Sponsor Licences at Leka Solicitors
In the UK, employers who wish to hire non-UK resident workers must hold a valid sponsorship licence. At Leka Solicitors, we provide expert legal support in applying for and maintaining sponsor licences, ensuring full compliance with Home Office requirements.
What is a Sponsorship Licence?
A sponsorship licence is a permission granted by the Home Office to UK employers, allowing them to employ non-UK resident workers under specific immigration routes such as the Skilled Worker visa. Without this licence, employers are legally prohibited from sponsoring migrant workers.
If you’re applying for your first licence, your application must demonstrate that your organisation can meet its immigration compliance duties from the outset. If the Home Office has any concerns about your ability to comply, your application may be refused - resulting in the loss of your application fee.
Even after being granted a licence, employers are subject to ongoing monitoring. The Home Office can carry out audits and investigations at any time. If any breaches are identified, it may suspend or revoke the licence, which can:
Impact your ability to hire skilled migrant workers
Affect your sponsored employees' right to live and work in the UK
Types of Sponsor Licence
There are two main categories of sponsorship licences:
Worker Licence: For roles such as those under the Skilled Worker or International Sportsperson routes
Temporary Worker Licence: For short-term routes such as the Charity Worker visa
At Leka Solicitors, we support applications under both licence categories. The type of licence you require depends on the job role you’re offering and whether your organisation meets the specific criteria for that immigration route.
Recent Client
A client approached us regarding an employee whose Post-Study Work visa was due to expire at the end of the year. The company wanted to continue their employment under the Skilled Worker visa route.
We advised the client to apply for a sponsor licence as soon as possible. Since processing times can take 6–8 weeks, early preparation is crucial. In addition, the application requires gathering supporting documents such as: employer's liability insurance and audited annual accounts or proof of financial stability
These requirements can take time to compile, which is why we encourage employers to begin the process early.
Why Sponsorship Licences Matter
Sponsorship licences benefit both employers and employees. For businesses, they provide access to a wider talent pool. For employees, they act as a safeguard against exploitation and ensure fair working conditions.
Employers must meet specific requirements related to:
Minimum salary thresholds
Skill levels
Genuine job roles
Importantly, employers cannot pass sponsorship costs (such as the application fee) onto the worker. This would be a breach of sponsor duties and could result in penalties, including licence revocation.
However, visa application fees are considered the personal responsibility of the worker. Employers may offer to cover these costs, but if they wish to recover them later, this must be set out in a clear and reasonable ‘clawback’ clause in the employment contract.
Once the licence is granted, employers must maintain compliance such as through regular record checks.
Our Services
At Leka Solicitors, our business immigration specialists can assist you throughout the entire sponsor licence lifecycle, including:
First-time sponsor licence applications
Licence renewals
Preparation for Home Office interviews
Handling licence suspensions or refusals
We offer full legal support - from document preparation and application submission to interview preparation.
Get in Touch
Whether you're just starting your sponsorship journey or need help managing an existing licence, Leka Solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation with our business immigration specialists.
Article by Vanathi Sutharsan, our recent legal intern.