Business Sponsor Licence Application
Employ Skilled Workers Legally in the United Kingdom
Apply for a Sponsor Licence through Legate Hub | Professional Business Immigration Solicitors
Overview
UK employers who wish to recruit skilled workers from outside the United Kingdom require a valid Sponsor Licence issued by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). This authorisation enables the business to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to qualifying overseas employees. Legate Hub supports companies in preparing compliant licence applications, establishing HR systems, and maintaining ongoing sponsor obligations.
Eligibility Requirements
- The organisation must be a genuine UK entity lawfully operating or trading in the United Kingdom.
- Key personnel must be appointed for the Sponsor Management System (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User).
- The organisation must demonstrate effective HR systems to monitor sponsored workers and maintain compliance with Home Office reporting duties.
- No key personnel should have unspent criminal convictions or prior compliance breaches relating to immigration or corporate law.
- The business must provide evidence of genuine vacancy requirements meeting Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker criteria.
Required Documents Checklist
- Certificate of Incorporation and Companies House registration.
- Business bank statements covering at least three months.
- Employer’s liability insurance certificate (minimum £5 million cover).
- Proof of trading address – utility bills, lease agreement, or title deed.
- HMRC registration and PAYE reference number evidence.
- Audited accounts or management accounts (where applicable).
- Sample employment contract and job descriptions for proposed sponsored roles.
- Identity and background documents for key personnel managing the licence.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Business Review: Legate Hub conducts a pre-licence audit to verify eligibility, HR procedures, and readiness for Home Office scrutiny.
- Step 2 – Documentation Preparation: Download the Sponsor Licence Document Checklist from our Document Centre below. Our solicitors assist in compiling all required documents and preparing representations.
- Step 3 – Online Submission: Legate Hub completes the online Sponsor Licence application, uploads evidence, and pays the applicable Home Office fee.
- Step 4 – Compliance Visit: UKVI may conduct a pre-licence compliance inspection. Legate Hub prepares your business and management staff for the visit.
- Step 5 – Licence Decision & Management: Once granted, we provide ongoing Sponsor Management System (SMS) support and assist in issuing Certificates of Sponsorship for new hires.
Typical Processing Timeline
| Service | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Standard Sponsor Licence Application | Approximately 8 weeks from submission. |
| Pre-Licence Priority Service | 10 working days (limited availability, additional fee applies). |
Note: Timescales depend on the complexity of the organisation and UKVI workload. Legate Hub ensures full compliance to avoid refusals or delays.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Business Sponsor Licence Application
Download Application Forms
- Sponsor Licence Document Checklist (PDF)
- Key Personnel Details Template (PDF)
- Sponsor Management Guidance (PDF)
Download the required forms and checklists. Submit completed documentation to Legate Hub for professional review and formal submission to UKVI.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub’s business immigration specialists assist UK companies in obtaining and maintaining Sponsor Licences. We provide end-to-end services including compliance audits, application preparation, staff training, and ongoing licence management to ensure long-term Home Office compliance.
Book a Consultation
Streamline your recruitment of international talent. Contact Legate Hub today to begin your Sponsor Licence Application with expert legal assistance.