Free Assessment
+44 7359 612475

UK Sponsor Licence — Expert Help for Manchester Businesses

A sponsor licence is the foundation of hiring skilled overseas workers. IAUK Manchester helps businesses of all sizes apply for, manage, and maintain their sponsor licence with full UKVI compliance.

  • IAA Regulated
  • 10+ Years Experience
  • 98% Success Rate
  • 15,000+ Cases Handled
  • Free Initial Consultation

What Is a Sponsor Licence?

A sponsor licence is permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that allows your organisation to employ overseas workers. Without a valid sponsor licence, you cannot assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to prospective employees.

The licence covers specific categories — typically the Skilled Worker route and/or the Temporary Worker routes. Each category has its own requirements and compliance obligations.

Who Can Apply?

  • UK-registered businesses, charities, and educational institutions
  • Organisations with a genuine need to recruit from outside the UK
  • Businesses that can demonstrate appropriate HR systems and record-keeping
  • Companies with no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences
  • A-Rated vs B-Rated Licences
  • A-Rated (Compliant)

• Full sponsorship privileges

• Can assign CoS without restriction

• Demonstrates strong compliance record• Standard status for new and compliant sponsors

  • B-Rated (Action Plan Required)

Compliance issues identified by UKVI

• Cannot assign new CoS until upgraded

• Must complete action plan within set timeframe

• Risk of revocation if issues not resolved

  • Application Process — 4 Steps

1

  • Eligibility Check

We assess whether your business qualifies and identify any gaps

2

  • Documentation

We prepare all supporting documents and HR systems

3

  • Submission

We submit your application via the UKVI online portal

4

  • Compliance Setup

We set up Key Personnel and train your team

  • Key Personnel Roles
  • Authorising Officer

Most senior person responsible for sponsorship compliance

  • Key Contact

Primary liaison between your organisation and UKVI

  • Level 1 User

Day-to-day management of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

Ongoing Compliance Duties

  • Report changes in sponsored worker circumstances within 10 working days
  • Keep copies of right to work documents for all employees
  • Track and record sponsored worker attendance
  • Report any suspicion that a sponsored worker is breaching visa conditions
  • Notify UKVI of any changes to your organisation (address, ownership, Key Personnel)

Sponsor Licence FAQs

How long does a sponsor licence application take?

Standard processing takes 8-12 weeks. Priority processing is available for an additional fee and typically takes 2-5 working days.

Small or charitable sponsors pay £536. Medium or large sponsors pay £1,476. Additional fees may apply for premium processing.

An A-rated licence means you are fully compliant. A B-rated licence is issued when the Home Office identifies compliance issues. B-rated sponsors must complete an action plan within a set timeframe or risk revocation.

You can sponsor workers from outside the UK and Ireland who need immigration permission to work. EU nationals who arrived after 1 January 2021 without settled status also need sponsorship.

Every sponsor must appoint Key Personnel: an Authorising Officer (senior and responsible for compliance), a Key Contact (main liaison with UKVI), and a Level 1 User (manages the Sponsorship Management System day-to-day).
Your licence may be downgraded to B-rated, suspended, or revoked. IAUK can help you prepare for audits and, if needed, submit representations to defend your licence.

Ready to Apply for Your Sponsor Licence?

Book a free consultation and let our experts handle your application from start to finish.

Book Compliance Review