Why apply for UK Visa sponsorship for employers?

• New regulations will be introduced in Spring 2024
• The Salary Threshold will be increased to £38,700
• Save £12,500 by applying before Spring 2024
• Valid for 4 years initially

What is a UK Visa sponsorship for employees?

The ‘Sponsorship licence’ allows UK-based companies to employ foreign skilled workers who are willing to work in the UK.

What is the urgency to apply for a UK Sponsor licence now? 

Starting from Spring 2024, the UK government plans to raise the income threshold for foreign workers by almost 50%, shifting it from the current £26,200 to £38,700. This move aims to encourage businesses to prioritize British talent, invest in their workforce, and discourage excessive reliance on migration.

Simultaneously, the adjustments aim to align salaries with the average full-time earnings for these job categories. Additionally, there will be an increase in the minimum income requirement for British citizens and settled individuals in the UK who wish to bring their family members. This overall strategy emphasizes the need for individuals residing and working in the UK to be self-sufficient, contribute to the economy, and avoid becoming a burden on the state.
 

Types of UK Employer Sponsor licence

There are two types of UK Sponsor Licences. These include: 
 

Workers Sponsor Licence for long-term employment 

This type of UK Sponsor licence has the following subcategories:

• Skilled Worker visa
• GBM Senior or Specialist Worker visa (previously the Intra-company Transfer visa)
• Minister of Religion
• International Sportsperson 

Temporary Workers Sponsor Licence  

This is for temporary workers applicable for the following types of visas:

• Scale-up Worker
• Creative Worker
• Charity Worker
• Religious Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange
• International Agreement
• Global Business Mobility
  • Graduate Trainee
  • Service Supplier
  • UK Expansion Worker
  • Secondment Worker
• Seasonal Worker

Eligibility criteria for businesses/ organizations applying for UK sponsor licence 
 

• Legitimate Business Entities in the UK
• Compliance with UK Immigration Laws
• Effective HR systems
• Minimum of 50 employees 

Requirements for applying Sponsor Licence 

Businesses or organizations who are applying for the UK Sponsor licence should meet the following eligibility criteria

• Proof of Business Registration in the UK
• Financial Statements
• Annual turnover of a minimum of £10.2 million
• Total assets of £5.1 million

UK Sponsor Licence Validity 

The UK Sponsor licence is initially valid for four years and can be renewed at the end of this period. However, if the Home Office suspects non-compliance with sponsorship duties, there is a possibility of licence suspension or revocation.

Certificate of Sponsorship for UK Visa applicants 

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document produced on the Sponsor Management System (SMS) post-licence approval. To sponsor a migrant worker, a company initiates a CoS request from the Home Office through SMS. After approval, the company assigns it to the intended worker, generating a unique reference number crucial for the candidate's visa application.

There are two types of CoS, which include the following:

• Defined Certificates for Skilled Workers outside the UK.
• Undefined Certificates For UK Expansion Workers, Skilled Workers Inside the UK, and other UK Visa applicants 
   

Certificate of Sponsorship Costs
 

Type of licence	Cost per certificate
Worker (except workers on the International Sportsperson visa)	£239
Temporary Worker	£25
International Sportsperson - where the certificate of sponsorship is assigned for more than 12 months	£239
International Sportsperson - where the certificate of sponsorship is assigned for 12 months or less	£25

 

How to apply for the UK Sponsorship Licence?

Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria

Step 2: Choose the type of UK Sponsor licence (Long term or short-term) for foreign workers

Step 3: Arrange the checklist of documents required

Step 4: Apply online and pay the fee

Step 5: Get the sponsor licence

UK Sponsorship Licence Fees
 

Type of licence	Fee for small or  charitable sponsors	Fee for medium or large sponsors
Worker	£536	£1,476
Temporary Worker	£536	£536
Worker and Temporary Worker	£536	£ 1,476
Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence	No fee	£940
Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence	No fee	No fee

UK Sponsor Licence Processing Times

The UK Sponsor Licence applications typically take '2 months (8 weeks)' for standard processing. Throughout this period, the Home Office might conduct a compliance visit to verify your adherence to sponsorship duties at your office.
 

UK Sponsor Licence Rating

There are two types of sponsor licence ratings: A-rating and B-rating.

• A-rating is given to trusted organizations with proven systems for complying with sponsor duties.
• B-rating is given to a business that doesn't comply with the sponsor's duties.
   

How does Y-Axis support overseas settlement?

Expertise and Compliance: Our immigration experts ensure your application aligns with the latest overseas immigration laws, providing legal insight and compliance.

Tailored Solutions: Y-Axis offers personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and objectives for a streamlined overseas settlement process.

End-to-End Support: From documentation to application submission, we provide comprehensive support, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Strategic Case Approach: Y-Axis crafts a unique strategy based on your industry and specific requirements, enhancing your chances of obtaining a settlement visa.

Transparent Practices: We maintain clear communication, keep you informed at every stage, and uphold ethical standards in handling your application.