A sponsor license has become an important part of businesses and organisations in the UK that are hiring employees and workers from overseas. This document is issued by the government to allow a business to operate legally by employing immigrants and foreign nationals.
A certificate of sponsorship is also important for foreign students who are willing to study in the UK while working on their visa applications. The license is required by anyone who wants to act as a sponsor and submit an application on behalf of foreign employees and students. It is also used as proof that there are no criminal records or outstanding fines against either party.
A sponsor license is necessary to ensure that your company can provide the required services for a grant of a visa. The document will enable you to get your sponsorship approved by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. In this article, you will get insights into a few important things to know before you apply for a sponsor license in the UK.
5 Important things to know before applying for a UK visa sponsorship license
1. Eligibility
You must meet certain eligibility requirements before you can apply for a sponsor license. This document is eligible for individuals and organisations who are British citizens or companies which are originally based in the UK. Furthermore, you must be able to prove your ability to support the sponsor financially during their stay.
Most companies are usually eligible for a sponsor license if they have been granted a patent in the UK by the IPO. Organizations that are sponsoring migrant workers and employees should also ensure that the sponsor is in compliance with the legal obligations and paperwork.
Individuals or companies who have spent criminal convictions related to immigration offences are not eligible for this type of sponsorship certification.
Ensure that you have carefully reviewed the application process and have all the supporting documents required. If you want to know more about sponsorship licenses in the UK then follow this link https://imperiallegal.com/media/articles/sponsorship-licence-in-the-uk-how-to-obtain-and-what-is-it-for.
2. Types of sponsor license
There are two types of visa sponsor licenses i.e. general and specific. A general sponsor license allows its employees to work in any industry within the United Kingdom without special restrictions. On the contrary, specific sponsorship certificates are more restrictive and require that “specific industries” be excluded from employment by their employees.
The type of license you have will determine the type of employer who can sponsor you. You may also want to consider whether or not you should apply for a Tier 1 Sponsor License instead of a Tier 2 Sponsorship License if you are planning on bringing family members with you while they are in the UK.
If you are planning to hire foreign employees for a short period then you can also apply for a temporary sponsor certificate. This is mostly used if an organization is hiring seasonal workers from overseas or giving internship opportunities to foreign students.
3. Documents required
There are a few supporting documents that you must obtain before becoming eligible for a sponsor license. To begin with, you must have an original passport with at least 6 months left on it and you require a copy of the passport page containing your photo, signature and date of birth.
Next, you must have an updated bank statement of your business, employer’s liability insurance from an authorized insurer, VAT registration certificate, and Proof of registration with HM revenue and customs. Furthermore, organizations require documents supporting the ownership or lease of the business premises.
Lastly, organizations must also provide updated audited accounts along with a completed UK visa sponsorship license application form. You might require additional documents based on the type of license you are applying for. If you meet these requirements, then applying for your visa sponsor license is as simple as filling out an application form.
4. Application process
The application process is fairly simple and straightforward. The entire process is online and you will need to submit an application form, along with supporting documents. The application process is similar to that of obtaining a visa and can be found on the official website.
Head on to the official website of the UK visa sponsor license and fill in the required details provided in the application form. Once you have completed the online application form, submit the required supporting documents based on the type of application and job suitability.
All the documents must be verified and properly acknowledged by a qualified person like an attorney or a counsellor to avoid any complications in the application process. All applications are processed within six weeks of receipt. Once approved, your visa sponsor license will be sent out immediately so that you can begin working as soon as possible
5. Sponsor license qualifications
If you are applying for a sponsor license, ensure that you are a resident in the UK for at least 3 years and have been residing in the UK since your arrival. To qualify for a visa sponsor license, you must have experience working at a company that has been licensed by the Home Office.
You must also be able to provide supporting documents that prove your residence in the UK. This includes utility bills, bank statements etc. You must demonstrate that you meet all of the requirements necessary for obtaining this type of visa. You also need to show that your business can make the required investment and meet the revenue targets for the next three years.
The Bottom-line
If you are planning to travel to the UK, you may be interested in applying for a visa sponsorship license. This is a document that allows you to work in the country and permits you to live there. To obtain this license, you must be sponsored by an individual who holds a valid UK visa sponsorship license. You must also have good references from your previous employers and a clean criminal record.