Immigration

Business immigration: Aapply for sponsorship licence

Applying for a sponsorship licence (previously known as a Tier 2 sponsor licence in the UK) can be challenging for businesses and organisations. The Home Office takes a strict approach to approving licences and ensuring ongoing compliance. Even a single mistake can result in your application being rejected, potentially causing significant setbacks for your business. Navigating the application process alone can be a risky and complex task, with eligibility requirements often harder to meet than anticipated. Our team of specialist employment immigration advisors is here to help you through the process, providing expert guidance to ensure your sponsorship licence application is as strong as possible.

Visa Applications

1. Visit Visas: Standard Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Tourist Visa.
2. Family Visas:
   • Spouse/Partner Visa (including fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner).
   • Child Dependent Visa
   • Parent of a Child Visa.
3. Work-Related Visas:
   • Skilled Worker Visa (individual applicants).
   • Health and Care Worker Visa
   • Global Talent Visa.
   • Innovator Visa
   • Start-Up Visa
   • Temporary Worker Visa (Seasonal Workers, Charity Workers, etc.).
4. Student Visas:
   • Student Visa (for higher education).
   • Child Student Visa (for minors attending school in the UK).
5. Visitor Visas:
   • Marriage Visitor Visa
   • Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
   • Short-term Study Visa

Settlement and Citizenship

1. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
   • Based on work, family ties, or long-term residency
2. Naturalisation
   • Applications for British Citizenship
   • Citizenship through marriage or long-term residence
3. Registration of Children as British Citizens

Self sponsorship

Applying for a sponsorship licence (previously known as a Tier 2 sponsor licence in the UK) can be a challenging and detailed process for businesses and organisations. The Home Office enforces strict criteria for approving licences, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that businesses meet their compliance obligations both during and after the application process. Even a single error or omission can result in your application being refused, leading to significant setbacks for your recruitment plans and business operations

The process requires businesses to demonstrate that they meet several key requirements, including proving that they are genuine, operating lawfully in the UK, and have robust HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers. You will need to submit detailed supporting documents, such as evidence of your trading presence, financial records, and employer liabilities. Additionally, you must identify suitable key personnel, such as an Authorising Officer and a Level 1 User, who will be responsible for managing the sponsorship process.

Compliance plays a critical role, not only during the application stage but also once the licence is granted. You must adhere to strict record-keeping and reporting duties, including tracking employee attendance and notifying the Home Office of any changes in employment or visa status. Failure to comply can lead to your licence being suspended or revoked.

Navigating this complex process on your own can be risky, as even seemingly minor mistakes can jeopardise your application. Our team of specialist employment immigration advisors is here to guide you every step of the way. From assessing your eligibility and ensuring your documentation is accurate and complete, to preparing you for potential Home Office inspections, we provide tailored support to make your sponsorship licence application as robust and successful as possible.