Sponsor licence applications
and the post-Brexit immigration system

The post-Brexit changes to the UK immigration system mean that many more employers need to apply for a sponsor licence.

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

For EU (and EEA and Swiss) citizens arriving in the UK after 1 January 2021, they are subject to the UK Immigration Rules and no longer have a right of free movement. EU citizens can visit the UK for up to 6 months but are not permitted to work, much the same as 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 since 1 January 2021, there has been an increase in sponsor licence applications from employers who need to recruit skilled EU workers. 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.