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The UK has a thriving economy and a strong workforce, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations. If you are a foreign company planning to set up a business in the UK, you will need to obtain a sponsor licence from the UK government. A sponsor licence allows you to sponsor foreign workers to work in the UK legally.
In this blog post, we will discuss the steps involved in obtaining a sponsor licence in the UK.
Step 1: Check if your business is eligible
Before applying for a sponsor licence, you need to check if your business is eligible. To be eligible, your business must be:
- A genuine business operating legally in the UK
- Able to provide evidence of a genuine need for the workers you are sponsoring
- Able to offer jobs that meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds set by the UK government
Step 2: Decide which type of licence you need
There are two types of sponsor licence: a Tier 2 (General) licence and a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) licence.
Tier 2 (General) licence: This licence allows you to sponsor skilled workers to work in the UK on a long-term basis. Skilled workers include those in professional occupations such as doctors, engineers, and IT professionals.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) licence: This licence allows you to sponsor workers to come to the UK for a short-term period. This includes seasonal workers, charity workers, and creative and sporting workers.
Step 3: Assign roles and responsibilities
Once you have decided which type of licence you need, you must assign roles and responsibilities to your staff. This includes:
A key contact who will be responsible for managing the sponsor licence application and compliance process
A level 1 user who will be responsible for managing the day-to-day sponsor activities, such as issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
A level 2 user who will be responsible for overseeing the level 1 user’s activities and managing the sponsor licence reporting and compliance process
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Step 4: Complete the application form
To apply for sponsor licence, you need to complete the online application form on the UK government website. The application fee depends on the type of licence you are applying for and the size of your business.
As part of the application process, you will need to provide the following information:
Details about your business, such as its name, address, and registration number
The type of licence you are applying for
The number of workers you are planning to sponsor
Details about your key contact and level 1 and 2 users
Evidence of your business’s ability to comply with the sponsor duties, such as records of your HR and recruitment processes
Step 5: Submit your application and supporting documents
Once you have completed the application form, you need to submit it online along with the required supporting documents. The supporting documents may include:
Evidence of your business’s financial stability, such as bank statements and audited accounts
Evidence of your business’s compliance with UK immigration law, such as proof of right to work checks and records of your HR and recruitment processes
Evidence of your business’s genuine need for the workers you are sponsoring, such as job descriptions and employment contracts
Step 6: Wait for a decision
After you have submitted your application and supporting documents, you will need to wait for a decision. The UK government aims to process most applications within 8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the number of applications being processed at the time.
If your application is successful, you will receive a sponsor licence and be able to start sponsoring foreign workers to work in the UK. If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal the decision.
While the process of obtaining a sponsor licence in the UK can seem daunting, it is an essential step for foreign companies looking to expand their operations in the country. By following the steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of success in obtaining a sponsor licence and be able to legally sponsor skilled workers to work in the UK.
It’s important to note that obtaining a sponsor licence is only the first step in the process of bringing foreign workers to the UK. Once you have a sponsor licence, you will need to comply with the sponsor duties, which include keeping accurate records of the sponsored workers, notifying the UK government of any changes to their employment status, and ensuring they are paid at least the minimum salary required by UK law.
Non-compliance with the sponsor duties can lead to severe consequences, including fines, suspension or revocation of your sponsor licence, and even criminal charges in extreme cases. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of the sponsor duties and ensure you have the necessary processes and procedures in place to comply with them.
Conclusion
In summary, obtaining a sponsor licence in the UK is a crucial step for foreign companies looking to expand their operations in the country. By following the steps outlined above and complying with the sponsor duties, you can legally sponsor skilled workers to work in the UK and help your business grow and succeed in the competitive UK market.
FAQs
1. How to become a sponsor uk?
Eligibility for UK sponsorship involves confirming your organization’s qualifications, meeting necessary requirements, and applying for a sponsor license through the UK Visas and Immigration online portal. Upon approval, you can sponsor skilled workers from outside the UK for eligible roles within your organization.
2. How to get a sponsor license uk?
Getting a sponsor license in the UK involves eligibility checks, meeting requirements, completing an online application, submitting supporting documents, and awaiting a decision from UK Visas and Immigration.
3. What are the requirements to sponsor someone UK?
Sponsoring someone in the UK requires meeting government-set criteria: proving your business legitimacy, having HR systems in place, offering genuine job opportunities, showing financial stability, and adhering to sponsor regulations.
4. How much does it cost to become a sponsor in UK?
Becoming a sponsor in the UK involves costs. You’ll need to pay an application fee which varies depending on the size of your organization. Additionally, there’s a yearly fee to maintain your sponsor license. These fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on your circumstances and the type of sponsorship you’re applying for.
5. Is it easy to be sponsored in UK?
Being sponsored in the UK involves a straightforward process, although it requires careful attention to specific criteria and documentation.
