Sponsor Licence Application
Authorise Your Business to Employ Skilled Workers from Abroad
Legate Hub provides end-to-end legal support for companies seeking to obtain a Home Office Sponsor Licence under the UK Points-Based System.
Overview
A Sponsor Licence allows a UK employer to hire overseas nationals under the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker routes. The application process requires the business to prove it is genuine, financially sound, and equipped to meet its immigration-compliance duties. Legate Hub manages the entire process — from preparing the documentation bundle to submission and post-licence support.
Eligibility Requirements
- Your organisation must be lawfully operating and trading in the UK.
- You must have appropriate HR systems to monitor sponsored workers and keep statutory records.
- Key personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User) must have clean immigration and criminal records.
- Job roles to be sponsored must meet minimum skill level (RQF 3 or above) and salary thresholds set by the Home Office.
- The business must not have had a Sponsor Licence revoked in the previous 12 months.
Documents Required for Application
- Certificate of Incorporation and Companies House printout.
- Business bank statements for the last 3 months.
- Employer’s Liability Insurance certificate (£5 million minimum cover).
- Lease or ownership documents for business premises.
- HMRC registration (PAYE Reference and Accounts Office Number).
- VAT registration certificate (if applicable).
- Sample employment contract and HR policies (showing record-keeping and right-to-work checks).
Legate Hub reviews all documentation against Appendix A of the Sponsor Guidance before submission.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Initial Consultation: Legate Hub evaluates your organisation’s readiness and identifies suitable licence type (Worker / Temporary Worker).
- Step 2 – Compliance Audit: We perform an HR systems audit to ensure right-to-work checks and reporting mechanisms satisfy UKVI standards.
- Step 3 – Documentation Compilation: We assemble, certify, and index all supporting evidence according to Home Office requirements.
- Step 4 – Online Submission: Legate Hub completes the online Sponsor Licence form, uploads documents through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), and pays the relevant fee.
- Step 5 – Home Office Review: UKVI may conduct a pre-licence visit to verify genuineness and HR capacity. We provide full representation and guidance.
- Step 6 – Licence Grant: Once approved, the organisation is added to the Register of Sponsors and can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible workers.
Processing Times
| Service Type | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 8 – 12 weeks from submission |
| Priority Service (£500 extra) | 10 working days subject to availability |
*Times may vary based on case complexity and Home Office capacity.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Sponsor Licence Application
Home Office Key Personnel Roles
- Authorising Officer: Senior manager responsible for licence management and Home Office correspondence.
- Key Contact: Primary liaison between the organisation and UKVI.
- Level 1 User: Responsible for day-to-day SMS operations and reporting duties.
Legate Hub provides training and policy templates for each role to ensure ongoing compliance and smooth renewal management.
Download Application Resources
- Sponsor Licence Application Guide (PDF)
- Pre-Licence Audit Checklist (PDF)
- SMS Key Personnel Template (PDF)
Download and complete these forms before submission. Legate Hub reviews them to ensure accuracy and full Home Office compliance.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub’s business-immigration specialists provide strategic support for UK companies recruiting global talent. We combine legal expertise with practical HR training to reduce delays, prevent sponsor suspensions, and maintain ongoing Home Office compliance.
Book a Consultation
Begin your Sponsor Licence journey with confidence. Contact Legate Hub for a detailed consultation and document review.