What are the different types of sponsor licences?

If you are an employer looking to sponsor overseas nationals to work in the UK, it is essential to understand the different types of sponsor licences available. In this blog we will discuss the different types of available sponsor licences, as it is crucial to ensure that you are submitting the correct application and the requisite documents.

What is a sponsor licence?

A sponsor licence is permission granted to an organisation to sponsor the visas of overseas nationals to work in their business in the UK. 

Employment sponsor licences can be separated into 2 main categories: workers and temporary workers.

Worker sponsor licence

The purpose of a worker sponsor licence is to employ skilled or long-term workers. This licence is further split into the following categories:

• Skilled Worker visa –this route is for skilled individuals to work in the UK;
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) – this route is for multinational companies who need to transfer established employees to the UK;
• Minister of Religion – this route is for individuals coming to the UK to work for a religious organisation; and
• International Sportsperson – this route is for elite sportspeople and coaches.

Temporary Worker licence

The purpose of a temporary worker sponsor licence is to employ individuals on a temporary basis. The licence is further split into various categories, including the below:

• Scale-up Worker – this route is for those coming to the UK to work for a fast growing UK business;
• UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) – this route is for those coming to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary of an overseas business;
• Government Authorised Exchange – this route is for those coming to the UK for work experience; and
• Graduate Trainee (Global Business Mobility) – this route is for workers transferring to their employer’s UK branch as part of a graduate training programme.

Given the various types of sponsor licence, it is crucial to ensure you know which application to submit and the required documents for the relevant application.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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