Sponsor Licence and Skilled Worker Visa, Self-Sponsorship
Obtain UK citizenship through employment.
Who is eligible for these routes?
For Skilled Worker Visa:
Qualified employees with offers from British employers
Qualified employees with offers from British employers
For Sponsor Licence: Companies that wish to provide work visas
Steps to obtain a Sponsor Licence and Skilled Worker visa include:
Obtaining a visa(s)
5
Selecting a company with an Authorizing Officer
1
Collecting a documentation package for a Sponsor Licence
2
3
Issuing Skilled Worker Visas for employees
4
Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
In order to apply for a Sponsor License (SL), an Authorized Officer (AO) and Level 1 User must be determined. There are restrictions on who can be an AO and Level 1 User. Details and eligibility requirements can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Sponsor Licence applications are typically processed within 8 weeks. Employers can apply for priority service for an additional fee. In that case, the request is processed within 10 business days from the date of application.
It usually takes between 3 and 8 weeks to obtain a work visa with a sponsor licence. This process can also be expedited through priority services.
Sponsor Licence applications are typically processed within 8 weeks. Employers can apply for priority service for an additional fee. In that case, the request is processed within 10 business days from the date of application.
It usually takes between 3 and 8 weeks to obtain a work visa with a sponsor licence. This process can also be expedited through priority services.
After 5 years of residence and work under the visa, an employee can apply for ILR in the UK.
A year after obtaining ILR, the employee can apply for British citizenship.
A year after obtaining ILR, the employee can apply for British citizenship.
What does the Skilled Worker visa offer?
Advantages
Residence rights ranging from 1 to 5 years
The right to work for your sponsoring employer in the occupation specified on the sponsorship certificate. It is also possible to work for another employer for up to 20 hours per week in certain roles.
The opportunity to bring your partner or spouse and children under 18 to the UK
The right to travel abroad and return to the UK
Private and free public schools are available for children under 18.
Visa requirements
You may need to provide a health certificate to show that you have been tested for pulmonary tuberculosis.
Possible confirmation of a basic living allowance of at least £1,270 for your first time in the UK
No criminal records or immigration violations
18 years and older
English language proficiency at B1 level on CEFR scale
Please make an appointment with us for a consultation. We will then conduct a company compliance check to ensure that your company meets the requirements for a Sponsor Licence.
Yes, first you need to start a business and appoint an Authorising Officer. Once that’s done, you can apply for a Sponsor Licence. We’ll be glad to help you through this process.
Yes, if your current visa allows it. If not, you can leave the UK to apply in your country of residence and then return to the UK while awaiting a decision. You will need to return to your country of residence to collect the visa.
Yes, you will need to appoint an Authorizing Officer before the company can be granted a Sponsor Licence. Please schedule a consultation, and we will provide detailed information on what the process will involve.
An approximate list of required documents:
- National visa application form
- Valid passport
- Certificate of sponsorship from employer
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Medical certificate
- Certificate confirming the level of English language proficiency