A 2-step Guide To Obtaining And Keeping Your Sponsorship Licence

STEP 1. DON’T MISS OUT ON SKILLED TALENT: HOW TO APPLY FOR A SPONSOR LICENCE
If you’re a construction or building business owner looking to secure the skilled workforce you need, you’re in the right place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a sponsor licence and sponsor skilled foreign workers for your company.

Assess your eligibility. Ensure your business meets the key requirements outlined in our previous article, such as lawfully operating in the UK, having proper HR systems in place, and offering skilled jobs at NQF Level 3 or above.
Prepare supporting documents. Gather essential documents to support your application, including proof of your business registration, financial statements, and evidence of your HR systems.
Appoint key personnel. Identify and appoint at least one UK-settled employee or director to fill key personnel roles for your sponsor licence application, such as Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User.
Submit your application. Complete the online sponsor licence application form on the UK Home Office website, providing accurate information and attaching the supporting documents. Pay the appropriate application fee based on your business size (£536 for small sponsors or charities, £1,476 for other sponsors).
Wait for the decision. The Home Office usually takes around 8 weeks to process standard applications. If you choose to expedite your application for an additional £500, you may receive a decision within 10 working days.
Receive your licence. If your application is successful, you’ll be granted an A-rated sponsor licence, allowing you to start sponsoring skilled foreign workers for your construction and building business.
Pass the genuine vacancy test. Ensure the job roles you offer to migrants are genuinely needed for your business operations and not just created to facilitate their entry to the UK.
Comply with sponsor duties. As a sponsor, you’ll need to comply with various duties, such as reporting any changes in your sponsored employees’ circumstances and maintaining records of their right to work in the UK.

And there you have it – a clear roadmap to obtaining a sponsor licence and tapping into a pool of skilled foreign talent to support your construction and building business. With staff shortages plaguing the industry, there’s never been a better time to invest in securing a sponsor licence and building the team you need to succeed. Happy hiring!

STEP 2. KEEP YOUR SPONSOR LICENCE IN CHECK: TIPS FOR MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE AND AVOIDING PENALTIES
Congratulations! You’ve successfully obtained a sponsor licence for your construction and building business, and you’re on your way to securing the skilled workforce you need. Now it’s time to ensure you maintain compliance with your sponsor duties and avoid potential penalties.

Here are our top tips for keeping your sponsor licence in check:

Stay up-to-date with immigration rules. Make sure you’re aware of any changes in the UK immigration rules and Home Office guidance that may affect your business and sponsored workers.
Record-keeping. Maintain accurate records for each sponsored worker, including their contact details, passport information, right to work documents, and employment history. Keep these records readily available for Home Office inspections.
Reporting changes. Promptly report any changes in your sponsored employees’ circumstances to the Home Office. Examples include changes in job roles, salary, or working hours, as well as if an employee leaves your company or has their visa status changed.
Compliance with employment law. Ensure your business complies with UK employment laws, such as providing a safe working environment, paying at least the minimum wage, and adhering to working time regulations.
Monitor sponsored workers. Regularly monitor your sponsored employees’ performance and attendance to ensure they’re fulfilling their job roles and meeting the terms of their visas.
Cooperate with Home Office inspections. Be prepared for unannounced Home Office inspections and cooperate fully with their requests. Provide any requested documents and information promptly to demonstrate your commitment to compliance.
Renew your sponsor licence. Keep track of your sponsor licence’s expiry date and apply for renewal well in advance to avoid any disruptions to your sponsored workers’ employment.
Seek professional advice. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your sponsor duties or have concerns about compliance, consult with an immigration law expert for guidance and support.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining compliance with your sponsor licence and avoiding potential penalties. With a strong commitment to best practices and a proactive approach to managing your sponsored workers, you can focus on building your dream team and growing your construction and building business. Cheers to your success!

Take the First Step Today

Don’t let complex immigration rules stand in the way of your entrepreneurial dreams or career aspirations. Contact Kings Court Law today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you achieve success through the UK self-sponsorship route.

Call us at 02080883088, email us at office@kingscourtlaw.com, or visit our office at 400 Pavillion Drive, Northampton, NN4 7PA. Let us be your partners in navigating the path to success in the United Kingdom.