For the full service, fees and FAQs, see our sponsor licence page.
A Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence (SWSL) permits UK based businesses to employ overseas workers, including workers coming from Europe after the 1st January 2021.
What are the requirements?
The application is made online and has to be submitted by a person with a decision-making role within the company. The relevant application fee based on the size of the company is payable at the point of submission. Five working days are given to submit the supporting documents to the application.
The process is split into two parts
Eligibility
- Show that the company is a genuine employer with a lawful trading presence in the UK.
- Four documents are required from a specified list. Examples are a current corporate bank account and statements, employers’ liability insurance, registration with HMRC for PAYE, and Companies House registration to confirm the company is a legal entity.
Suitability
- Show that the company has appropriate processes in place to hold a SWSL and to make sure any employees it issues a certificate of sponsorship to are compliant.
- Human resources and recruitment systems in place that are fair and open.
- The company can offer a genuine vacancy that meets the skill and salary threshold under Skilled Worker.
- Key individuals in the company have to be free from unspent criminal convictions.
Key personnel
Key personnel should be primarily based in the UK. The SWSL licence is managed online through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) by key personnel.
The main roles are:
| Role | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Authorising officer | The most important of all the roles. The person has to be a senior figure, ideally involved in recruitment or human resources. |
| Key contact | The main point of contact with the Home Office. Assists the authorising officer with managing the licence. |
| Level 1 user | Responsible for all day-to-day management of the licence through use of the SMS. |
What can my organisation do once a sponsorship licence is obtained?
- Sponsor overseas workers.
- Issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Comply with reporting duties on the SMS system to the Home Office.
- Keep detailed records of the sponsored workers.
What is my organisation NOT allowed to do once a sponsorship licence is obtained?
- Sponsor more workers than authorised.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the sponsorship licence requirements and application process. We can help you with your tailored sponsorship licence application by providing you with:
- A frank opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
- Advice on the sponsorship licence requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.