Sponsor licensing

All employers must be licensed as a sponsor to recruit someone from outside the European Economic Area (EAA) who requires permission to work. You must also be licensed to support a non-EEA national in an application to continue employment. In addition you are responsible for making sure your employees comply with their immigration conditions, by keeping records and reporting any changes to the UK Border Agency (UKBA). Because the system is highly process-driven, even small errors or omissions can lead to applications being delayed or refused and licences being downgraded or withdrawn.

Sponsor licence applications

We offer full support and advice if you are planning to apply for a licence, obtain an additional licence or amend an existing licence Suspensions.

We also provide support if you have been suspended by reviewing processes, recommending areas of improvement based on good practice and assisting in the preparation of representations to get your company back on track. Where appropriate we can also signpost you towards a firm of solicitors who have an excellent track record in this area; and provide expert witness statements in support of legal action.

Downgrades

We provide support on responding to UKBA action plans to get your business back to an “A” rating. The service includes dummy inspections before the UKBA return to re-assess progress.

Sponsor duties

We provide advice and practical support in recruitment practices for prospective non-EEA employees both within and outside the UK; applications for and the use of restricted and non-restricted COS; completing resident labour market tests; acting as Level 1 and/or Level 2 user including issuing COS; employee monitoring and reporting, including monitoring and reminders for updating employee contact details, visa expiry dates and the re-copying of passports.