Overview
A clear path through Sponsor Licence.
A sponsor licence lets your business recruit skilled workers from outside the resident labour market. The Home Office expects robust HR systems, the right key personnel, and a genuine UK trading presence before granting a licence.
We act for start-ups applying for their first licence and for groups managing thousands of sponsored workers. Our work includes priority service applications, pre-licence audits and post-grant compliance frameworks.
Who it's for
Is this the right route for you?
- UK businesses recruiting skilled workers from overseas
- Groups consolidating multiple entities under one licence
Eligibility
Are you eligible?
- Genuine UK trading presence
- HR systems for sponsorship duties
- No unspent immigration convictions
- Key personnel identified
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
- Companies House and HMRC registration evidence
- Business bank account and lease documents
- Employer's liability insurance
- HR policies covering right-to-work, record keeping and reporting
- Hierarchy chart and job descriptions for proposed roles
Process
How we work, step by step.
- 1
Initial consultation
We assess your situation, eligibility and the strongest route forward.
- 2
Document strategy
We prepare a tailored evidence bundle and resolve weak points before submission.
- 3
Application & submission
Your case is filed precisely, with every requirement triple-checked.
- 4
Decision & next steps
We monitor progress, respond to requests, and guide you through the outcome.
Fees & timelines
Transparent, fixed-fee pricing.
Home Office fee from £574 (small/charity) to £1,579 (medium/large), plus optional £500 priority service. Our professional fees from £2,500.
Typical Home Office processing: ~8 weeks.
Watch-outs
Common pitfalls to avoid.
- Compliance visits can happen with little notice — preparation matters
- Key personnel must be UK-based, settled and clear of immigration breaches
Why Tide
A safer pair of hands for your application.
We are a boutique UK immigration practice. Every Sponsor Licence case is led by a senior specialist — never delegated to a junior caseworker. We are candid about your prospects, strategic about your evidence, and quietly relentless on your behalf.