Temporary Worker

Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence: A Complete Guide

Overview

For UK employers looking to recruit overseas talent for short-term roles, a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence is a key requirement. This licence allows businesses to sponsor non-UK nationals under specific temporary work visa categories, such as those in agriculture, entertainment, charity, and religious work. However, there are numerous rules and compliance obligations that employers must follow to successfully apply for and maintain this licence.

Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd, based in Manchester, UK, are leading immigration experts who specialize in assisting businesses with sponsor licence applications. Our experienced team ensures that you navigate the complexities of obtaining and managing a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence smoothly and in compliance with UK immigration law.

Section A: What is a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence?

A Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence is issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to authorize UK-based businesses to hire non-UK nationals under specific temporary visa categories. It is a necessary document for businesses looking to sponsor workers on short-term contracts across several sectors, including cultural, charitable, and religious work.

The licence allows businesses to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker, who can then apply for their visa. This licence covers the following temporary worker visa categories:

Visa Categories Description
Scale-up Worker For employees joining fast-growing UK companies.
Creative Worker For entertainers or artists working in the UK (up to 2 years).
Charity Worker For unpaid roles at UK charities (up to 1 year).
Religious Worker For those working in religious institutions (up to 2 years).
Government Authorised Exchange For research, training, or work experience (up to 2 years).
International Agreement For jobs under international law, such as embassy employees.
Seasonal Worker For workers in horticulture or poultry sectors.
Graduate Trainee Part of Global Business Mobility (GBM), for graduate training programs.
Service Supplier For service contracts under a UK trade agreement (6 to 12 months).
UK Expansion Worker For employees sent to the UK to set up new business branches.
Secondment Worker For employees transferred for high-value contracts.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence

Before applying for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence, businesses must meet specific eligibility requirements, including having the necessary HR systems to monitor compliance and appointing qualified key personnel to manage sponsorship duties.

Requirement Description
Registered & Operational Must be legally established, with active trading records and a valid UK address.
Genuine Employment Need Must demonstrate a clear need for temporary workers and that the roles cannot be filled locally.
Key Personnel Must appoint an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User to manage sponsorship.
Compliance Systems Must have HR systems in place to monitor and track sponsored workers.

Section C: Applying for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence

  • Preparation:
Before applying, ensure your HR systems are ready to meet sponsorship duties, and appoint key personnel.
  • Key Personnel:
Appoint individuals who will be responsible for the licence, including:
Role Responsibilities
Authorising Officer Oversees compliance and manages sponsor activities.
Key Contact Main contact between the business and UKVI.
Level 1 User Manages the day-to-day sponsorship activities and administrative tasks.
  • Required Documents:
Submit evidence of business registration, proof of trading, and HR systems to demonstrate compliance with UKVI requirements.

Section D: Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence Costs

Licence Type Responsibilities Column 3
Temporary Worker £536 £536
Worker Licence £536 £1,476
Assign CoS £25 £25

Additional costs may apply, such as the Immigration Skills Charge depending on the worker category.

Section E: Processing Time and Priority Services

A standard Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence application takes approximately 8 weeks. However, some applications may qualify for the Home Office’s priority service, which offers a decision within 10 working days for an additional fee of £500.

Section F: Compliance Obligations for Licence Holders

Once your licence is granted, you are responsible for ongoing compliance, including:

  • Monitoring Workers: Ensure that sponsored employees comply with their visa conditions.
  • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records for sponsored workers, including contact details, work hours, and visa status.
  • Reporting: Notify the Home Office of any changes, such as if a worker fails to start, leaves early, or changes roles.

Non-compliance could lead to serious penalties, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the licence.

FAQs

What is a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence?


It is a licence issued by the UK government allowing businesses to sponsor non-UK nationals for temporary employment under specific visa categories.

The typical processing time is 8 weeks, but priority processing can expedite the application.

Yes, businesses can hold both licences and add one to an existing licence with applicable fees.

Ensure you have robust HR systems, monitor sponsored workers, and submit timely updates to the Home Office using the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

Your licence may be downgraded to a B-rating if you fail to meet your sponsorship obligations, limiting your ability to sponsor new workers.

Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd: Your Immigration Experts

Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd, located in Manchester, specializes in UK immigration law, particularly sponsor licence applications. With a proven track record, we help businesses of all sizes successfully navigate the sponsor licence process and ensure compliance with Home Office regulations.

We offer comprehensive services, including:

  • Assistance with licence applications and renewals.
  • Compliance checks and training.
  • Managing Certificates of Sponsorship for sponsored workers.

Contact us:
For expert advice and support, call 0330 133 8557 or email us at info@shamsbvlawyers.com. You can also request a callback or book a consultation.