What is a Sponsor Licence?
A Sponsor Licence is a formal authorisation granted by the UK Home Office that enables an organisation to sponsor overseas workers using the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system.
Once approved, the licence allows you to:
- Assign Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers
- Access the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
- Recruit non-settled skilled workers under UK immigration rules
Without a valid sponsor licence, employers cannot legally sponsor most work visa applications.
Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?
You’ll need a sponsor licence if:
- You intend to recruit skilled workers from outside the UK/EEA
- You want to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa
- You plan to hire global talent into eligible job roles
- You want to maximise your ability to fill skills gaps
Licence holders can sponsor roles at the appropriate skill level and must comply with ongoing Home Office duties.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital document that employers assign to a prospective employee they wish to sponsor.
Each assigned certificate:
- Is unique and holds key job details
- Confirms that the job meets skill and salary thresholds
- Allows the visa applicant to complete their visa application
Assigning a CoS is not the same as granting a visa — it enables the prospective worker to apply.
👉 Learn more about Certificate of Sponsorship
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Sponsor Licence Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a sponsor licence, an organisation must:
- Be a genuine employer operating lawfully in the UK
- Have appropriate recruitment and HR systems in place
- Be able to monitor sponsored workers effectively
- Demonstrate no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences
The licence process assesses your HR systems, recruitment practices and compliance frameworks.
Sponsor Licence Application Process
The main stages include:
1. Prepare Your Business for Sponsorship
Gather evidence of:
- Trading history
- HR systems
- Staff roles and responsibilities
- Proof of registration and operation
2. Submit the Online Application
Complete the Home Office sponsor licence application and pay the appropriate fee.
3. Home Office Assessment
The Home Office may conduct a compliance visit or request further evidence.
4. Licence Decision
If successful, you’ll receive a licence valid for four years.
5. Assign Certificates of Sponsorship
Once authorised, assign CoS to eligible workers through the SMS.
We’ll support you through every step.
Ongoing Sponsor Compliance Requirements
Licence holders must meet ongoing duties, including:
- Keeping accurate records of sponsored workers
- Reporting changes in employment circumstances
- Monitoring attendance and absences
- Notifying the Home Office of certain events
Failure to meet duties can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
How We Can Help Employers
We provide expert support for:
- Sponsor licence eligibility assessment
- Application preparation and review
- Compliance system implementation
- SMS training and documentation
- Audit support and compliance visits
Whether this is your first licence or you’re renewing, we can guide you confidently through the process.