Hiring international talent can be a game-changer for UK businesses — but it starts with securing a Sponsor Licence. A Sponsor Licence allows UK employers to legally hire skilled workers from outside the UK under the Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility routes. At Stretton Solicitors, we guide businesses through the Sponsor Licence application process, ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements and giving you the confidence to grow your team globally.
In 2023, over 71,000 UK organisations held a Sponsor Licence — a 19% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing demand for overseas talent.
A Sponsor Licence is a permission granted by the Home Office that enables UK employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers. It is a vital requirement for businesses looking to recruit non-UK nationals for roles that meet the criteria under the UK’s points-based immigration system. Once approved, your organisation will be added to the official register of licensed sponsors and given access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to manage worker sponsorships.
Any UK-based company intending to employ individuals who do not have a legal right to work in the UK without sponsorship must obtain a Sponsor Licence. This includes sectors facing skill shortages — such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality. Having a Sponsor Licence gives your business access to a wider pool of global talent while demonstrating your commitment to compliance and legal workforce practices.
Applying for a Sponsor Licence involves completing an online application and submitting supporting documents to prove that your organisation is genuine, compliant, and capable of fulfilling sponsorship duties. This includes evidence of trading presence in the UK, HR systems, and record-keeping practices. The Home Office typically processes applications within 8 weeks, though fast-track options may be available for certain cases.
At Stretton Solicitors, we provide end-to-end support with Sponsor Licence applications. We help you prepare and submit the application, ensure your policies meet Home Office standards, and offer ongoing compliance advice. Our team will also guide you through setting up and using the Sponsor Management System, and we’re here to support you in the event of any Home Office audits or licence reviews.
Over 95% of initial Sponsor Licence refusals are due to avoidable errors or insufficient documentation — expert legal advice significantly improves success rates.
Don’t risk delays or refusals that could impact your business. Let Stretton Solicitors help you secure your Sponsor Licence quickly and efficiently. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and get expert legal support tailored to your organisation’s hiring goals.