The Ultimate Guide: Understanding the UK Employer Sponsor Licence – Your Complete Overview

A sponsor licence allows a UK organisation to sponsor eligible overseas workers who do not already have immigration permission allowing them to work in the role. From 8 April 2026, a Worker sponsor licence costs £611 for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,682 for a medium or large sponsor.

Most applications are decided in less than eight weeks, while eligible applicants may pay £750 for priority consideration within 10 working days.For an introduction, see what a UK employer sponsor licence involves and the key requirements for obtaining a sponsor licence.

Which sponsor licence do you need?

The main categories are Worker and Temporary Worker. Our guide to the types of UK employer sponsor licences explains the distinction.

Licence type	Typical use	Example routes
Worker	Longer-term or permanent skilled employment	Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker, Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson
Temporary Worker	Temporary or specific-purpose work	Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Seasonal Worker, Government Authorised Exchange

What does the Home Office assess?

The Home Office considers whether your organisation is genuine and operating or trading lawfully in the UK, whether proposed jobs are genuine and eligible, and whether you can meet your sponsorship duties. Choosing the correct SOC code is therefore important.

Since 22 July 2025, most newly sponsored Skilled Worker jobs must be at RQF level 6 or above. However, certain RQF level 3 to 5 occupations remain eligible through specified lists or transitional provisions. The usual Skilled Worker salary threshold is £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher, although several lower-salary options exist. See the April 2026 Skilled Worker salary rules.

You must nominate an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and at least one Level 1 User. The Authorising Officer must be an eligible person within the organisation. A UK-based representative can act as Key Contact and, after approval, may be added as an additional Level 1 User, but your primary Level 1 User normally needs to be an employee, director or partner who meets the relevant requirements.

What does sponsorship cost?

For a three-year Skilled Worker sponsorship:

Charge	Small/charitable sponsor	Medium/large sponsor
Worker sponsor licence	£611	£1,682
Certificate of Sponsorship	£525	£525
Immigration Skills Charge, 3 years	£1,440	£3,960
Priority licence processing, optional	£750	£750

A small sponsor generally meets at least two of these tests: turnover of £15 million or less, assets of £7.5 million or less, or 50 employees or fewer.

Sponsors must not recoup prohibited sponsorship costs, including the Immigration Skills Charge and relevant sponsor licence and Certificate of Sponsorship fees, from sponsored workers. See the costs involved in sponsoring foreign workers.

Maintaining your sponsor licence

Approval is only the beginning. Sponsors must carry out compliant right to work checks, meet record keeping and reporting for sponsors requirements, manage Certificate of Sponsorship allocation and understand navigating the Sponsor Management System.

Compliance checks can be announced or unannounced, so understanding how to prepare for a Home Office compliance visit matters. Serious breaches can lead to sponsor licence suspension and revocation. If a licence is revoked, affected sponsored workers will normally have their permission shortened to 60 days, or the time remaining if shorter.

Applications can fail because of inadequate evidence, unsuitable personnel, compliance weaknesses or concerns about whether a vacancy is genuine. Review the top mistakes to avoid when applying for a sponsor licence and preparing a successful sponsor licence application.

There is no general right of appeal against refusal. A limited error-correction process may be available, and many refusals carry a six-month cooling-off period, although the period depends on the reason. See how to challenge a sponsor licence refusal.

Frequently asked questions

Does a sponsor licence expire?

For most Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors, no. The four-year renewal requirement was removed on 6 April 2024, so licences generally remain valid until surrendered or revoked.

Can a new company obtain a sponsor licence?

Yes. There is no general minimum trading period, but the organisation must demonstrate a genuine UK operating or trading presence and provide the required supporting evidence.

Can a company director be sponsored?

Potentially, provided the role is genuine and all Skilled Worker and sponsor requirements are met. There is no separate immigration route officially called “self-sponsorship”.

How do I check whether a company is licensed?

Use the Home Office register of licensed sponsors.

What English level does a new Skilled Worker need?

Most people making their first Skilled Worker application from 8 January 2026 must demonstrate English at CEFR B2. Transitional rules apply to some existing Skilled Workers. See the GOV.UK sponsorship pages.

Getting it right first time

Sponsorship can overlap with wider legal needs, including conveyancing solicitors, family law advice, child custody arrangements in Sheffield and a lasting power of attorney.

Athi Law’s employer sponsor licence solicitors assist employers across Sheffield, Dronfield and West Bromwich. You can also speak to our legal team about your position.