Tier 2 Sponsor License
Sponsor License Application
Hiring skilled talent from abroad can significantly enhance your organisation’s growth and competitiveness. Securing a Sponsor Licence—previously known as the Tier 2 sponsor licence—enables UK employers to legally recruit skilled workers from overseas or within the UK.
Whether your prospective employee is switching from a Tier 4 Student Visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, or another visa category, obtaining a Sponsor Licence is the essential first step.
What Is a Sponsor License?
A Sponsor Licence allows your organisation to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to skilled workers. These certificates are required for applicants to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Once granted, the license is valid for four years and can be renewed to continue sponsoring migrant workers.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a sponsor licence, your organisation must:
If your business has multiple branches, you may choose to apply for one licence to cover all or submit separate applications per entity.
Sole traders can apply if they are sponsoring someone to work within their business. Individuals cannot otherwise act as sponsors.
Small Sponsors
Your organisation qualifies as a small sponsor if it meets at least two of the following:
Registered charities are also classed as small sponsors.
Licence fee for small sponsors: £536
Sponsor License Rating
In serious cases, the Home Office may suspend or revoke a licence without first issuing a B-rating.
Adding Subcategories
If you already hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and wish to sponsor under another category (e.g., Senior or Specialist Worker), you can apply through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) with no additional fee.
Benefits of Holding a Sponsor Licence
Push Legal Services has a strong track record of successfully helping UK businesses obtain and maintain sponsor licences.
Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
There are two main types of CoS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my Sponsor Licence Number?
It can be found:
1. In your Home Office decision letter, or
2. On the licence summary page of your Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
Why was my Sponsor Licence application refused?
1. Failure to pass a compliance audit
2. Insufficient HR systems or documentation
3. Failing the genuineness test
4. Delayed responses to Home Office queries
What is the ‘Cooling Off’ period after a refusal?
- If issued a civil penalty: 12 months from the date the penalty was paid in full
Attempting to reapply during the cooling-off period will result in automatic refusal.