1. Overview
You might need a sponsor licence to employ someone from outside theEuropean Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work for you in the UK.
This includes unpaid work, eg if you run a charity.
Sponsoring someone doesn’t guarantee that they’ll be allowed to come to or stay in the UK.
How to get a sponsor licence
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Check your business is eligible.
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Choose the type of licence you want to apply for - this will depend on what type of worker you want to sponsor.
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Decide who will manage sponsorship within your business.
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Apply online and pay the fee.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may visit your business to check it’s suitable.
After you apply
You’ll be given a licence rating if your application is successful.
You’ll be able to issue certificates of sponsorship if you have jobs that are suitable for sponsorship.
Your licence will be valid for 4 years. You may lose your licence if you don’t meet your responsibilities as a sponsor.
