Sponsor licences

Apply for a UK sponsor licence

Home Office data shows more than 39% of sponsor licence applications were rejected or withdrawn between July and September 2024. Every application we submitted in 2024 was approved.

Book your call How it works

Check eligibility and suitability

We confirm your business is eligible and that the roles you’re offering meet the Home Office criteria.

Eligibility and risk assessment

Your business is eligible for a licence

The roles meet the Home Office criteria

Problems found and fixed first

Choose the licence type

The right licence depends on the route your employees will take. We make sure you apply for the one that fits.

Skilled rolesWorker licence

Different lengths of stay

Specific kinds of workTemporary Worker licence

VolunteeringCreativeSporting

Make the application

We train your team on compliance duties, help you assign the sponsorship roles, gather the documents and complete the online application.

Your applicationDocuments due by day 5

Compliance training for your team

Sponsorship roles assigned

Documents gathered

Online application completed

Every application we submitted in 2024 was approved

Across all applicants, Home Office data shows more than 39% were rejected or withdrawn between July and September 2024.

39 in 100 rejected or withdrawnAll applications, Home Office data, Jul to Sep 2024

100 in 100 approvedRove Legal applications, 2024

39%

of sponsor licence applications rejected or withdrawn. Home Office data, July to September 2024.

100%

of the applications we submitted in 2024 were approved.

99%

is our overall success rate.

How long it takes

Supporting documents must reach the Home Office within five days of your online application.

A decision often arrives within eight weeks of submission.

Allow up to 12 weeks if the Home Office makes a compliance visit before deciding.

Three steps to your licence

Check eligibility and suitability

A dedicated senior partner works as your immigration account manager, so your HR team isn’t buried in documents and deadlines.

We confirm your business is eligible for a sponsor licence.

We check that the roles you’re offering meet the Home Office criteria.

We run a rigorous eligibility and risk assessment before anything is submitted, so problems are found and fixed first.

Step 1Eligibility and suitability

Business eligibilityConfirmed

Roles offeredMeet the criteria

Risk assessmentDone before submission

Bespoke support

A one-to-one service without the bureaucracy of a larger firm. We’re always reachable.

Proactive advice

We anticipate issues and fix them before they become problems.

SRA regulated

An experienced solicitor manages your case, not a case worker or paralegal.

Two types of licence

Skilled rolesWorker licence

Different lengths of stay

Worker licence

Sponsor people in skilled roles, for different lengths of stay.

Specific kinds of workTemporary Worker licence

VolunteeringCreativeSporting

Temporary Worker licence

For specific kinds of work, including volunteering and roles in the creative and sporting industries.

The right licence depends on the route your employees will take. Both have sub-categories, and we’ll help you choose.

Route your employees will takeChecked

Licence that fitsChosen with you

Make the application

We train your team on compliance duties before you apply.

We help you assign the sponsorship roles within your team.

We gather the documents and complete the online application, ensuring the best chance of approval.

Step 3Documents due by day 5

Compliance training for your team

Sponsorship roles assigned

Documents gathered

Online application completed

What clients say

Client success stories

5.0 out of 5 from clients

“This firm can only be described as excellent. Their knowledge of immigration law is second to none.”

Jeff GroveRove Legal client

“Jay Moghal is extremely professional and has deep and impressive knowledge of all aspects of immigration law and procedure.”

Rove Legal client

“Rove Legal were an absolute dream to deal with. Jay ensured we submitted all of the required documents.”

Dene GearyRove Legal client

Sponsor licence questions

It depends on several factors, but you’ll often get a decision within eight weeks of submitting. If the Home Office decides to make a compliance visit first, allow up to 12 weeks.

It depends on who you want to sponsor. A Worker licence covers skilled roles for different lengths of stay. A Temporary Worker licence covers specific kinds of work, including volunteering and creative or sporting roles. Both have sub-categories, and we can help you choose.

You apply online through the Home Office website. All supporting documents and evidence must be submitted within five days of the application.

Weeks from submissionHome Office decision

Often within 8 weeksUp to 12

024681012

Longer if there is a compliance visit first

Skilled rolesWorker licence

Different lengths of stay

Specific kinds of workTemporary Worker licence

VolunteeringCreativeSporting

How to apply

WhereOnline, Home Office website

Supporting documentsWithin five days