From No Licence to Sponsorship Ready: Securing a UK Sponsor Licence for Our Client’s Employer
Co-author: Daria Kotkova
We are pleased to share a recent success story in which Sterling Law secured a UK Sponsor Licence from the Home Office, enabling a UK employer to lawfully sponsor overseas talent under the Skilled Worker route.
This matter was handled by our Immigration Advisor, Tetiana Deren, who guided the client and the employer through the process from start to finish.
The background
Our client approached us after explaining that she was already working for a UK company which was ready and willing to sponsor her on a Skilled Worker visa, but there was one critical issue: the company did not hold a Sponsor Licence.
Without this licence, the business could not legally sponsor her employment, regardless of its intentions or her suitability for the role.
Our solution
We advised that the first and essential step was for the employer to obtain a UK Sponsor Licence. We then worked directly with the company to prepare and submit an application.
We assisted the employer in gathering and presenting the required documents, addressing compliance requirements, and ensuring the application met Home Office standards.
The outcome
The Sponsor Licence was successfully granted, allowing the company to sponsor overseas workers. With this key step now completed, we are proceeding with the client’s Skilled Worker visa application, enabling her to continue her role lawfully and securely in the UK.
Why this matters
Many skilled workers face similar situations: a UK employer wants to sponsor them, but does not yet have a Sponsor Licence. This does not have to be a barrier. With the right legal guidance, sponsor licences can be obtained efficiently and correctly, unlocking long-term work routes for both employers and employees.
If you are working in the UK (or have a job offer) and your employer is willing to sponsor you but does not yet hold a Sponsor Licence, we can help. We advise both employers and employees at every stage – from sponsor licence applications to Skilled Worker visas.
