Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User must be nominated with appropriate seniority and availability for Home Office contact.

Applying, Costs & Refusals

How to apply

Submit the online sponsor licence application with supporting documents and pay the Home Office fee. The Home Office may request further evidence or a compliance visit before granting an A-rated licence.

Costs & processing time

Home Office sponsor licence fees are commonly £536 for small sponsors and £1,476 for large sponsors as of 2026 — subject to change. Professional preparation and potential priority services are additional.

Common reasons applications are refused

Business cannot demonstrate genuine trading or need for sponsorship
Weak HR systems or missing immigration policies
Key personnel unsuitable or unavailable
Previous immigration breaches by directors or company
Job roles proposed that do not meet skilled worker rules

Key Details

Genuine Business	Trading UK business with genuine need for sponsored workers
HR Systems	Appropriate HR and record-keeping systems in place
Key Personnel	Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User nominated
Home Office Fee	£536 (small sponsor) or £1,476 (large sponsor)

What We Need From You

Company registration documents
Evidence of genuine trading activity
HR policies and procedures
Organisational chart and job descriptions
Key personnel details and passports

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a UK sponsor licence?

Processing varies; many applications take several weeks and may longer if a compliance visit is required. Timelines change — we advise based on current Home Office guidance as of 2026.

How much does a sponsor licence cost in 2026?

The Home Office fee depends on whether you are classified as a small or large sponsor (£536 vs £1,476 are widely quoted figures subject to change). Immigration Skills Charge applies when assigning some CoS later.

Can a new company apply for a sponsor licence?

A new company may apply if it can show genuine trading, need for sponsored workers, and compliant HR processes. Start-ups face higher scrutiny — evidence must be strong.

Send an enquiry

A qualified immigration lawyer will handle your consultation.

Ready to Apply for a Sponsor Licence?

Book a consultation to assess your eligibility and discuss next steps.

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