Immigration, Simplified
Sponsor Licence
A sponsor licence is the formal authorization granted by the UK Home Office to a UK organization, allowing them to recruit and sponsor non-UK nationals. In 2026, the sponsorship system remains the primary gateway for businesses to access international talent under the points-based system.
Official UK Government Updates
For the latest guidance, eligibility requirements, and visa regulations, we recommend checking the official UK Government website before submitting your application.
Types of Sponsor Licences
Licences are categorized based on whether the employment is long-term or temporary.
| Licence Type | Primary Visa Categories Covered |
| Worker Licence | Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker (GBM), Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson. |
| Temporary Worker Licence | Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Religious Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, Seasonal Worker. |
| Global Business Mobility (GBM) | Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker. |
Core Requirements for 2026
To be granted a licence, the Home Office must be satisfied that your organization is a “genuine” entity with the infrastructure to manage international staff.
- Genuineness Test: You must show a clear, logical need for the roles you intend to sponsor. The Home Office checks if the proposed jobs align with your business model.
- HR Systems: You must have robust systems to track sponsored workers’ attendance, monitor their right-to-work status, and report changes to the Home Office.
- Suitability: The business and its “Key Personnel” must have a clean record, with no unspent convictions for immigration offences, fraud, or money laundering.
2026 Application Costs
The fee for a sponsor licence is a one-off payment determined by the size and nature of your organization.
| Organisation Type | 2026 Application Fee |
| Small or Charitable Sponsor | £574 |
| Medium or Large Sponsor | £1,579 |
- Are you a Small Sponsor? You usually qualify if you meet at least two of the following: an annual turnover of £15 million or less, total assets worth £7.5 million or less, or 50 employees or fewer.
- Priority Service: For an additional £750, you can expedite the decision on your licence application to 10 working days (down from the standard 8 weeks).
Key Personnel Roles
You must nominate specific individuals within your company to manage the licence. They must be based in the UK and undergo background checks.
- Authorising Officer (AO): The most senior person responsible for the licence. They ensure all sponsor duties are met and are legally accountable.
- Key Contact: The primary point of communication between the Home Office and the business.
- Level 1 User: The person responsible for day-to-day management of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), such as assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
The Application Process
- Preparation: Identify the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes for the roles you need and gather your Appendix A supporting documents (usually a minimum of 4, such as employer’s liability insurance and bank statements).
- Submission: Complete the online application and pay the fee.
- Documentation: You have exactly 5 working days to email your supporting evidence to the Home Office.
- Audit (Potential): The Home Office may conduct a pre-licence compliance visit to inspect your premises and HR systems.
- Decision: Once granted, your licence is added to the public Register of Licensed Sponsors and is typically valid for 4 years (though the government is phasing out the 4-year renewal requirement for many sponsors in 2026).
Sponsor Licence
End-to-end support for securing your UK Visa Sponsor Licence (Small and Large Company applications).
£
£
£2,500/£6,000 for Large Companies
Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Professional Service Fees: Our quoted fees cover our professional immigration advice and application support only. They do not include UK Government application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric appointment charges, translation services, or any other third-party costs.
Personalised Fee Estimates: All prices provided are intended as estimates and may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the level of support required, the volume of documentation, and any urgent processing requests.
Disclaimer: All quoted service fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable.
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