Why Apply for UK Visa Sponsorship for Employers by CIS (Chiltern Immigration Services)?
Anticipating Key Changes in UK Employment Immigration
In Spring 2024, the UK is set to implement significant regulatory changes affecting employers who sponsor foreign workers. The anticipated increase in the salary threshold for foreign workers – from the current £26,200 to £38,700 – is a crucial factor driving employers to act swiftly. By applying for a UK Sponsor Licence before these changes take effect, businesses can potentially save £12,500. This licence, valid initially for four years, enables UK-based companies to hire skilled foreign employees.
Understanding UK Visa Sponsorship for Employers
UK Visa Sponsorship for Employees: This sponsorship licence allows UK employers to recruit foreign skilled workers. The upcoming changes emphasize prioritizing local talent and investing in workforce development, reducing over-reliance on migration.
Types of UK Employer Sponsor Licence
Workers Sponsor Licence (Long-Term Employment)
- Skilled Worker Visa
- GBM Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- Minister of Religion
- International Sportsperson
Temporary Workers Sponsor Licence
- Scale-up Worker
- Creative Worker
- Charity Worker
- Religious Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement
- Global Business Mobility
- Graduate Trainee
- Service Supplier
- UK Expansion Worker
- Secondment Worker
- Seasonal Worker
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsor Licence
Organizational Requirements:
- Legitimate business entities in the UK.
- Compliance with UK immigration laws.
- Effective HR systems.
- Minimum of 50 employees.
Documentation for Application:
- Proof of business registration in the UK.
- Financial statements.
- Annual turnover of at least £10.2 million.
- Total assets worth £5.1 million.
UK Sponsor Licence Validity
The licence remains valid for four years, subject to renewal and compliance checks.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for UK Visa Applicants
Types of CoS:
- Defined Certificates: For Skilled Workers outside the UK.
- Undefined Certificates: For UK Expansion Workers and Skilled Workers inside the UK.
Costs per Certificate:
- Worker (excluding International Sportsperson visa): £239
- Temporary Worker: £25
- International Sportsperson (more than 12 months): £239
- International Sportsperson (12 months or less): £25
Applying for the UK Sponsorship Licence
- Eligibility Check: Assess if your business meets the criteria.
- Licence Type Selection: Choose between long-term or short-term licences.
- Document Preparation: Gather all required documentation.
- Online Application and Fee Payment: Complete the application and pay the applicable fee.
- Await Licence Issuance: The process typically takes about 2 months.
UK Sponsorship Licence Fees
| Type of licence | Fee for small or charitable sponsors | Fee for medium orlarge sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| Worker | £536 | £1,476 |
| Temporary Worker | £536 | £536 |
| Worker and Temporary Worker | £536 | £ 1,476 |
| Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence | No fee | £940 |
| Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence | No fee | No fee |
UK Sponsor Licence Processing Times
Standard processing takes approximately 2 months, potentially including a compliance visit.
Sponsor Licence Rating
- A-Rating: For organizations with a strong track record of compliance.
- B-Rating: Assigned to businesses that fail to fully comply with sponsorship duties.
CIS’s Role in Facilitating Overseas Settlement
- Expertise and Compliance: CIS ensures that your application adheres to the latest immigration laws.
- Tailored Solutions: Personalized assistance to meet your specific business needs.
- End-to-End Support: From document preparation to application submission.
- Strategic Approach: Developing unique strategies to enhance the likelihood of obtaining a sponsor licence.
- Transparency: Keeping clients informed throughout the process with ethical practices.
Ready to Navigate the UK Sponsorship Licence Process?
Reach out to CIS (Chiltern Immigration Services) for comprehensive assistance in securing your UK Sponsor Licence, ensuring your readiness for the upcoming regulatory changes in Spring 2024.