Sponsor Licence
Legal Advice and Application Support
for Employers
If your organisation wants to employ overseas workers in the UK, you must first apply for a sponsor licence.
This is a formal authorisation from the Home Office to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under the Skilled Worker or other permitted routes.
We assist UK-based employers with sponsor licence applications, policy preparation, and compliance guidance.
Whether you are a small business or an established company, we provide fixed-fee support led by a qualified solicitor.
If your organisation wants to employ overseas workers in the UK, you must first apply for a sponsor licence. This is a formal authorisation from the Home Office to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under the Skilled Worker or other permitted routes.
We assist UK-based employers with sponsor licence applications, policy preparation, and compliance guidance. Whether you are a small business or an established company, we provide fixed-fee support led by a qualified solicitor.
What is a sponsor licence?
A sponsor licence allows UK organisations to hire eligible workers from overseas under the UK immigration system. Once granted, the sponsor can issue Certificates of Sponsorship and employ workers in qualifying roles.
The licence is issued by the Home Office and includes strict duties and record-keeping requirements. It is normally valid for four years and can be renewed.
Who needs one?
You need a sponsor licence if
- You plan to employ workers from outside the UK
- You want to sponsor employees under the Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker route
- You operate in healthcare, hospitality, tech, education or other qualifying sectors
- You do not currently hold a valid sponsor licence with the Home Office
- You have a valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
We help confirm your eligibility, prepare the application, and submit the required evidence.
Fixed fee for sponsor licence application
Service
Sponsor Licence
Application (Employer)
What’s included
Full consultation, document review, policy guidance, submission
Fixed fee
£1,500
(No VAT)
Included
- Consultation with a solicitor to assess eligibility
- Review of your business structure and roles
- Document checklist and legal review
- Preparation of submission to the Sponsor Licence Management System (SMS)
-
Guidance on your sponsor duties
and compliance checks - Support through to the decision outcome
Not included
- Home Office licence fee (currently £536 for small businesses, £1,476 for medium/large)
- Representation in any compliance action or appeal
- Ongoing HR or audit services after grant
- Advice on assigning individual CoS (quoted separately if required)
Representation in court or appeal proceedings is not included. If such support is required, we will discuss this separately and provide a revised fee quote.
Please note
External fees such as Home Office charges, translation or third-party services may change. While we do our best to keep all information accurate, we will confirm exact costs with you before submitting your application.
We are happy to assist if you are unsure.
Disbursements and Additional Costs
Some immigration matters may involve payments to third parties. These are called disbursements. They are not part of our legal fee and are usually payable directly to the provider or through us with your approval. We will always explain any disbursement in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Common disbursements in immigration matters may include
- Home Office application fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Interpreter or translation services
- Medical or expert reports
- DNA testing (if required by the Home Office)
- Barrister or advocate fees (for hearings or appeals)
- Document certification or courier services
- Life in the UK or English language test fees
How long does it take?
We aim to prepare and submit your sponsor licence application within 10 to 15 working days
from receiving your documents.
Once submitted, the Home Office typically makes a decision within 8 to 12 weeks. Priority service may be available for an additional fee.
We will explain all timelines and evidence requirements during your initial consultation.
Why legal support matters
Many sponsor licence applications fail because of
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Failing to show genuine business need
- Weak HR systems or compliance concerns
- Applying under the wrong route or occupation code
We help avoid these mistakes by reviewing your business structure, preparing your documentation, and ensuring the application meets Home Office requirements.
Why choose Rashid Solicitors?
We are a solicitor-led law firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our Principal Solicitor has over 20 years of legal experience and oversees all sponsor licence cases directly.
You will work with a qualified legal professional from start to finish. We provide clear advice, fixed fees, and structured guidance tailored to your organisation.
Best value for money
Many businesses risk refusal or enforcement by applying without proper advice. We ensure your application is accurate and backed by compliant policies. You will receive a written agreement, a fixed quote, and full legal support from start to finish.
Language support
We provide sponsor licence guidance in English and can arrange translation or interpreting support for your internal staff if needed. Bengali, Sylheti, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Somali and Baltic language support is available.
Who will handle your case
Your application will be handled or supervised by a qualified solicitor. We will issue a client care letter confirming the scope of work, timelines, and how to contact us throughout the process.
how we work
Free 15 Min Consultation
24/7 Access for Urgent cases
Fixed Fees No hidden charges
Frequently asked question
You will need to submit at least four documents proving your trading status, registration, PAYE records, and premises. We provide a full checklist during our consultation.
Yes, if the role qualifies under the Skilled Worker route and the applicant meets visa criteria. We will help confirm which roles can be sponsored.
As of 2025, the fee is £536 for small businesses and £1,476 for larger ones. We will confirm which category applies to you.
The Home Office may visit your business or contact you for clarification. If successful, you will receive a sponsor licence number and be allowed to issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
No. Only authorised personnel within your business can assign Certificates of Sponsorship. We can guide you on how to structure your key user roles.
You must report changes, keep proper records, and monitor your workers’ visa conditions. We explain all duties as part of our fixed-fee service.
Yes. Common reasons include missing documents, unclear job roles, or poor HR systems. We reduce this risk by preparing your submission thoroughly.
No. Our fee covers the application and legal advice only. If the Home Office takes compliance action or you wish to appeal, we will quote a separate fee.
Book your free 15-minute consultation
If your business is ready to apply for a sponsor licence or you need advice on your eligibility, contact us today. We offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation to explain the process and confirm your next steps. Call now or book your consultation online.
