Sponsor Licence

Authorisation for UK employers to hire skilled workers from overseas.

What is the Sponsor Licence?

A UK Sponsor Licence is a formal permission granted by the Home Office that allows UK employers to recruit overseas nationals under the Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker and other work-based immigration routes.

Wizeadvice analyses your organisation's needs, prepares a comprehensive application and manages the entire process — from initial assessment to Sponsor Management System (SMS) setup.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Operating a genuine and lawful business in the UK
  • Having appropriate HR systems and immigration compliance procedures in place
  • No history of fraudulent or misleading applications
  • No outstanding tax or National Insurance liabilities
  • Ability to appoint an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User

Required Documents

Company registration documents (Companies House)
Tax registration evidence (VAT, PAYE)
Business bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Lease agreement or property title for business premises
Director / owner identification documents
Payroll records
Recruitment policy documentation

Application Process

1

Compliance Assessment

We review whether your organisation meets the Home Office's eligibility and compliance criteria.

2

SMS Portal Setup

We establish your Sponsor Management System accounts and assign key personnel roles.

3

Document Preparation

We compile all required supporting evidence for the Home Office application.

4

Online Application

We submit the application via GOV.UK and manage the licence fee payment.

5

Home Office Audit Preparation

We prepare you for any pre-licence compliance visit the Home Office may conduct.

6

Licence Granted

Once your licence is granted, we guide you on issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to your recruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard applications are decided within 8 weeks. A priority service can reduce this to approximately 10 working days.

Free Consultation

Get expert advice on your Sponsor Licence application at no charge.

Response within 24 hours
OISC Regulated Advisor
Multilingual support available