The Tier 2 and 5 sponsor license system enables eligible UK businesses to recruit talent from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The first step in the process is to apply for a Sponsor License from the Home Office. As a London based law firm, our immigration team has helped many businesses of all types and sizes to secure a Sponsor Licence. It is essential to understand that it is not sufficient simply to secure a Sponsor License, your business must work to maintain the standards need to retain the right to employ non-EEA staff members (this is referred to as ongoing compliance).
AQ Archers can help your business to:
- prepare your Sponsor License application
- put in place systems required by the Home Office, including a compliant HR system
- train you on the use of the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
- show you how to carry out Resident Labour Market Tests (RLMT)
- prove the genuineness of your vacancies
- pass random Home Office compliance visits
How do I apply for a Sponsor Licence?
To be eligible for a Tier 2 (long-term skilled work) or Tier 5 (temporary work) Sponsor Licence, you need to prove to the Home Office that:
- your business is genuine and operating lawfully within the UK
- you are honest, dependable, and reliable, and do not present any threat to UK immigration control (i.e. you do not have any unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering)
- your business is capable of complying with the required duties and responsibilities attached to a Sponsor Licence
- you do not have any history of failing to carry out your sponsorship duties
The Sponsor License application can be completed online and send any supporting documents by post. You will also need to pay the application fee – this amount depends on the size of your business and the Tier you are applying for.
Before you submit your application, you will need to work out how many Certificates of Sponsorship you need, whether these will be restricted or unrestricted, and who your Key Personnel will be. We can advise you on each of these elements.
Before you can be granted a Sponsor Licence, you will most likely be visited by the Home Office to ensure that the facts stated in your application are correct and that your systems comply with the requirements of the Home Office. AQ Archers can undertake a mock-audit to ensure that your business is compliant and fully ready for a visit from the Home Office.
Why are licences most commonly refused?
The Home Office may refuse your application for a Sponsor Licences due to:
- incorrect supporting documentation
- an incorrect fee payment
- mistakes made on the application form
- inadequate HR systems and processes
Remember, there is no right of appeal if your Sponsor Licence is refused; hence you must get your application correct on the first attempt – otherwise, you will need to reapply in full.
Why should I use AQ Archers to assist with my Sponsor License application?
As a London-based immigration firm, we are well versed in the process of applying for Sponsor License. We understand the detailed criteria followed by case officers and will quickly spot and resolve any problems which may give rise to refusal if not handled.
Our team of immigration Solicitors has been highly successful in recent years in securing Sponsor Licenses for our clients, due in large part to the thoroughness of our approach. We will visit your premises to make sure that your personnel, systems, and processes are compliant, and that your application and ongoing compliance visits (which may happen without warning) proceed smoothly.