Sponsor Licence: How Long Does It Take?

sponsor licence how long does it take

When applying for a sponsor licence, it’s helpful for employers to understand how long it takes for applications to be processed. This is useful insight for recruitment planning when hiring candidates from overseas. If there are delays with obtaining your sponsor licence, you risk losing your candidate, as they may decide to pursue an opportunity […]

Mergers, Acquisitions & Sponsor Licences

Merger will affect sponsor licence

Mergers, acquisitions or any type of organisational restructure are inherently complex projects. While resources and attention for the restructuring process are typically focused on finance, taxation and stakeholder communications, one area which is commonly overlooked is immigration compliance. If your organisation is undergoing a change in ownership or a change in structure due to a merger or acquisition, […]

SMS Level 1 User Guide

The role of key personnel in managing an organisation’s sponsor licence can’t be underestimated in ensuring compliance with the employer’s duties under its sponsor licence. The management of the sponsorship licence is conducted through the sponsor management system and therefore it is essential that the key personnel, in particular any level 1 user(s), are able […]

Sponsor Licence with a Criminal Record?

When applying for a sponsor licence, your organisation will need to satisfy various suitability criteria, not least that those responsible for the day-to-day running of your business, including the key personnel assigned to use the sponsor management system, are all honest, dependable and reliable. The following guide is for UK employers and HR departments when […]

Sponsor Licence Application Refused?

sponsor licence application refused

If your sponsor licence application is refused or rejected by UKVI, this can have a hugely detrimental impact on your business operations and workforce planning. It is also likely to see your application fee lost. While there is no right to appeal if your sponsor licence application has been refused, other options may be open […]

Authorising Officer SMS & Compliance Duties

Among the many compliance duties placed on sponsor licence holders is the requirement to nominate an ‘Authorising Officer’ as one of the key personnel roles. It will be critical for the individual holding this role to fully understand the extent and importance of their duties as the AO, since the Home Office can impose significant […]

Tier 2 Sponsor Licence Renewal

tier 2 sponsor licence renewal

For many companies, the Tier 2 sponsor licence renewal application is a more demanding and involved process than the initial licence application. Preparation will be key. Your organisation should undertake proactive steps to ensure readiness for this process and the potential scrutiny which may result from the Home Office as to your organisation’s continued compliance […]

PBS Licence (Employer FAQs)

pbs licence

If you are a UK employer looking to sponsor a migrant worker from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will need to apply for a sponsor licence under the UK points-based system (PBS). Our business immigration specialists answer some frequently asked questions from employers about applying for and maintaining a ‘PBS […]

Tier 2 Sponsor Licence Application

tier 2 sponsor licence application

Under the Points Based System UK employers have to make a Tier 2 sponsor licence application before they can employ non-EEA workers. Employers who do not have a sponsor licence will be unable to hire new workers from outside the EU or extend work permits for current migrant employees.   What type of sponsor licence […]

Tier 2 Licence Application

Under the Points Based System UK employers have to make a tier 2 licence application before they can employ non-EEA workers. Employers who do not have a sponsor licence will be unable to hire new workers from outside the EU or extend work permits for current employees. Tier 2 licence application: What do employers have […]