UK Sponsor Licence Application

3. Verify the Job Role and Salary

Another vital step in the UK Sponsor Licence Application process involves verifying that your job role complies with Home Office criteria:

• The job is listed on the eligible occupations list

• The salary meets or exceeds the minimum threshold

• The job corresponds to the correct SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code

Neglecting this step may result in your licence being refused or delayed.

4. Submit the Application and Upload Documents

To complete your UK Sponsor Licence Application, you must:

• Fill in the online application form

• Upload required documents such as:

  • Companies House registration

  • Employer liability insurance

  • PAYE and VAT records

Ensure all documents are consistent and complete to avoid unnecessary processing delays.

5. Pay the Application Fee

The application fee depends on your company’s size:

• Small/Charitable Sponsor: £536

• Medium/Large Sponsor: £1,476

Once paid, your UK Sponsor Licence Application enters the assessment phase. UKVI might request additional documentation, so be prepared to respond quickly.

Salary Thresholds and New Entrant Rules

Employers submitting a UK Sponsor Licence Application must understand salary thresholds, especially when hiring under the Skilled Worker visa route.

General vs Occupation-Specific Salaries

As of April 2024:

• The general minimum salary is £38,700 per year

• Some roles have lower occupation-specific going rates (e.g., Book-keepers: £30,960)

Applicants must be paid the higher of the two rates.

New Entrant Exceptions

New entrants can be paid less if they meet criteria such as:

• Being under 26

• Switching from a Student or Graduate visa

• Entering a graduate training programme

• Working toward a qualification

• Holding a role on the Immigration Salary List (ISL)

The salary discount applies for up to four years across visa types.

Example:

If you’re hiring a Book-keeper (going rate: £30,960), 70% equals £21,672. For new entrants, £30,960 is acceptable.

When completing your UK Sponsor Licence Application, indicate new entrant status clearly in the CoS and ensure the role qualifies.

After Licence Approval – Accessing the SMS System

Upon approval of your UK Sponsor Licence Application, your business gains access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS). You can:

• Assign Certificates of Sponsorship

• Manage sponsored worker details

• Report changes and compliance updates

Using SMS efficiently is essential for maintaining your sponsor status.

Applying for and Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Types of CoS:

• Defined CoS: For applicants applying from outside the UK

• Undefined CoS: For workers already inside the UK

While Defined CoS are requested individually, Undefined CoS are allocated annually. You can request more if needed.

Assigning a CoS

After your UK Sponsor Licence Application is approved:

1. Log into SMS

2. Input job details (title, SOC code, salary, hours)

3. Pay the CoS fee – £239 per worker

4. Pay the Immigration Skills Charge:

   • £364/year (small sponsors)

   • £1,000/year (large sponsors)

Then assign the CoS and provide the reference number to your employee, enabling their visa application.

Skilled Worker Visa Application (Employee Stage)

The sponsored worker uses their CoS reference number to apply for the Skilled Worker visa.

Visa Fees (April 2024):

• Up to 3 years: £719 (outside UK) / £827 (inside UK)

• More than 3 years: £1,420 (outside UK) / £1,500 (inside UK)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• £1,035 per year
  This is a mandatory cost payable upfront during the visa application.

Optional Services:

• Priority (5-day): £500

• Super Priority (1-day): £1,000

These services speed up decisions and are optional based on your timeline and budget.

Conclusion

Completing a UK Sponsor Licence Application is a detailed process involving multiple stages, documents, and legal obligations. However, when you follow the right steps, your business can successfully sponsor skilled workers and access global talent legally.

Whether your new hire is inside the UK or applying from overseas, this guide equips you with all the knowledge you need to handle the application process confidently and efficiently. In the end, your business gains access to skilled professionals while remaining fully compliant with immigration law.

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Tags:
UK Sponsor Licence Application, Skilled Worker Visa, Certificate of Sponsorship, Sponsor Management System, CoS Assignment, New Entrant Salary, Immigration Sponsor, UKVI guidance

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