If you are a UK employer in Bolton or Greater Manchester looking to recruit workers from overseas, you will need a Sponsor Licence. Our specialist sponsor licence solicitors in Bolton help businesses of all sizes apply for, maintain and defend their sponsor licences.
What is a Sponsor Licence?
A Sponsor Licence is a government authorisation that allows UK businesses to employ workers from outside the UK on the Skilled Worker visa and other work visa routes. Without a valid licence, you cannot legally sponsor overseas workers.
Types of Sponsor Licence
Worker Licence
Covers the Skilled Worker route, Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility), and other work-related routes. This is the most commonly sought licence for businesses wishing to hire overseas employees.
Temporary Worker Licence
Covers routes such as the Scale-up Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Seasonal Worker, and Government Authorised Exchange routes.
How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
- Check your organisation meets the eligibility requirements (genuine vacancy, HR systems in place, no previous licence revocations)
- Appoint an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User in the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
- Submit your application online with supporting documents and pay the application fee
- The Home Office will assess your application and may conduct a compliance visit
Application fees range from £536 for small/charitable sponsors to £1,476 for medium and large organisations.
Sponsor Licence Compliance
Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing compliance obligations, including record-keeping, reporting duties and right-to-work checks. Non-compliance can result in a licence suspension, downgrade or revocation, and civil penalties. Our compliance audit service helps Bolton businesses maintain their licences safely.
Sponsor Licence Suspension and Revocation
If the Home Office suspends or revokes your licence, we can help you respond urgently and challenge the decision. A revoked licence has serious consequences for your business and your sponsored workers, who may lose their visa status.
Need Expert Immigration Advice in Bolton?
Contact our specialist immigration solicitors today for a confidential consultation on your case.
Related Services
Businesses holding a Sponsor Licence must comply with strict duties including carrying out right to work checks. Workers sponsored under the licence will typically arrive on a Skilled Worker Visa. After 5 years, sponsored workers may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. See our full range of immigration services or visit our areas we cover page.
