Immigration
Phase 1
Sponsor Licensing Process (For Employers)
1. Pre-Application Preparation – Ensuring Business Eligibility
Before applying for a Sponsor Licence, the business must
- Be legally registered and actively trading in the UK.
- Have a genuine need for hiring foreign workers.
- Have a real UK business premises (lease or ownership proof required).
- Be able to monitor and manage sponsored employees (HR system in place).
Not have any past immigration law breaches.
2. Labour Market Requirements & Role Suitability
- Confirm if the role qualifies under the Skilled Worker Visa category.
- Check if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List (If yes, no Resident Labour Market Test needed).
- Determine if the employer needs to prove recruitment efforts (In some cases, advertising in the UK is required).
1. Pre-Application Preparation – Ensuring Business Eligibility
Before applying for a Sponsor Licence, the business must
- Be legally registered and actively trading in the UK.
- Have a genuine need for hiring foreign workers.
- Have a real UK business premises (lease or ownership proof required).
- Be able to monitor and manage sponsored employees (HR system in place).
Not have any past immigration law breaches.
2. Labour Market Requirements & Role Suitability
- Confirm if the role qualifies under the Skilled Worker Visa category.
- Check if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List (If yes, no Resident Labour Market Test needed).
- Determine if the employer needs to prove recruitment efforts (In some cases, advertising in the UK is required).
3. Gathering Required Documents for the Sponsor Licence Application
At least four of the following MANDATORY documents must be submitted
- Certificate of Incorporation (Company House registration).
- Employer’s Liability Insurance (£5M minimum).
- Business Bank Statements (last three months).
- HMRC Registration Proof (PAYE, VAT, etc.).
- Lease Agreement (proof of business premises).
- Audited Accounts or Tax Returns (if required).
Additional Supporting Documents
- Contract of Employment & Job Descriptions (proof of genuine vacancies).
- Submit a current hierarchy chart detailing all owners, directors and board members
- Submit a list of the names and job titles of all employees, if the organisation has 50 employees or fewer
- Employee job rota
- Existing business contracts (e.g NHS, Council, Private Business etc) or diaries to show the running of the business.
3. Gathering Required Documents for the Sponsor Licence Application
At least four of the following MANDATORY documents must be submitted
- Certificate of Incorporation (Company House registration).
- Employer’s Liability Insurance (£5M minimum).
- Business Bank Statements (last three months).
- HMRC Registration Proof (PAYE, VAT, etc.).
- Lease Agreement (proof of business premises).
- Audited Accounts or Tax Returns (if required).
Additional Supporting Documents
- Contract of Employment & Job Descriptions (proof of genuine vacancies).
- Submit a current hierarchy chart detailing all owners, directors and board members
- Submit a list of the names and job titles of all employees, if the organisation has 50 employees or fewer
- Employee job rota
- Existing business contracts (e.g NHS, Council, Private Business etc) or diaries to show the running of the business.
4. Submission of Sponsor Licence Application
At least four of the following MANDATORY documents must be submitted
- Certificate of Incorporation (Company House registration).
- Employer’s Liability Insurance (£5M minimum).
- Business Bank Statements (last three months).
- HMRC Registration Proof (PAYE, VAT, etc.).
- Lease Agreement (proof of business premises).
- Audited Accounts or Tax Returns (if required).
4. Submission of Sponsor Licence Application
At least four of the following MANDATORY documents must be submitted
- Certificate of Incorporation (Company House registration).
- Employer’s Liability Insurance (£5M minimum).
- Business Bank Statements (last three months).
- HMRC Registration Proof (PAYE, VAT, etc.).
- Lease Agreement (proof of business premises).
- Audited Accounts or Tax Returns (if required).
5. Home Office Compliance Checks & Business Visit (If Required)
The Home Office may audit the business before approval, checking
- HR policies for tracking employees and reporting changes.
- Right-to-work compliance procedures.
- Genuine business operations.
6. Decision on Sponsor Licence Application
If Approved
- Business is added to the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Employer receives a Sponsor Licence Number.
- Can now issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to employees.
5. Home Office Compliance Checks & Business Visit (If Required)
The Home Office may audit the business before approval, checking
- HR policies for tracking employees and reporting changes.
- Right-to-work compliance procedures.
- Genuine business operations.
6. Decision on Sponsor Licence Application
If Approved
- Business is added to the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Employer receives a Sponsor Licence Number.
- Can now issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to employees.
Phase 2
Assigning Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the Employee
7. Issuing Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Employer assigns a CoS reference number to the applicant.
- CoS validity: Must be used within three months for a visa application.
- CoS details include:
- Job title and salary confirmation.
- Job description matching the Skilled Worker Visa requirements.
- Confirmation of employer sponsorship.
7. Issuing Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Employer assigns a CoS reference number to the applicant.
- CoS validity: Must be used within three months for a visa application.
- CoS details include:
- Job title and salary confirmation.
- Job description matching the Skilled Worker Visa requirements.
- Confirmation of employer sponsorship.
Phase 3
Skilled Worker Visa Application (For the Employee)
8. Visa Application Requirements – Documents Needed from the Applicant
The applicant must provide
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number (Issued by employer).
- Valid Passport (At least one blank page).
- Job Title and Salary Confirmation (Matching CoS).
- UK Address Details (Where they will stay).
- Proof of Funds (£1,270 in a bank account for 28 days, unless exempt).
- Criminal Record Certificate (If required for the job).
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (If applicable, see below).
8. Visa Application Requirements – Documents Needed from the Applicant
The applicant must provide
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number (Issued by employer).
- Valid Passport (At least one blank page).
- Job Title and Salary Confirmation (Matching CoS).
- UK Address Details (Where they will stay).
- Proof of Funds (£1,270 in a bank account for 28 days, unless exempt).
- Criminal Record Certificate (If required for the job).
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (If applicable, see below).
9. English Language Test Requirement
The applicant must prove English proficiency, unless exempt.
Accepted English Tests (CEFR Level B1 or Higher)
- IELTS for UKVI (Minimum score: 4.0 in all four skills).
- PTE Academic UKVI.
- Trinity College London Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Exemptions from the English Test
- Nationals of English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).
- Degree holders taught in English (ECCTIS/NARIC recognised).
- Job roles at RQF Level 6+, exempt from English test in some cases.
9. English Language Test Requirement
The applicant must prove English proficiency, unless exempt.
Accepted English Tests (CEFR Level B1 or Higher)
- IELTS for UKVI (Minimum score: 4.0 in all four skills).
- PTE Academic UKVI.
- Trinity College London Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Exemptions from the English Test
- Nationals of English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).
- Degree holders taught in English (ECCTIS/NARIC recognised).
- Job roles at RQF Level 6+, exempt from English test in some cases.
10. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Requirement
The TB test is mandatory if the applicant has lived in certain countries for more than six months in the last year.
Where to get tested?
- Must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic.
A valid TB certificate (issued within six months) must be submitted.
Countries where TB tests are required
- South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh.
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana.
- Middle East: Iraq, Yemen.
- Others: China, Russia, Ukraine.
10. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Requirement
The TB test is mandatory if the applicant has lived in certain countries for more than six months in the last year.
Where to get tested?
- Must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic.
A valid TB certificate (issued within six months) must be submitted.
Countries where TB tests are required
- South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh.
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana.
- Middle East: Iraq, Yemen.
- Others: China, Russia, Ukraine.
11. Financial Requirement (Proof of Funds)
The applicant must prove financial stability in the UK
- At least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days.
- Funds must be in the applicant’s personal bank account.
- Exemption: If the employer certifies maintenance on the CoS.
12. Skilled Worker Visa Application Submission & Fees
The applicant submits the Skilled Worker Visa application online.
Visa Fees (as of April 2025)
- £304 – £1,519 (Depends on visa length & job type).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1035 per year.
Biometric Appointment
- The applicant attends a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photo.
- Processing Time:
- Standard: Three weeks.
- Priority Service: Five working days (£500 extra).
11. Financial Requirement (Proof of Funds)
The applicant must prove financial stability in the UK
- At least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days.
- Funds must be in the applicant’s personal bank account.
- Exemption: If the employer certifies maintenance on the CoS.
12. Skilled Worker Visa Application Submission & Fees
The applicant submits the Skilled Worker Visa application online.
Visa Fees (as of April 2025)
- £304 – £1,519 (Depends on visa length & job type).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1035 per year.
Biometric Appointment
- The applicant attends a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photo.
- Processing Time:
- Standard: Three weeks.
- Priority Service: Five working days (£500 extra).
Phase 4
Visa Approval & UK Arrival
13. Visa Decision & Travel Preparation
- If approved, the applicant receives a 30-day Entry Clearance Vignette in their passport.
- Must travel to the UK within this period
14. Arrival in the UK & Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Collection
- Must collect BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Employer must update the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Where to get tested?
- Must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic.
- A valid TB certificate (issued within six months) must be submitted.
Countries where TB tests are required
- South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh.
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana.
- Middle East: Iraq, Yemen.
- Others: China, Russia, Ukraine.
13. Visa Decision & Travel Preparation
- If approved, the applicant receives a 30-day Entry Clearance Vignette in their passport.
- Must travel to the UK within this period
14. Arrival in the UK & Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Collection
- Must collect BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Employer must update the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Where to get tested?
- Must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic.
- A valid TB certificate (issued within six months) must be submitted.
Countries where TB tests are required
- South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh.
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana.
- Middle East: Iraq, Yemen.
- Others: China, Russia, Ukraine.
Phase 5
Post-Arrival Compliance & Work Start
15. Employer Responsibilities After Employee Arrival
- Conduct Right-to-Work Checks before allowing the employee to start work.
- Keep records of visa expiry dates and employment details.
- Ensure compliance with Home Office regulations.
Final Outcome
- Employer is a Licensed Sponsor and hires foreign workers legally.
- Employee successfully arrives in the UK with a valid Skilled Worker Visa.
Full compliance maintained to avoid penalties or visa cancellations.
Summary of All Key Steps
- Phase 1: Sponsor Licence Application.
- Phase 2: Issuing Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Phase 3: Skilled Worker Visa Application (English Test, TB Test, Financial Proof).
- Phase 4: Visa Approval & UK Arrival.
- Phase 5: Employer Compliance After Arrival.
15. Employer Responsibilities After Employee Arrival
- Conduct Right-to-Work Checks before allowing the employee to start work.
- Keep records of visa expiry dates and employment details.
- Ensure compliance with Home Office regulations.
Final Outcome
- Employer is a Licensed Sponsor and hires foreign workers legally.
- Employee successfully arrives in the UK with a valid Skilled Worker Visa.
Full compliance maintained to avoid penalties or visa cancellations.
Summary of All Key Steps
- Phase 1: Sponsor Licence Application.
- Phase 2: Issuing Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Phase 3: Skilled Worker Visa Application (English Test, TB Test, Financial Proof).
- Phase 4: Visa Approval & UK Arrival.
- Phase 5: Employer Compliance After Arrival.
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