For many businesses
the key to growth and innovation is the ability to hire the best people from around the globe. Based in the heart of the City of London, our team is dedicated to helping organisations of all sizes make successful Sponsor Licence applications so they can recruit the talent they need.
We are not only experts in immigration law, but our team is also commercially astute and takes the time to understand our clients’ business and industry. This allows us to put together robust Sponsor Licence applications, complete with the best supporting evidence. This results in our clients’ applications almost always being successful.
“Bespoke and professional service. A huge thank you to Sergey for his professionalism, competence, diligence. Would highly recommend!”
Our team is business savvy, friendly, and can provide a cost-free initial assessment of your case without any obligation. To speak with one of our lawyers, please call
Why Choose Us?
- Unrivalled knowledge in immigration law – we have a deep understanding of business immigration law and UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) policies and procedures.
- Personal attention – a senior caseworker will work with you at every stage of your business immigration matter. They will take the time to understand your business and find solutions to any challenges you face concerning recruiting foreign talent.
- Practical, up-to-date advice – immigration law is often complex and in a constant state of change. You can rely on us to advise you in plain English and help you meet your compliance obligations.
- Swift results – we understand that your business needs solutions to immigration law matters quickly. As a small team, we are extremely agile and able to work quickly and creatively to get the outcome you want.
- Friendliness and availability – we work with businesses and skilled workers long-term and pride ourselves on being approachable, personable, and caring. We are committed to helping our clients succeed and will do what is required to move things forward. Our team value clients’ time: you can trust that your phone calls and emails will be promptly returned.
FAQ
If you want to employ workers from abroad, you must have a valid Sponsor Licence. A Sponsor Licence allows you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship; however, it is essential to be aware that holding a Sponsor Licence means you will need to comply with strict Home Office duties and responsibilities. Failing to do so could result in your Sponsor Licence being revoked.
To successfully apply for a Sponsor Licence, you must show your business (or its directors, if applicable):
- Have not committed any immigration offences or certain other crimes such as money laundering or fraud.
- Have not had a Sponsor Licence revoked in the last 12 months.
- Has appropriate systems in place to oversee sponsored workers and the staff required to manage sponsorship compliance.
- Has a job or jobs that meet the job suitability requirements.
Applications are submitted online. You will need to put together all the necessary documents to prove that your business can meet the eligibility requirements.
Yes, it would be rare for Home Office staff not to make a pre-licence visit to check you have the systems in place to meet your Sponsor Licence Compliance obligations.
You will need to prepare for a pre-licence visit. Our Business Immigration Solicitors can assist you with preparing your application, collating the supporting documents, and advising you on how to prepare for a compliance visit.
You will need to show UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) staff (the branch of the Home Office that deals with immigration matters) that you have the following roles in place:
- Authorising Officer – a senior and competent person responsible for the actions of staff and representatives who use the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
- Key Contact – your main point of contact with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Level 1 User – responsible for all day-to-day management of your licence using the SMS
The same person or different people can fill these roles. You can also instruct a Business Immigration Solicitor to manage the SMS for you.
If you are employing someone who has a Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you will likely need to pay an Immigration Skills Charge. The amount you pay depends on the size of your organisation.
The Immigration Skills Charge is paid when you apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship.