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Sponsor Licence

Enable your UK business to hire skilled workers from overseas. Expert sponsor licence guidance for employers.

Processing
8 weeks
Duration
4 years
OGS Rate
98%

Visa Overview

A UK Sponsor Licence allows UK businesses to legally recruit and employ skilled workers from overseas under the Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker, and other sponsored routes. Without a valid sponsor licence, you cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas workers.

Applying for and maintaining a sponsor licence involves strict Home Office compliance requirements. Failure to meet your duties can result in suspension or revocation. Our OISC-registered advisors guide businesses through the full application, compliance setup, and ongoing licence management.

Eligibility Requirements

Genuine UK Business

Must be a legitimately operating UK business registered with HMRC and Companies House.

HR Systems & Processes

Must have robust HR systems to track sponsored workers and meet reporting duties.

Key Personnel in Place

Must appoint an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User (can be the same person).

No Adverse History

Business and key personnel must not have adverse immigration or criminal history.

Suitable Trading Premises

Must have genuine UK trading premises — not just a virtual office address.

Ability to Comply with Duties

Must demonstrate the capacity to comply with all sponsor duties and record-keeping requirements.

Required Documents

Companies House Registration

Certificate of incorporation and registered address details.

HMRC Evidence

VAT registration, PAYE reference or recent tax returns.

Business Bank Statements

Showing active trading (typically 6 months of statements).

Employer Liability Insurance

Certificate of employer liability insurance for UK operations.

Premises Evidence

Lease, utility bills or business rates evidence for UK premises.

Key Personnel ID

Passport copies and DBS certificates for Authorising Officer and Level 1 Users.

Key Benefits

Legally recruit skilled workers from outside the UK
Access to global talent pool for hard-to-fill roles
Competitive advantage over non-licensed businesses
Issue Certificates of Sponsorship directly
Multiple licence categories available
OGS ongoing compliance support available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsor licences are valid for 4 years and must be renewed. We provide renewal support and compliance audits to ensure continuity.

Sponsors must track and monitor sponsored workers, report changes to the Home Office, keep records, and comply with immigration law at all times. We offer compliance support packages.

In most cases, no. The Home Office expects a limited company or partnership structure with appropriate HR systems in place.

Your licence could be downgraded, suspended or revoked. Early preparation is key — we offer mock audits and compliance reviews to prevent this.

Start Your Application

Complete this form and our team will contact you within 24 hours.

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The OGS Promise
  • OISC Registered Level 3
  • 98% First-Time Approval Rate
  • No Hidden Fees — Fixed Prices
  • 24-Hour Response Guarantee
  • Free Initial Consultation