Every UK business eyeing international talent through the Temporary Worker routes must secure a valid sponsor licence. Here, we explore the intricacies of this essential credential, exploring its requisites, application process, and costs.
Understanding the Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence
Essentially, a Temporary Worker sponsor licence, granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), empowers approved entities to allocate Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) to overseas nationals across various temporary routes. These routes cater to short-term staffing needs across sectors like charity, culture, and religion, alongside recent additions under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) umbrella, facilitating international business engagements.
Eligibility and Sponsored Categories
Organisations seeking sponsorship under the Temporary Worker routes can apply for licences across diverse categories, including the Creative Worker, Charity Worker, and Government Authorised Exchange routes. Notable additions include the GBM routes like the Senior/Specialist Worker and Graduate Trainee routes, reflecting evolving business dynamics.
Who can be sponsored under the Temporary Work Sponsorship Licence?
The Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence allows organisations to sponsor individuals under various categories:
- Creative Worker Route: Overseas nationals can work in the UK’s creative industry, such as entertainers or artists, for up to 12 months, with the option to extend to 24 months.
- Charity Worker Route: Voluntary workers can undertake unpaid work for recognised charitable organisations in the UK for up to 12 months.
- Religious Worker Route: Individuals can support religious institutions in the UK for up to 2 years.
- Government Authorised Exchange Route: Individuals can come to the UK for training or research through approved exchange schemes for up to 2 years.
- International Agreement Route: Those providing services in the UK under international law, such as employees of international organisations, can stay for up to 2 years.
- Seasonal Worker Route: Overseas nationals can engage in seasonal work in the UK’s horticulture sector for up to 6 months.
Additionally, new GBM routes opened on 11 April 2022, including:
- Senior/Specialist Worker Route: Senior managers and specialist employees assigned to UK businesses for temporary assignments.
- Graduate Trainee Route: Overseas nationals transferring to UK branches of their overseas employers as part of graduate training programmes.
- Service Supplier Route: Service suppliers or independent professionals providing contractual services for UK businesses under qualifying trade agreements.
- UK Expansion Worker Route: Overseas nationals sent to the UK by overseas businesses to set up UK branches or subsidiaries.
- Secondment Worker Route: Individuals transferred to the UK by overseas employers to work for UK businesses under high-value contracts.
Meeting Sponsor Licence Requirements
Securing a Temporary Worker sponsor licence mandates meeting general eligibility criteria alongside route-specific requisites. Demonstrating genuineness, legal compliance, and a capacity to fulfill sponsor duties are paramount. Notably, the UK Expansion Worker route entails showcasing a UK ‘footprint,’ underscoring the nuanced criteria across different sponsorship avenues.
Application Process and Costs
Navigating the application process necessitates meticulous preparation, including online form completion, fee payment, and submission of requisite documentation. Applicants must nominate key personnel like the Authorising Officer and Key Contact. Following submission, UKVI typically reviews applications within eight weeks, with costs varying based on organisational size and status.
Licence Renewal and Fees
Temporary Worker sponsor licences last for four years, subject to renewal to continue sponsoring workers. The application fee, £536 for most cases, varies based on the organisation’s size and whether applying concurrently for Worker and Temporary Worker licences. Additionally, assigning a COS incurs a £21 fee.
Preparing for Sponsor Licence Application
Effective preparation is crucial for a successful sponsor licence application. Robust recruitment procedures, careful selection of key personnel, and comprehensive documentation are imperative. Leveraging professional advice from immigration experts streamlines the process and enhances success prospects.
Conclusion
Mastering the nuances of Temporary Worker sponsor licences demands meticulous planning and expert guidance. Our guide equips businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate the application process effectively. With the support of our leading London Immigration Law Firm, organisations can streamline their sponsorship endeavours and achieve compliance excellence in international talent acquisition.
Why Instruct Our Specialist Immigration Solicitors?
At DJF Solicitors, our team of specialist immigration lawyers will always act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a temporary before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a temporary work sponsorship licence visa application and are able to advise you in respect of your prospects and to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss your visa application.
Contact Us
For professional guidance on UK visit visa refusals and assistance with your application, contact our immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.