Reminders when applying for a sponsorship license in the U.K.

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Endorsements for speeding applied to a UK driving licence.

Timeliness in processing sponsor license applications is essential information for UK-based businesses. Such information helps make well-informed decisions on recruiting applicants from other countries. Any holdups in getting your sponsor license might cost you the services of your top recruit, who could opt to accept a position with a competitor instead. 

To avoid unnecessary setbacks, it is crucial to check that your application for sponsorship is complete and accurate before submitting it. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps necessary to get a sponsor license in the U.K. and some best practices for ensuring that your application runs smoothly.

What is a sponsor license

A sponsor license, previously known as a Tier 2 sponsor license, enables enterprises established in the United Kingdom to hire skilled employees who are located either outside or inside of the United Kingdom. Once granted, the license is good for four years and may be renewed if necessary.

Requirements for a sponsor license in the UK

A sponsor license may only be applied for by legitimately established businesses, either by physical location in the U.K. or through doing business there. Suppose your company has many locations in the United Kingdom. In that case, you may apply for a single license that will apply to all of them, or you can apply for individual licenses for each location if necessary.

Furthermore, you must provide evidence that you (as well as any branches covered by the license) are registered with the relevant statutory authority if doing business in the U.K. legally necessitates registration with or inspection/monitoring by that body. Depending on the nature of your company, you may also be asked to provide proof that your trade address has been granted the necessary planning approval or local planning authority authorization.

On that note, your ability to provide real work in a skilled vocation and your willingness to pay the required wage rate, as set by the Home Office, must be shown. By submitting an application for a sponsor license, you affirm that you are willing to take on the responsibilities of that position. 

How to get a sponsor license in the U.K.

For starters, you have to verify that your firm qualifies, which means you have to give the required proof that your business is legitimate and operating in the U.K. From there, you can select the appropriate license type.

Next, establish a sponsorship management team inside your organization. This individual may also be referred to as the Authorizing Officer. The individual in this role is often the highest-ranking employee in the firm with responsibility for hiring (such as the CEO or H.R. manager).

When the license is issued, the Authorizing Officer is tasked with monitoring the SMS and ensuring the sponsorship obligations are met. A level 1 user must be designated as well. This individual is not required to be the Authorizing Officer but rather anybody with access to the SMS (sponsor management system). This individual will be in charge of updating the SMS with company updates and requesting and allocating CoS to remote employees.

Furthermore, submit an application and associated costs in electronic form only. Company size will determine the application cost as specified by the Companies Act of 2006. The application price for a sponsor license is £536, with a discount for non-profits and smaller businesses. The price is £1476 if your company falls within the medium-to-large category.

How Long is a Sponsor License in the U.K. valid?

Its first term will last four years, and at the close of that time, you’ll have the opportunity to renew it. However, the Home Office might cancel or terminate your sponsorship privileges if they find evidence that you have not fulfilled your responsibilities as a sponsor. 

Furthermore, it typically takes 8 weeks to complete an application. To ensure you’re fulfilling your sponsorship responsibilities, the Home Workplace may visit your office throughout the processing period.

Conclusion

All too often, companies ask for employment visa applications from international applicants without first obtaining the necessary Sponsor License requirements. There is a lot to keep track of in the day-to-day operations of any organization, so the technicalities of who is being recruited and where are sometimes overlooked until the post is ready to be filled.

As such, Newcastle lawyers for immigration specializes in immigration law for corporations and provide advice to clients on a variety of immigration issues. Through their efforts, UK-based businesses are able to recruit and keep foreign workers on both a temporary and permanent basis by taking advantage of a variety of visa sponsorship programs.

However, suppose the selected applicant is abroad, and the company is eager for them to begin work as soon as possible. In that case, everyone involved may get frustrated and disheartened due to the time it takes to obtain a Sponsor License for the company. To avoid any complications later on, it is strongly advised that companies take into account these reminders while applying for a Sponsor License.