Sponsor licence applications
and the new immigration system

On 19 February 2020 the government confirmed changes to the UK immigration system which fully take effect from 1 January 2021.  Full details can be found in our FAQs on the new immigration system. 
 

Why do UK employers need to apply for a sponsor licence now?

For EU citizens arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021, they will be subject to the new UK Immigration Rules.  EU citizens will be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months but will not be permitted to work, much the same as is currently the case for non-EU citizens.  Where employers wish to recruit those who are coming to work in the UK in a skilled job, they will need to submit a Skilled Worker application.  However, prior to being able to sponsor an EU citizen recruit, employers must have in place a sponsor licence.  The sponsor licence can also be used to recruit non-EU citizens.

Given the significance of the changes from 1 January 2021, we anticipate an increase in sponsor licence applications from employers who will need to recruit skilled EU workers from1 January 2021.  As a leading immigration team, we are able to assist you in this process to make it as streamlined and simple as possible.  We have many years’ experience in helping all companies, from start-ups to global organisations, apply for a sponsor licence.  A key aspect of the sponsor licence application process is ensuring that you understand the compliance responsibilities entailed in holding a sponsor licence, not least because at some stage the Home Office will attend your offices to carry out a compliance check. 

We advise clients in all sectors including tech; media, technology and sport; financial services; and the legal sector.

As a full service law firm, we are also able to assist with any advice you require for other matters such as employment, company and commercial, property, tax and regulatory.