If you’re a UK business aiming to employ skilled migrant workers, obtaining a sponsor licence from the Home Office UKVI is essential. This licence, granted exclusively to UK employers and organisations—not individuals—authorises businesses to sponsor migrant workers. Once approved, your business will be listed on the Home Office UKVI’s official register of licensed sponsors. Aden & Co Solicitors offers expert legal assistance and a Fast Track Service to help you secure your sponsor licence decision within 10 working days.

Free Immigration Advice for Sponsor Licence Applications

Aden & Co Solicitors provides professional, complimentary online advice for sponsor licence applications. Our expert immigration team is ready to answer your queries or guide you through the process. You can also schedule an online consultation for tailored legal advice regarding your sponsor licence application. Let us simplify your immigration journey with our trusted expertise.

Accelerated Sponsor Licence Priority Service by Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration specialists offers an exclusive one-off service to expedite your sponsor licence application via the Home Office UKVI Priority Service. This fast-track option ensures your application is processed within 10 working days, a significant reduction from the standard 8-week processing time. Please note that the Home Office UKVI charges an additional £500 for this expedited service.

You can request the Priority Service at the time of submitting your sponsor licence application or after submission under the standard service if your application is still pending with the Home Office UKVI.

We operate under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) to provide you with maximum peace of mind. If we fail to submit your sponsor licence application via the Priority Service within 48 hours of payment, we will issue a full refund of the fees you paid to us, with no deductions. However, upon successfully submitting your application within this timeframe, we charge a fixed fee of £250 + VAT (£300 inclusive of VAT) under the terms of our CFA.

Specialist Immigration Solicitors for Sponsor Licence Applications

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration specialists provides unparalleled expertise in sponsor licence applications. We offer comprehensive legal advice and representation on a fixed-fee basis, catering to all types of sponsor licence applications. As registered fast-track immigration solicitors with the Home Office UKVI, we ensure expedited preparation and decision-making for your sponsor licence application through the Priority Service.

Our legal services encompass a broad spectrum of sponsor licence-related matters, including new sponsor licence applications, renewals, and assistance with defined or undefined Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). Additionally, we are well-versed in challenging refusals, addressing suspensions, or revocations of sponsor licences issued by the Home Office.

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our reputation for excellence in UK immigration law is underscored by our team of highly qualified solicitors and a 5-star rating from 99% of our satisfied clients on Google Reviews. Choose us for trusted and effective immigration solutions tailored to your needs.

Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Application

A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence empowers UK employers to recruit talented migrant workers for eligible skilled roles within their organization. Businesses in the UK can leverage this licence to hire Skilled Worker migrants, regardless of whether they are based within the UK or overseas.

A “Skilled Worker” refers to an individual granted permission under the Appendix Skilled Worker or previously categorized as a Tier 2 (General) migrant under pre-December 2020 regulations. As of December 2021, the UK immigration system has abolished the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), simplifying the process for employers to sponsor migrant workers under the Skilled Worker visa category.

If your organization intends to hire a skilled migrant professional and the job aligns with the required eligibility criteria, you are eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. Aden & Co Solicitors can guide you through every step of this process, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws while facilitating seamless recruitment.

Health and Care Worker Sponsor Licence: A Comprehensive Guide

Aden & Co Solicitors presents expert guidance on the Health and Care Worker Sponsor Licence, a pivotal pathway for UK businesses to recruit skilled professionals in the health and social care sectors. This licence enables employers to sponsor qualified Health and Care Workers from within or outside the UK for roles in eligible healthcare positions.

With a Health and Care Worker visa, medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and adult care specialists, can work in the UK under the NHS, NHS-affiliated suppliers, or adult social care. Applications for this visa fall under Appendix Skilled Workers, and to qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Be a certified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care specialist.
• Secure employment in an eligible health or social care role.
• Work for a UK-based employer approved by the Home Office.
• Possess a Certificate of Sponsorship detailing the job offer.
• Earn a minimum salary, varying by job type.

Sponsoring Care Workers in the UK                               

UK care homes, regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), can obtain a sponsor licence to recruit international care workers for adult care services. Care homes must meet CQC standards to sponsor foreign employees under SOC code 6145, encompassing roles such as care workers, carers, and care assistants.

The inclusion of care workers on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) reflects the UK’s efforts to address staffing shortages in the social care sector. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), care workers and home carers provide essential support to the elderly and individuals with care needs, either in residential care facilities, daycare centers, or private homes.

Aden & Co Solicitors ensures streamlined sponsor licence applications and visa processes, empowering your business to meet staffing demands efficiently. Contact us for tailored assistance in navigating the UK’s complex immigration framework.

T2 Minister of Religion Sponsor Licence Application

Faith-based organisations and religious orders in the UK seeking to recruit foreign Ministers of Religion can apply for a T2 Minister of Religion Sponsor Licence. This immigration route enables the employment of individuals in key leadership roles within religious establishments, such as ministers, missionaries, members of religious orders, or pastoral workers. A Minister of Religion typically performs duties like leading congregations in worship, conducting rites and rituals, and delivering sermons that outline the principles of their faith. Since December 1, 2020, the resident labour market test is no longer a requirement for this visa route.

For this sponsor licence, a “religious order” refers to a legitimate community devoted to spiritual practices, often set apart from broader society. Examples include monastic orders of monks or nuns or similar religious communities committed to their faith through permanent devotion.

Eligibility Criteria for a T2 Minister of Religion Sponsor Licence

To qualify for the licence, an organisation must be a bona fide religious body that adheres to the following standards:

• Charitable Status: The organisation must hold recognized charitable status.
• Religious Structure: It should embody a faith-based community with shared beliefs, spiritual objectives, and codes of practice aimed at supporting or spreading those beliefs. These beliefs:
  • Must include religious or philosophical convictions of a transcendental, metaphysical, or ultimate nature.
  • Must not solely represent political or philosophical ideologies focused on human concerns unless they closely resemble religious beliefs.
• Inclusivity: The organisation must not exclude members based on gender, nationality, or ethnicity.
• Voluntary Support: The religious ministry must be financially sustained by the community through voluntary contributions, free from coercion.
• Compliance with UK Laws: The organisation must adhere to all UK legislation, avoid encouraging unlawful acts, and maintain practices aligned with the public interest.

Scale-up Worker Sponsor Licence Application

The Scale-up route empowers UK employers undergoing consistent high growth to recruit highly skilled professionals from within or outside the UK. Businesses can apply for a Scale-up Sponsor Licence to employ eligible Scale-up Workers, provided they meet the criteria of a qualifying Scale-up sponsor. This visa pathway is designed to attract top-tier talent for roles that demand advanced skills, with the assurance of a job offer at the requisite salary level for at least six months.

To sponsor a Scale-up Worker, your organisation must hold a valid Scale-up Sponsor Licence. If you lack one, you must apply by submitting an online application, paying the required fee, and providing all necessary supporting documents.

To qualify as a Scale-up sponsor, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Sustained Growth: Achieve an annual growth rate of at least 20% over the past three years, based on employment figures (staff count) or turnover.
• Minimum Workforce: Employ at least 10 staff members at the beginning of the qualifying three-year period.

The Home Office UKVI will assess your eligibility automatically using PAYE and VAT data submitted to HMRC. This ensures compliance with the Scale-up sponsor requirements.

For expert guidance, Aden & Co Solicitors is here to assist with every step of the process.

International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence Application

To employ elite athletes or qualified sports coaches who are internationally recognised and capable of significantly advancing their sport at the highest level, organisations must hold a valid International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence. If your business does not yet possess this licence, you must apply by completing an online form, paying the application fee, and submitting the required supporting documents as outlined in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance.

Eligibility for an International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence requires your organisation to meet the following conditions:

Sporting Sector Operation: Be a UK-based sports club, sporting body, event organiser, or another entity actively engaged in the sporting industry.

Endorsement: Obtain approval from a Home Office-recognised sports governing body relevant to your sport.

Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Licence Application
UK businesses can unlock the potential of hiring international talent by securing a Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Licence. This licence enables companies to sponsor senior managers or specialist employees from linked overseas businesses for temporary assignments in the UK. To be eligible, the UK-based business and the overseas entity must be connected by common ownership, control, or a joint venture agreement.

Eligibility Criteria for Establishing a Link:
To demonstrate the connection between your UK company and the overseas business, you must satisfy one of the following conditions:

• One entity controls the composition of the other’s board of directors.
• One entity holds a majority shareholding, granting more than 50% of the voting rights in the other.
• Both entities share a common parent company that independently, or through subsidiaries, meets the conditions above.
• Both entities are parties to a joint venture agreement.
• One entity is a party to a joint venture agreement, and the other was established as a result of that agreement.
• The relationship mirrors a joint venture agreement but is restricted due to legal limitations in the respective countries.

• Joint Venture Agreement: One entity can be linked to the other if a formal agreement exists that constitutes a joint venture, provided such agreements are permissible in the country of operation. If joint ventures are restricted in the operational jurisdiction, the connected business can still be recognized under this link.
• Trademark or Legal Use Agreement: If both entities are law firms or accountancy firms, they can be connected through an agreement allowing both to use a trademark established or registered under UK law. This mutual agreement facilitates the use of shared intellectual property in the country of operation.
• Same Name Operations: In cases where both entities are law firms or accountancy firms, a relationship can be established if both businesses are permitted to operate under the same name, both in the UK and in the overseas jurisdiction.
• Control via Unincorporated Associations: If one entity is an unincorporated association, the Home Office UKVI may accept the relationship if there is clear evidence—such as a written constitution or Articles of Association—demonstrating that one entity has the authority to control the other. For example, the power to appoint trustees of the other entity.

For a transfer between two entities where the connection is based on an individual holding shares in both, it is required that the individual possesses a majority shareholding in each of the entities. Documentary evidence must be provided to confirm the percentage of shares held.

If the relationship between you and the overseas business is through a joint venture, the Home Office (UKVI) must be assured that the worker will be engaged in activities directly linked to the joint venture before accepting sponsorship for a Senior or Specialist Worker under the UK’s immigration system.

There are various forms of joint ventures, and UKVI will require you to submit supporting evidence demonstrating that the joint venture is actively operational. To apply for a sponsor licence, the following documents should be provided, where applicable to your situation:

• If a new company has been established, submit the Companies House reference number(s) and specify the entities involved, as well as the owners of the new business.
• Public announcements confirming the joint venture.
• A formal letter from the overseas company (or foreign investor) to relevant UK Ministers, declaring their intention to invest in the UK and naming the entities involved in the joint venture.
• A signed copy of the binding contract or partnership agreement between the entities in the joint venture. This agreement must outline the names and positions of the signatories, the ownership and investment structure, as well as the project’s phases and timescales.
• If the joint venture has previously engaged with the Department for International Trade (DIT) or other relevant government bodies in the UK, such as those in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, UKVI may accept evidence of this through DIT’s online listing.

This is not an exhaustive list, and additional documentation may be requested to further assess your application.

The Home Office (UKVI) will not consider informal cooperation agreements as sufficient proof that the worker is required in the UK. The joint venture must be fully operational, and UKVI must be convinced that the worker’s role in the UK is an essential part of the agreement before you can proceed with sponsoring them under the Senior or Specialist Worker route.

Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence Application with Aden & Co Solicitors

If you’re a UK-based business or organisation looking to sponsor a Temporary Worker under one of the Temporary Work visa categories, you can apply for a Temporary Worker sponsor licence. At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert team of immigration solicitors is committed to providing a fast-tracked service, ensuring a decision on your Temporary Worker sponsor licence application within just 10 working days.

A Temporary Worker licence allows UK employers to sponsor individuals temporarily for various roles, including volunteering and job shadowing. However, this licence applies to specific employment types and visa categories.

The Temporary Worker sponsor licence is available for the following categories:

• Scale-up Worker – For individuals coming to work with a rapidly expanding UK business.
• Creative Worker – For those working in the creative industries, such as entertainers and artists, with a visa duration of up to 2 years.
• Charity Worker – For unpaid workers within a charitable organisation, with a maximum stay of 1 year.
• Religious Worker – For individuals joining a religious order or organisation, with a visa duration of up to 2 years.
• Government Authorised Exchange – Designed for work experience, research projects, or training, including practical medical or scientific training. This is typically a short-term exchange lasting up to 2 years.
• International Agreement – For workers coming to perform roles governed by international law, such as employees of foreign governments.
• Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility) – For individuals transferring to a UK branch of their employer as part of a graduate training programme.
• Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility) – For workers contracted to provide services to a UK company, with visa durations ranging from 6 to 12 months.
• UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) – For individuals sent to establish a new branch or subsidiary of a foreign business in the UK.
• Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility) – For workers transferring from overseas to work for a different UK business as part of a high-value contract.
• Seasonal Worker – For individuals coming to work in agriculture, particularly in horticulture (e.g., fruit and vegetable picking) for up to 6 months, or in poultry work from 18 October to 31 December each year.

UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence Application: A Comprehensive Guide

The UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence is designed to facilitate the sponsorship of overseas workers who are tasked with establishing a branch or subsidiary of their current employer in the UK. This visa route has replaced the unsponsored sole representative provisions previously available under the Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

Our Expertise in Sponsor Licence Applications

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer specialized legal services for businesses seeking a Sponsor Licence. As experts in immigration law, we guide you through the entire sponsor licence application process, ensuring compliance with all regulations and requirements. Our services include:

Initial Sponsor Licence Application

The first step to securing a Sponsor Licence is to submit your application online via the Home Office, UKVI website. Following your online submission, you are required to send the following documents to UKVI to validate your application:

• The signed and dated submission sheet from the Authorising Officer, with all pages included.
• A complete set of the mandatory documents listed on the submission sheet.
• All documents must be submitted within five working days of completing the online application.

To obtain the Sponsor Licence, you must apply to the Home Office, UKVI, providing specific documents to demonstrate your eligibility. UKVI will conduct thorough checks to assess whether your business meets the necessary criteria. Once your application is accepted, you will receive a login ID and password for the Sponsor Management System (SMS), allowing you to manage your sponsor licence online.

The Sponsor Licence will be valid for a period of four years, after which it can be renewed online prior to its expiration. Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors is here to ensure your application process is smooth, efficient, and successful.

Sponsor Licence Renewal Services by Aden & Co Solicitors

If your sponsor licence is nearing its expiration, it is essential to apply for its renewal promptly, ideally within one month before the expiry date. The application process for the renewal of your sponsor licence is completed online using the SMS Login details provided by the Home Office UKVI. Typically, the Home Office UKVI grants a sponsor licence for a duration of four years, and the Authorising Officer of the business holding the licence must submit an online application for renewal every four years. A successful application will result in the renewal of the sponsor licence for an additional four-year period.

To avoid the risk of your licence expiring, it is crucial to initiate the renewal process in a timely manner. The Home Office UKVI will generally send reminders via email about the impending expiry, prompting you to renew your sponsor licence. Failing to submit the renewal application on time may result in the expiration of your licence, requiring you to go through the entire application process again for a new sponsor licence.

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we specialize in sponsor licence renewal applications. Our expert solicitors offer comprehensive, reliable, and fixed-fee services tailored to ensure the smooth renewal of your licence. With extensive experience in handling sponsor licence renewals, we have successfully assisted thousands of businesses, providing them with the guidance and support necessary to maintain their licence without disruptions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the positive reviews from our clients, who have praised our high-quality legal services.

Our team of specialist solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors will guide you through every step of the renewal process, offering the following professional services:

• Expert advice on the eligibility criteria and requirements for sponsor licence renewal.
• Guidance on the correct procedures to follow for a seamless renewal process.
• Assistance with completing the online renewal application form accurately and efficiently.
• Help with paying the Home Office UKVI renewal fee.
• Support in the event of a compliance visit by the Home Office UKVI, ensuring you are fully prepared if required.
• Ongoing support throughout the process, handling all follow-up tasks until a final decision is made on your sponsor licence renewal application.

Requesting the Allocation of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Aden & Co Solicitors

To sponsor a migrant worker, securing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the Home Office UKVI is essential. If you do not yet have a CoS allocated to your organization, you may submit a formal request to acquire one. Depending on your specific needs, you can apply for either an undefined or a defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). For expedited processing, you can utilize the Priority Service, which guarantees a decision on your CoS allocation within 5 working days.

Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors specializes in guiding clients through the process of applying for an additional Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through Priority Service. We offer this service at a fixed, competitive rate, ensuring you receive a prompt resolution to your CoS allocation request.

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a Migrant Worker

Upon obtaining a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, you gain the authority to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible migrant workers seeking to come to or remain in the UK. For Skilled Worker applicants, obtaining a CoS is a crucial step in qualifying for entry clearance (if outside the UK) or leave to remain (if within the UK and seeking to extend their stay).

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our team of specialist sponsor licence solicitors offers comprehensive support to ensure that your CoS assignments are handled efficiently and correctly, all for a fixed, affordable fee.

Priority Service for Allocation of an Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Our team at Aden & Co Solicitors provides fast-track assistance for your request for an undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation. By paying the £200 Priority Service fee to the Home Office UKVI, we can ensure that your CoS allocation request is processed within 5 working days.

Legal Support for UKVI Sponsor Licence Compliance Visits

As experienced immigration solicitors specializing in UKVI sponsor licence matters, Aden & Co Solicitors offer expert advice and legal representation during UKVI sponsor licence compliance visits. The Home Office may conduct these visits to determine whether to approve a new sponsor licence or continue an existing one. UKVI compliance officers perform two main types of visits:

• Pre-licence assessment visit
• Post-licence compliance visit

Challenging the Refusal or Revocation of a Sponsor Licence with Aden & Co Solicitors

If the UK Home Office (UKVI) has refused or revoked your sponsor licence, you may be able to challenge the decision if it is found to be unlawful. At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer expert legal advice and representation to assist in disputing the refusal or revocation of your sponsor licence. Our experienced immigration solicitors will thoroughly assess the reasons provided by UKVI for the refusal or revocation and advise you on whether there are valid grounds for contesting their decision.

Challenging the Refusal of a Sponsor Licence Application

If your application for a sponsor licence has been refused, you may be eligible to request a review if you believe that:

• The caseworker processing your application made an error.
• Your supporting documentation was not properly considered.

Should the Home Office maintain their decision after the review, and you still consider the refusal to be unlawful, we can assist you in initiating a challenge through the Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) and Immigration Judicial Review (JR). Aden & Co Solicitors specialize in handling these legal procedures and will provide you with the necessary support to contest the refusal of your sponsor licence application.

Challenging the Refusal of a Sponsor Licence Application

If your sponsor licence application has been refused, and you believe that the decision was made in error, you have the option to request a review. The grounds for review may include:

• A mistake made by the caseworker handling your application.
• The omission or improper consideration of your supporting documents.

In the event that the refusal decision is upheld by the Home Office (UKVI) following the review, and you consider the refusal to be unlawful, you may challenge the decision through a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) and Immigration Judicial Review (JR) against the Home Office UKVI.

Challenging the Revocation of a Sponsor Licence – Aden & Co Solicitors

When the Home Office UKVI suspends a sponsor licence, it typically requests representations and supporting evidence from the sponsor before making a final decision on whether to revoke the licence. At Aden & Co Solicitors, we can assist in submitting comprehensive representations to the Home Office UKVI, outlining the reasons why the sponsor licence should not be revoked. If the UKVI is satisfied with the submitted evidence, the sponsor licence may be reinstated. However, if the Home Office is not convinced, the licence will be formally revoked.

Revocation of a sponsor licence usually occurs due to a failure to comply with sponsor duties. If your licence is revoked and we determine that the decision was unlawful, Aden & Co Solicitors can guide you through the process of challenging the decision. We utilize the Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) and Judicial Review (JR) to seek a legal remedy. Should the legal challenge be successful, the sponsor licence will be reinstated, and your business will once again be listed in the official register of sponsors.

Fixed Fees for Sponsor Licence Services

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we provide a transparent, fixed-fee structure for services related to obtaining and managing a Sponsor Licence. Below is a detailed breakdown of our fees:

The final fee for each service is based on the complexity of the case and the volume of work involved. Additionally, applicants may be required to pay Home Office UKVI application fees, where applicable.

FAQs – Sponsor Licence

In addition to the CoS fee, if you are assigning a certificate to a worker on a Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you may also be required to pay theimmigration skills  charge.