Sponsorship Licence

Sponsorship Licence

 

Under the UK’s immigration scoring system, employers seeking to recruit highly skilled staff from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must obtain a UK Sponsorship Licence.

 

 

Why do I need a licence?

Obtaining a Sponsorship Licence is mandatory and the UK Home Office rigorously checks sponsorship applications. Companies applying must also ensure that they meet all the necessary employee requirements. Our team of experienced immigration specialists are familiar with all aspects of the process and are ready to ensure that you can obtain a sponsorship licence with ease and efficiency.

 

In order to recruit skilled employees from outside the EEA, UK companies must hold a sponsorship licence issued by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This is also required for educational establishments hosting overseas students. Without a sponsorship licence, companies cannot transfer overseas staff to their UK branches, extend existing work visas or apply for new permits to employ staff from outside the EEA.

 

Once a sponsorship licence is granted, the company is given a licence rating, which allows them to issue sponsorship certificates required for Tier 2 visa applications. Sponsors holding a licence have obligations to fulfil.

 

 

Deadlines. Renewal. Suspension  

  • A sponsorship licence originally granted for 4 years can be renewed if the company plans to continue sponsoring nationals from outside the EEA.

 

  • If the sponsor fails to comply with its obligations, its licence rating may be downgraded and the licence itself suspended or cancelled. UK Immigration (UKVI) may check a company applying for a sponsorship licence to ensure that it meets all the requirements for issuing it.

Employer responsibilities

The employer’s responsibilities as part of the sponsorship licence process include the following steps:

 

  • Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT):
  • Identifying a job vacancy and posting it on the public domain for 28 days.
  • This test ensures that the employer has tried to find a suitable candidate in the local labour market before recruiting a foreign worker requiring sponsorship.

Obtaining a Sponsorship Licence:

 

  • Preparing and submitting all the necessary documents and forms for a sponsorship licence, which gives employers permission to hire foreign employees.
  • Deciding whether to add both sub-categories to the sponsorship licence (Tier 2 General and Tier 2 (ICT)) or just one of them.
  • The online application for a sponsorship licence must be submitted by an authorised person, providing all necessary documentation as required by the Sponsor Handbook.

Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):

  • Once a company is registered as a licensed sponsor, a «restricted» or «unrestricted» certificate of sponsorship must be obtained.
  • «Unrestricted» certificate is for new employees earning more than £155,300 per annum and for employees applying for visa renewal.
  • «Restricted» certificate is for new employees earning less than £155,300 per annum or financially dependent family members of students with a Tier 4 visa category.Tier 2 General or Intra-company Transfer category visas:

After obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a prospective employee can apply for a visa to join the UK branch of the company or while already in the UK.

 

Processing time and decision making

  • The processing time for a sponsorship licence application is usually around 3 months and a decision on the licence is made within 3 weeks of the application being submitted.

The cost of the service is

  • £3500

 

 

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    // FAQ
    FAQ
    Answers to frequently asked questions
    WHAT IS A RESIDENCE PERMIT?
    A residence permit is a status that allows foreign nationals to legally reside in another country for a long period of time without the need for permanent entry and exit.
    RESIDENCE PERMIT VALIDITY PERIOD
    The validity period of a residence permit can vary depending on the country and the type of permit. Usually it is a temporary residence permit, which can be issued for several years and can be extended if certain conditions are met.
    WHAT IS THE WHOLE PROCESS OF APPLYING AND WAITING FOR A DECISION?

    The process of applying and waiting for a decision is usually as follows:


    Document preparation:
    Gathering all the necessary documents as required by the immigration authorities. This may include passport, criminal records, financial documents, medical documents and others.

    Filling out the application:
    Filling out a form or application for the desired status or authorization. This can be an online application or submitted through an embassy or consulate.

    Filing of documents:
    Submitting all documents to the relevant authorities, usually through the post, in person at the office or online through special platforms.

    Waiting for a decision:
    Once the documents are submitted, the waiting period for a decision begins. The waiting time may vary depending on the type of application, country and current immigration workload.

    Communication and updates:
    During the waiting period, you can expect requests for additional documents or information from immigration authorities. It is important to closely monitor all updates and provide requested documents in a timely manner.

    Receiving a decision:
    Once your case is finalized, you will receive a decision notice. This may be positive, negative, or a request for additional documents.

    This is a general overview of the process, which may vary slightly depending on the specific immigration program and country rules.

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE THE SERVICE AFTER COMING TO THE COMPANY'S OFFICE?

    After coming to the office, the service can be more accessible and personalized. Here you can:


    Meet with company representatives in person, making it easier to communicate and resolve any issues directly.

    Receive real-time support and advice, which will help resolve issues more quickly and efficiently.

    Receive additional services or information that may not be available or convenient to provide remotely.

    Discuss details and make final decisions in person, which can increase confidence in the choice and outcome.

    In addition, an office visit can create a more personal and trusting atmosphere, which may be particularly important to some clients.

    HOW IS PAYMENT FOR COMPANY SERVICES MADE?

    Payment for company services usually occurs as follows:


    Agreement of terms:
    The client and the company discuss the terms and cost of the services to be provided, determine the scope of work and timeline.

    Invoicing:
    The company invoices the client for payment, specifying the amount, payment methods and terms.

    Payment:
    The client pays for the company's services according to the invoice, using the selected payment method.

    Confirmation of payment:
    Upon receipt of payment, the company confirms the payment and begins to perform the services as agreed.

    Depending on the terms of the contract and company policy, payment may be made once or divided into installments by stages of work.

    CAN I APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT ALSO FOR MY SPOUSE AND CHILDREN?
    Yes, you can usually apply for a residence permit not only for yourself, but also for your spouse and children if they meet the requirements for such a status in the respective country.
    DOES YOUR COMPANY HELP WITH ADAPTATION IN A NEW COUNTRY?

    We help with adaptation by providing information about the new country and ways to develop business, accounting and daily life through:


    Counseling:
    We provide adaptation, business and accounting advice, helping clients understand local customs and regulations.

    Information Resources:
    Provide information resources on local culture, legislation, business and services available to expatriates.

    Business Support:
    Assist clients with business organization, finding partners and clients, as well as with accounting and taxation issues.

    Practical assistance:
    We provide practical help in organizing everyday life, finding accommodation, education, health insurance and other aspects of everyday life.

    Our goal is to provide clients with all the information and support they need to be successful

    CAN WE GET A PASSPORT OF A CERTAIN COUNTRY IN THE FUTURE IF WE HAVE A RESIDENCE PERMIT?
    Yes, holding a residence permit, you may be able to apply for citizenship of the country that issued your residence permit. The process of obtaining citizenship usually requires certain conditions to be met, such as living in the country for a certain period of time as a legal resident and meeting other criteria set by the country's legislation.
    CAN I GET A RESIDENCE PERMIT WITHOUT A CRIMINAL RECORD CERTIFICATE?
    In some cases it is possible to obtain a residence permit without a criminal record certificate, but it depends on the legislation and requirements of a particular country, as well as the type of ID for which you are applying.
    HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN INVITATION FROM AN EMPLOYER TO WORK IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?
    The waiting period for an invitation from an employer to work in another country can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the complexity of the visa process, the specifics of the industry, the company's staffing needs and the recruitment procedures in a particular country.
    DOES THE COMPANY HELP WITH THE NECESSARY SET OF DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION?
    Yes, our company provides assistance with preparing the necessary documents to apply for a visa to another country. This may include collecting and submitting the required forms, preparing letters of support, and advising on how to complete and submit the documents. The company can also assist with obtaining specific documents, such as invitations from an employer or letters of assurance of financial support. This process may vary depending on the client's request and the requirements of the visa authorities of the country to which you are planning to relocate or make a short trip.
    WHAT HELP CAN I EXPECT IF I TURN TO THE COMPANY'S SPECIALISTS?
    We have highly skilled immigration attorneys, recruiters, relocation and adjustment specialists who provide comprehensive assistance to clients in their journey to relocate to another country. Our immigration attorneys have expertise in migration and visa law and provide professional advice on paperwork and navigating through complex immigration processes. Our recruiters help clients find suitable job opportunities and obtain job offers in another country. Relocation specialists provide relocation support, including finding housing, paperwork, moving possessions, and adjusting to a new environment. Finally, our adjustment specialists help clients integrate into the new culture, navigate daily life, and overcome any challenges they may face in the new country. Our team is committed to ensuring that clients have the smoothest and most successful adjustment to their new location.