In the UK, there is an increasing need for skilled healthcare workers, especially within care homes, nursing homes, and private healthcare providers. With continued staff shortages and increasing service demand, many organizations are seeking to fill these critical roles through international recruitment. To legally recruit overseas workers, your organization will need to apply for and obtain a Sponsor License from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
This guide covers everything that care homes and healthcare providers need to know about applying for a Sponsor License, managing a Sponsor License, and maintaining a Sponsor License in 2026.
What is a Sponsor License?
A Sponsor License is a formal permission from the UK Home Office for a UK employer to hire employees who have a non-UK nationality — i.e., employees who are from outside the UK and who have the appropriate visa to allow them to work in the UK. The most commonly used visa options for healthcare providers are the Skilled Worker visas. Your organization can provide Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas healthcare professionals (i.e., individuals who are from outside of the UK) once you have obtained your Sponsor License. Some examples of healthcare professionals who fit into this category would be: – Registered Nurses – Senior Care Workers – Care Assistants (eligible roles only) – Healthcare Managers – Support Workers Without a valid Sponsor License, your organization cannot legally sponsor individuals from outside the UK.The Care Home Sector Will Require a Sponsor License on 26th September 2026
The Care Home Sector Will Require a Sponsor License on 26th September 2026 to Address Shortages in Workforce, Increase in Elderly Population, Growth of Private Care Facility Availability, and Higher Quality Standards for Care, All of Which Are Creating Issues with Care Home Recruitment and Retention. To Meet These Issues, Services Offered by an Internationally Sourced Workforce Will Become a Viable Solution for Care Homes. Under a Sponsor License, Care Homes Can Use International Recruitment to Provide: Access to a Global Talent Pool, Fill Long-Term Workforce Gaps, Maintain CQC Compliance Standards, and Ensure Continuity of Care Services. Sponsorship as an Option for Workforce Development Will Be Essential for Many Care Providers to Achieve Sustainable Growth. Eligibility Criteria for Care Homes. To Apply for a Sponsor License Your Organization Must:1. Be a Genuine Business in the UK
Must Be Registered and Incorrporated and Have All Supporting Evidence and Documents (e.g., Company Registration at Companies House, Business Bank Account, PAYE Tax Registration).2. Genuine Vacancy to Offer
The Position You Want to Sponsor Must Meet the Correct Skill and Salary Level to Enable You to Apply to Sponsor Under the Skilled Worker Route.3. Have a Robust HR Compliance System
You Must Have Sufficient HR Systems to Monitor Your Sponsored Employee’s Progress (Examples of HR Systems Include): Right to Work Checks HR Record Keeping Maximising Your Employees’ Attendance Reporting Changes to UKVI The Care Home Provider Sector Generally Comes Under Greater Scrutiny from UKVI Than Other Providers Due to Former Widespread Compliance Issues in the Sector.Sponsor License Application Process
The Following Shows a Basic Overview of Step 1 to Apply for a Sponsor License – Prepare Supporting Documents: The Most Common Supporting Documentation Will Include Your Certificate of Registration at CQC.Step 2 – Submit Online Application:
The application must be submitted through the UKVI portal.Step 3 – Pay the Application Fee:
Depending upon your organization’s size will determine your respective fee (e.g. small businesses usually will have a low fee).Step 4 – Possible Compliance Visit:
Prior to granting a sponsor license, UKVI will most probably conduct a compliance audit to determine your “HR systems” and operational practices.Step 5 – Decision:
Typically will take a minimum of 8 weeks to process the application (Priority services may be available). Key Responsibilities Following Approval: Getting your sponsor license is only the beginning; care homes will also have to meet continued compliance responsibilities as required by UKVI. Core Sponsor Responsibilities Include: Issuing Certificate of Sponsorship correctly. Ensuring sponsored overseas workers comply with visa requirements. Reporting on absences, terminations and/or changes in sponsorship. Maintaining accurate records of employees. Renewing your sponsor licence once every four years. Failure to fulfill compliance requirements may lead to suspension/revocation of your licence; this may disrupt your ability to recruit staff effectively.Common Errors to Avoid as Care Homes:
Many care homes have delayed and/or off licence applications for the following reasons: Poor HR systems. Incorrect job coding. Salary is below threshold level. Inadequate record keeping. Failure to properly meet immigration reporting requirements. All providers of healthcare service should take extra care as UKVI monitors the care sector very closely. Sponsor License Related Fees for Healthcare Providers (2026). Most common types of fees: Sponsor License Application Fee. Certificate of Sponsorship Fee per Employee. Immigration Fees.1. How long does it take to get a Sponsor License for a care home?
Standard processing takes approximately 8 weeks. Priority services may be available depending on UKVI capacity.
2. Can small care homes apply for a Sponsor License?
Yes. Small care homes can apply and may qualify for reduced application fees if they meet the small business criteria. However, compliance requirements remain the same regardless of size.
3. What happens if a Sponsor License is suspended or revoked?
If suspended, your organisation may be temporarily restricted from assigning new Certificates of Sponsorship. If revoked, you lose the right to sponsor workers, and existing sponsored employees may have their visas curtailed, potentially affecting operations.