If your UK-based business intends to hire skilled workers from overseas, you must obtain a Sponsorship Licence from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This licence allows businesses to legally sponsor non-UK employees under the Skilled Worker visa route.
At Hawflein Solutions, we assist companies in applying for and maintaining their Sponsorship Licence, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.
A Sponsorship Licence is a legal requirement for UK employers who want to recruit non-UK workers. Once granted, the business becomes a licensed sponsor, allowing it to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible overseas employees.
🔹 Who Needs a Sponsorship Licence?
✔ UK companies hiring non-UK workers under a visa
✔ Employers recruiting workers from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
✔ Organisations hiring skilled workers under the Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility visa
📌 Note: EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens arriving in the UK after 1 January 2021 also require sponsorship unless they hold settled or pre-settled status.
To apply for a Sponsorship Licence, businesses must:
1️⃣ Complete the online application on the UKVI website
2️⃣ Submit supporting documents proving the legitimacy of the business
3️⃣ Pay the relevant fee based on company size and type
4️⃣ Demonstrate the ability to comply with sponsor duties
📌 Processing Time: 8–12 weeks (faster decisions available under the Premium Service).
Once a business is granted a Sponsorship Licence, it must:
✔ Keep detailed employment records, including:
✔ Report any changes to the UKVI, such as:
Failing to meet these duties can result in penalties, licence suspension, or revocation.
Businesses failing to comply with immigration laws risk serious penalties, including:
❌ Fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker
❌ Licence suspension or revocation
❌ Reputational damage and legal action
📌 Penalty Reduction:
If a business has no prior violations, the maximum fine is reduced to £15,000. Employers may also appeal or provide mitigating evidence to reduce or remove the penalty.
At Hawflein Solutions, our immigration specialists guide businesses through the Sponsorship Licence process, ensuring compliance and reducing risks.
✔ Expert legal support for applications & renewals
✔ Assistance with compliance & reporting duties
✔ Appeals & penalty reduction strategies
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation on securing your Sponsorship Licence and hiring overseas talent legally.
Have questions or need expert immigration assistance? Our team is ready to help! Contact us today
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