At JNS Solicitors, we specialise in providing expert legal advice and support for UK Sponsorship Licence renewals. With decades of immigration expertise, our team ensures your business remains compliant with Home Office requirements, allowing you to continue sponsoring skilled migrant workers without disruption.
What Is a Sponsor Licence?
A UK Sponsorship Licence allows employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers for eligible roles. It is valid for four years and must be renewed to maintain sponsorship capabilities.
If you currently employ sponsored workers, renewing your licence before its expiry is critical to ensure their continued employment. Even if you do not plan to sponsor new workers, maintaining a valid licence ensures compliance with UK immigration laws and avoids workforce disruptions.
A UK Sponsorship Licence is mandatory for employers seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers. The licence is granted for an initial period of four years and must be renewed to maintain the ability to sponsor migrant workers.
Renewing Your Sponsor Licence
Renewing your sponsor licence is a critical process that ensures your ability to continue sponsoring skilled workers without interruption. Sponsors should begin their renewal application well in advance—ideally three months before the licence expiry date—to allow adequate processing time and address potential issues.
The application process involves:
- Submitting accurate information through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- Responding promptly to any Home Office requests for additional documents.
The Home Office may conduct compliance visits during the renewal process, particularly if no prior inspection has taken place in the last four years. Sponsors must demonstrate ongoing adherence to all sponsorship duties, including:
- Proper record-keeping
- Reporting obligations
- Compliance with salary and employment conditions
A proactive and structured approach ensures a seamless renewal and safeguards your ability to sponsor skilled workers.
Key Steps for Renewal:
1. Submitting the Application:
- Use your SMS account to apply for renewal and pay the appropriate fee online.
- Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
2. Providing Additional Documents:
- The Home Office may request further documentation about your business, including corporate and financial records.
- Any requested documents must be provided within five working days to avoid penalties such as licence downgrades, suspension, or revocation.
3. Compliance and Preparedness:
- Ensure all required records and documentation are readily available and compliant with sponsorship duties.
- Be prepared for a potential Home Office compliance visit, especially if you have not had one in the last four years.
Importance of Compliance for Licence Renewal
Maintaining compliance is vital for sponsor licence renewal. Non-compliance may lead to penalties such as:
- Reduction in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocations.
- Downgrading of your licence rating.
- Suspension or revocation of your licence.
To ensure a smooth renewal process, sponsors should consistently monitor their compliance with UKVI requirements and address any potential issues promptly.
Key Points About Sponsor Licence Renewal:
- Sponsor licences are valid for four years and must be renewed before expiry.
- Renewal applications can be submitted up to three months before the licence expiry date.
- Licence expiry and renewal dates are visible in your SMS account.
- Renewal applications require submitting the appropriate fee online and meeting all compliance obligations.
How JNS Solicitors Can Help
JNS Solicitors offers services to simplify your sponsor licence renewal, including:
- Pre-renewal compliance audits
- Assistance with application submission
- Document management
- Preparation for potential Home Office visits
Our Services Include:
1. Pre-Renewal Compliance Audit:
- Conducting a thorough review of your current compliance practices and documentation.
- Identifying and addressing any gaps to ensure readiness for renewal.
2. Application Preparation and Submission:
- Assisting with the preparation and submission of your renewal application via SMS.
- Ensuring all required information and fees are accurately submitted.
3. Document Management:
- Helping you gather and organise any additional documents requested by the Home Office.
- Ensuring timely submission of documents within the required five-day timeframe.
4. Compliance Visit Preparation:
- Preparing your business for potential Home Office inspections during the renewal process.
- Providing guidance on addressing compliance issues and maintaining good standing.
Skilled Worker Visa Support
1. Skilled Worker Initial Application
The Skilled Worker Visa enables individuals to live and work in the UK by securing sponsorship for a skilled job with a UK employer holding a valid Sponsor Licence. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) Worker category.
Applicants can bring their family members, including dependent partners and children, to join them in the UK. The visa duration depends on the length of sponsorship provided by the UK employer, with a maximum validity of five years before requiring renewal. After five continuous years of residence, visa holders may apply for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.
How JNS Solicitors Can Help
At JNS Solicitors, we provide expert legal support throughout your Skilled Worker Visa journey. From the initial application to extensions and settlement, we ensure your application is well-prepared, compliant, and aligned with the latest immigration rules.
Eligibility Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Secure an eligible job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office with a valid Sponsor Licence.
- Ensure the job is at the required skill level (equivalent to RFQ Level 3 or above).
Meet the Minimum Salary Threshold:
General Salary Threshold: £38,700 per year.
Relevant PhD Holders: £34,830 per year if the PhD is relevant to the job.
STEM PhD Holders: £30,960 per year for PhD holders in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics fields.
New Entrants or Jobs on the Immigration Salary List: £30,960 per year.
Meet the ‘going rate’ for the specific occupation if it is higher than the threshold listed above.
Demonstrate English language proficiency at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or satisfy the requirement with a GCSE, A-level, or equivalent qualification in English.
Once your UK employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), your visa application must be submitted within three months of the CoS assignment.
📞 Contact JNS Solicitors today to simplify your sponsor licence renewal and ensure ongoing compliance with UK immigration rules.