Applying for a sponsor licence in the UK can be a complex process, especially for businesses looking to sponsor skilled visa workers from overseas. This ultimate guide will provide you with all the necessary information to navigate the process successfully. From understanding the role of the interview sponsor board and the licensing standards officer, to filling out the sponsorship application form and meeting the HMRC sponsorship guidelines, this guide has got you covered.
Understanding Sponsorship
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to define what sponsorship means in this context. A sponsor is a UK-based organisation that wishes to employ someone from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The sponsor must apply for a sponsor licence to hire these individuals. The Home Office grants this licence, and it allows businesses to sponsor workers from overseas.
Types of Sponsor Licences
There are two types of sponsor licences that businesses can apply for:
- Tier 2 – This is for skilled workers with long-term job offers in the UK.
- Tier 5 – This is for temporary workers.
Each type of licence has different subcategories, and the business must apply for the one that best suits their needs.
Applying for a Sponsor Licence
To apply for a sponsor licence, businesses must follow these steps:
- Complete the online sponsor licence application form.
- Provide the necessary supporting documents.
- Pay the appropriate fee.
Once the application is submitted, the Home Office will review it and may visit the business to ensure it meets the sponsor licence requirements. This visit is conducted by a licensing standards officer appointed to the case.
Role of the Interview Sponsor Board and Licensing Standards Officer
The interview sponsor board and the licensing standards officer play crucial roles in the sponsor licence application process. The board reviews the application and the supporting documents, while the licensing standards officer visits the business to ensure it meets the necessary requirements. The officer will also interview key personnel in the business, such as the CoS head office staff.
Understanding the CoS and Sponsor Sheet
Once a business has been granted a sponsor licence, it can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to potential employees. The CoS is not a physical document but an electronic record. Each CoS has a unique reference number which the worker will need when applying for their visa.
The sponsor sheet is a document that records all the sponsored employees in the business. It is crucial for keeping track of all the workers and ensuring compliance with the sponsorship licence requirements.
HMRC Sponsorship Guidelines
The HMRC has set out specific guidelines for businesses looking to sponsor workers from overseas. These guidelines include:
- Ensuring the business is genuine and operating legally in the UK.
- Showing that the business is trustworthy and reliable.
- Providing evidence that the business can offer genuine employment that meets the Tier 2 or Tier 5 skill level.
Restaurant Sponsorship Visa UK
Restaurants in the UK can also apply for a sponsor licence to hire skilled workers from overseas. The process is the same as for other businesses, but the restaurant must prove that it cannot fill the job with a resident worker.
How to Become a Sponsor for a Company
If you’re looking to become a sponsor for a company, you’ll need to follow the same process as outlined above. However, you’ll also need to demonstrate that you have a genuine need to sponsor workers from overseas and that you can comply with all the sponsorship duties and responsibilities.
Conclusion
Applying for a sponsor licence in the UK can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and understanding of the process, it can be navigated successfully. Whether you’re a business looking to sponsor skilled workers from overseas or an individual looking to become a sponsor for a company, this guide provides all the necessary information to help you on your journey.
