Visa Sponsors and Employers

A UK visa sponsor is an organisation or individual who is licensed by the UK government to sponsor a migrant to come to the UK under a specific visa category. The sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria and is responsible for ensuring that the migrant complies with the conditions of their visa while in the UK.

Any organisation or individual can apply to become a UK visa sponsor, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by the UK government. This includes having a legitimate business or charitable purpose, being registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies, and meeting certain financial requirements.

As a UK visa sponsor, you can help skilled workers and students from outside the UK come to work or study in the UK. This can benefit your organisation by bringing in new talent, improving diversity, and expanding your global network. Additionally, becoming a sponsor can help enhance your reputation as a trusted and responsible organisation."

To become a UK visa sponsor, you must first identify which visa category you want to sponsor migrants under, such as Skilled Worker Visa or the Health and Care Work visa. You must then complete an online application form and provide supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility to become a sponsor. Once your application is approved, you will be granted a sponsor license.

The requirements for becoming a UK visa sponsor vary depending on the visa category you want to sponsor migrants under. In general, you must be a legitimate business or charitable organisation that is registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies and can demonstrate that you are able to meet certain financial requirements. You must also have appropriate systems and processes in place to monitor and report on the migrants you sponsor.

As a UK visa sponsor, you are responsible for ensuring that the migrants you sponsor comply with the conditions of their visa while in the UK. This includes monitoring their attendance and performance, reporting any changes in their circumstances, and ensuring that they do not breach any immigration laws. You must also keep accurate records and cooperate with the UK government's immigration enforcement efforts.

The length of time it takes to become a UK visa sponsor can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the visa category you want to sponsor migrants under. In general, it can take several weeks or even months to complete the application process and receive your sponsor license. There is an expedited option available where a decision will be made within 10 working days. There is an additional cost however there are only a limited number of these are on offer.

The cost of becoming a UK visa sponsor can vary depending on the visa category you want to sponsor migrants under and the size of your organization. In general small businesses and charities can expect to pay £536 to apply, while larger businesses are required to pay £1476. To expedite the application there is an additional fee of £500.

To employ a foreign worker, the employer must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from UK Visas and Immigration. Each CoS is specific to the worker and cannot be transferred to another employer. However, there are a limited number of \"undefined\" CoS available each day for employers to use to affect a transfer from one employer to another, but these are in high demand and can be difficult to obtain.