The UK has long drawn skilled workers from overseas, and many employers want to tap into that talent. To hire someone from outside the UK, or an in-country candidate who needs sponsorship, you first need a sponsor licence. This guide explains how sponsorship works and what it takes to qualify, with the rules that apply in 2026.
Work visa sponsorship: the basics
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) runs the sponsorship system. A sponsor licence lets a UK organisation employ eligible non-UK workers and assign them a Certificate of Sponsorship. Only an organisation can hold a licence, not an individual. The main sponsored work routes are the Skilled Worker visa, the Health and Care Worker visa, Global Business Mobility, and the Temporary Worker routes.
Two 2025 changes matter before you start. Since 22 July 2025 the Skilled Worker route only covers graduate-level (RQF6) roles, and the general salary minimum is £41,700 a year or the going rate, whichever is higher. We can run the sponsor licence application for you, or follow our step-by-step guide.
What the licence requires
If you fall short of your sponsor duties, UKVI can act, from fines to revocation of your licence, which would curtail your sponsored workers' visas. So the Home Office checks that you are a genuine organisation, that the role is genuine and meets the skill and salary rules, and that you have the systems to stay compliant.
Automate Home Office Audits with Borderless
The Borderless platform provides a centralized system for all sponsorships, automating reminders for key tasks and ensuring best practices across your organization, simplifying audit preparation and ongoing compliance.
Meeting the eligibility criteria
There is no restriction on the size or type of organisation. You need to show:
- You are genuine and trading lawfully in the UK. A limited company must be registered with Companies House, and someone in the UK must be able to liaise with UKVI.
- You have a UK trading presence. A virtual model is fine, but you must evidence lawful UK operation.
Meeting the suitability criteria
- The vacancy is genuine and meets the skilled-worker criteria. The Home Office may ask for evidence of the role and its duties, and may inspect.
- You have HR and recruitment systems to meet your duties.
- Your key personnel are suitable. Unspent relevant convictions, or links to a previously revoked licence, can lead to refusal.
How Borderless helps
Applying for and managing a sponsor licence is involved, and we make it straightforward. We handle the licence application, the visa process and ongoing Home Office compliance. Get in touch.
