0203 086 7236

For UK employers hiring internationally

Sponsor Licence Application and Ongoing Management

A sponsor licence is the Home Office authorisation required to employ non-UK nationals. We support you through application, management, and compliance.

Unlock Global Talent. Stay Compliant. Grow with Confidence. 

The UK economy runs on global expertise. From engineering and healthcare, life sciences to construction and technology, businesses rely on international professionals to fill vital skill gaps and maintain growth.

Every UK business must secure a Home Office sponsor licence — a high-stakes process where a refusal can trigger a cooling-off period of at least 6 months before a fresh application can be made.

Our multilingual team at Westbridge Business Immigration makes sponsorship straightforward. Whether you are applying for the first time or managing an existing licence, we guide you every step of the way.

How to Bring a Non-UK Employee to the UK:
A Simple 5-Step Process for Employers

Sponsor Licence Approval

Assign Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Employee Visa Application

Visa Decision & Pre-Arrival Setup

Arrival & Ongoing Compliance

1

1

  • Confirm your organisation meets Home Office requirements

  • Gather and prepare the required documents

  • Submit the sponsor licence application

  • Receive approval and become a licensed sponsor

  • Identify the candidate you intend to hire

  • Confirm the job role, salary and SOC code meet the rules

  • Create and issue the CoS through the sponsor management system

  • Provide employment documents needed for the visa

  • Confirm details for any dependants

  • Respond to any Home Office queries

  • Support the employee during the application timeline

  • Confirm the employee’s start date and onboarding requirements

  • Prepare right-to-work documentation checks

  • Coordinate relocation details where needed

  • Update internal systems ahead of the employee’s arrival

  • Complete the right-to-work check on arrival

  • Keep accurate HR and sponsorship records

  • Report any changes in role, salary, or circumstances

  • Maintain ongoing compliance to protect your licence

1

1

Sponsor Licence Approval

  • Confirm your organisation meets Home Office requirements

  • Gather and prepare the required documents

  • Submit the sponsor licence application

  • Receive approval and become a licensed sponsor

Assign Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

  • Identify the candidate you intend to hire

  • Confirm the job role, salary and SOC code meet the rules

  • Create and issue the CoS through the sponsor management system

  • Provide employment documents needed for the visa

  • Confirm details for any dependants

  • Respond to any Home Office queries

  • Support the employee during the application timeline

Employee Visa Application

Visa Decision & Pre-Arrival Setup

  • Confirm the employee’s start date and onboarding requirements

  • Prepare right-to-work documentation checks

  • Coordinate relocation details where needed

  • Update internal systems ahead of the employee’s arrival

Arrival & Ongoing Compliance

  • Complete the right-to-work check on arrival

  • Keep accurate HR and sponsorship records

  • Report any changes in role, salary, or circumstances

  • Maintain ongoing compliance to protect your licence

Speak to a Senior Immigration Lawyer

Our team will review your circumstances and provide clear, practical direction.

Contact us now.

Speak to a Senior Immigration Lawyer

Our team will review your circumstances and provide clear, practical direction.

Speak to a Senior Immigration Lawyer

Our team will review your circumstances and provide clear, practical direction.

Contact us now.

Our Core Sponsorship Solutions

SOLUTIONS

Sponsor Licence Eligibility & Application

We assess your organisation, prepare the evidence pack and manage the full submission to secure approval.

Secure approval efficiently and avoid costly refusals, cooling-off periods.

Sponsorship Systems & HR Compliance Setup
Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) & Role Assessment
Worker Visa Application Support
Ongoing Sponsor Licence Management
Sponsor Licence Audits & Health Checks
Suspended or Revoked Licence Support
Strategic Workforce Planning for Sponsored Roles

Our Core Sponsorship Solutions

SOLUTIONS

Sponsor Licence Eligibility & Application

We assess your organisation, prepare the evidence pack and manage the full submission to secure approval.

Secure approval efficiently and avoid costly refusals, cooling-off periods.

Sponsorship Systems & HR Compliance Setup
Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) & Role Assessment
Worker Visa Application Support
Ongoing Sponsor Licence Management
Sponsor Licence Audits & Health Checks
Suspended or Revoked Licence Support
Strategic Workforce Planning for Sponsored Roles

Our Core Sponsorship Solutions

SOLUTIONS

Sponsor Licence Eligibility & Application

We assess your organisation, prepare the evidence pack and manage the full submission to secure approval.

Secure approval efficiently and avoid costly refusals, cooling-off periods.

Sponsorship Systems & HR Compliance Setup
Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) & Role Assessment
Worker Visa Application Support
Ongoing Sponsor Licence Management
Sponsor Licence Audits & Health Checks
Suspended or Revoked Licence Support
Strategic Workforce Planning for Sponsored Roles

The Westbridge Way:

A 4-step Client Journey

1

We Understand Your Organisation — Not Just Your Case

Details

2

We Build the Right Strategy — Clear, Accurate and Built Around You

Details

3

We Execute With Accuracy and Full Regulatory Assurance

Details

4

We Stay With You - Long After the Application Is Approved

Details

Contact us at 0 203 086 7236

The Westbridge Way:
A 4-step Client Journey

1

We Understand Your Organisation — Not Just Your Case

Details

2

We Build the Right Strategy — Clear, Accurate and Built Around You

Details

3

We Execute With Accuracy and Full Regulatory Assurance

Details

4

We Stay With You - Long After the Application Is Approved

Details

The Westbridge Way:

A 4-step Client Journey

1

We Understand Your Organisation — Not Just Your Case

Details

2

We Build the Right Strategy — Clear, Accurate and Built Around You

Details

3

We Execute With Accuracy and Full Regulatory Assurance

Details

4

We Stay With You - Long After the Application Is Approved

Details

Contact us at 0 203 086 7236

Recognised and Regulated by Trusted Organisations

Recognised and Regulated by Trusted Organisations

Recognised and Regulated by Trusted Organisations

Accredited Corporate Immigration Lawyers

14+ years advising UK employers; fully regulated by the IAA and accredited by the Department for Business and Trade, with every client supported by a dedicated senior lawyer.

Proven Success in Approvals

Applications prepared to exact Home Office evidential standards, delivering consistently strong outcomes for sponsor licences and skilled worker routes.

Industry-Focused Immigration Expertise

Practical insight across engineering, healthcare, technology, finance, life sciences and construction, ensuring advice aligned with real operational needs.

Global Communication & Commercial Understanding

Fluent support in English, Chinese, Malay, Georgian and Turkish — delivered with a strong commercial mindset tailored to international hiring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sponsor licence and why does my business need one?

A sponsor licence allows UK employers to hire non-UK nationals under sponsored routes. Without it, a business cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship or legally employ Skilled Workers.

Who is eligible to apply for a sponsor licence?

What documents are required for a sponsor licence application?

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sponsor licence and why does my business need one?

A sponsor licence allows UK employers to hire non-UK nationals under sponsored routes. Without it, a business cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship or legally employ Skilled Workers.

Who is eligible to apply for a sponsor licence?

What documents are required for a sponsor licence application?

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sponsor licence and why does my business need one?

A sponsor licence allows UK employers to hire non-UK nationals under sponsored routes. Without it, a business cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship or legally employ Skilled Workers.

Who is eligible to apply for a sponsor licence?

What documents are required for a sponsor licence application?

Still have questions?

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