Skilled Worker & Sponsor Licence

We advise both employers and sponsored workers on business immigration matters.

Services include:

• Skilled Worker Visas

• Sponsor Licence Applications

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Sponsor Compliance

• Mock Compliance Audits

Skilled Worker Visas

The Skilled Worker route allows eligible overseas nationals to come to or remain in the UK to work for a Home Office-approved sponsor in an eligible occupation. Applicants must normally have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), meet the applicable salary and skill requirements, and satisfy the English language requirement. The Skilled Worker route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting the relevant residence requirements.

Sponsor Licence Applications

A Sponsor Licence enables UK organisations to employ and sponsor overseas workers under the relevant sponsored work routes. To obtain a licence, an organisation must demonstrate that it is a genuine and lawfully operating business, has appropriate HR and compliance systems in place, and is capable of meeting its ongoing sponsorship duties. Licensed sponsors are subject to continuing compliance obligations and may be audited by the Home Office before or after a licence is granted.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record assigned by a Home Office licensed sponsor to a prospective overseas worker. Before an applicant can apply for a sponsored work visa, the sponsoring employer must assign a valid CoS through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The CoS confirms details of the role, salary, working location and sponsorship arrangements, and forms an essential part of the visa application.

Sponsor Compliance

Holding a Sponsor Licence carries ongoing responsibilities. Licensed sponsors must comply with the Home Office's sponsorship duties, including maintaining accurate records, reporting relevant changes through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), monitoring sponsored workers and ensuring continued compliance with the Immigration Rules. Failure to meet these obligations may result in compliance action, including licence downgrading, suspension or revocation.

Mock Compliance Audits

The Home Office may conduct announced or unannounced compliance visits before or after granting a Sponsor Licence to assess whether an organisation is meeting its sponsorship duties. A Mock Compliance Audit helps employers identify potential compliance risks, review internal systems and prepare for a Home Office inspection before any official visit takes place.