Why opt for a UK Sponsor Visa?

• New regulations will be introduced in Spring 2024
• Earn up to £29,600 per year
• Save £12,500 by applying before Spring 2024
• Valid for five years initially

What is a UK Sponsorship Visa for employees?

The “Sponsorship license” allows UK-based companies to employ foreign skilled workers willing to work in the UK. Anyone applying to work in the UK under a work visas needs a certificate of sponsorship to enter or remain. 

What is the urgency of applying for a UK Sponsor license now?

From 2024 onwards, the UK government plans to raise the income of foreign workers' salaries to the threshold by 50%, i.e., shifting it from the current £26,200 to £38,700. 

This encourages businesses to prioritize British Talent, Invest in their workforce, and discourage excessive reliance on migration.

This adjustment will also align the 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 burdening the state.

Types of UK Employer Sponsor licenses: 

There are two types of UK Employer Sponsor licenses such as: 

• ‘Workers’ - for skilled or long-term employment
• Temporary workers - for specific types of temporary employment

“Workers” - for skilled or long-term employment

A worker license will let a sponsor people in different types of skilled employment. Skilled employment can be for a short time, long-term, or permanent, depending on the worker’s visa.

The licenses are divided into four categories: 

• Skilled Worker – The role must meet the job suitability requirements. 
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) - for multinational companies that need to transfer established employees to the UK, previously the Intra-company Transfer visa. 
• Minister of Religion- People who are coming to work for a religious organization
• International Sportsperson- for sportspersons who are based in the UK. 

Temporary Worker licence

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

• Scale-up Worker- for people who are coming to work in the UK
• Creative Worker- To work in the Creative industry
• Charity Worker-for those who are unpaid workers at a charity. 
• Religious Worker- those who are working for religious purposes
• Government Authorised Exchange- having a work experience of 1 year, research projects or training, to enable a short-term exchange of knowledge
• International Agreement- The agreement where the worker is coming to do the job covered by international law.
• Global Business Mobility workers are transferring to their employer’s UK branch as part of a graduate training program.
• Graduate Trainee-for workers are transferring to their employer’s UK branch as part of a graduate training program.
• Service Supplier-for workers with a contract to provide services for a UK company (6 or 12 months)
• UK Expansion Worker-for workers sent to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary of an overseas business.
• Secondment Worker
• Seasonal Worker

Eligibility Criteria for businesses\organisation

• Businesses Registration proof in the UK
• Financial statement
• Minimum turnover of 10.2 million
• Total asset of £5.1 million

UK sponsor Licence validity

An individual can issue a sponsorship certificate if they have jobs that are suitable for sponsorship. The license will be valid for four years and can be renewed. However, license suspension or revocation is possible if the Home Office suspects non-compliance with sponsorship duties.  

Certificate of Sponsorship for UK Visa applicants

A Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is an electronic document produced on the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) post-licence approval. To further 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 includes:

• 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 application typically takes ‘2 months (8 weeks)’ for standard processing. Throughout this period, The Home office might conduct a compliance visit to verify your most vital matches to sponsorship duties at your office.

UK Sponsor Licence Rating

A UK Sponsor Licence will be rated “A” or “B”. The rating can be offered in two ways:

• An A rating will be awarded to a trusted organization with a proven system for complying with sponsor duties.
• B- A rating will be given to a business that doesn’t comply with the sponsor’s duties.

How can Y-Axis help you?

• 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.

Talk to Y-Axis for further guidance