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.
Marcia Longdon
Partner
Katie Newbury
Partner
Nicolas Rollason (Français)
Partner and Head of Department
Kim Vowden (Français)
Partner
Kim Vowden
Partner
Ilda de Sousa
Partner
Elspeth Guild
Legal Counsel
Emma Fowler
Senior Associate (FCILEx)
Robert Houchill
Senior Associate
Oliver Oldman
Senior Associate
Josephine Burnett
Associate
Emma Dauriac (Francais)
Associate
Emma Dauriac
Associate
Elli Graves
Associate
Kate Harding
Associate
Bukunmi Osuntoki
Associate
Tim Richards
Professional Support Lawyer
Vandana Ruda
Associate
Isabelle Turner
Associate
Abigail Watt
Associate
Melissa Field
Senior Paralegal
Bethany Hall
Trainee Solicitor
Jemima Watkins
Paralegal
Ellis Chan
Immigration Advisor
Shahirur Choudhury
Immigration Advisor
Nardos Engeda
Immigration Advisor (Global Lead)
Olivia James
Senior Immigration Advisor
Radhika Patel
Immigration Advisor
Alexandria Shahade
Immigration Specialist
Jacklyn Widjaja
Immigration Advisor
Kingsley Napley leads the immigration outfits in the UK"
Who's Who Corporate Immigration
Kingsley Napley LLP’s immigration practice is at the forefront of EU law and Brexit work, and regularly assists companies looking to help UK-based EU staff and other individuals on residency issues arising from Brexit."
Legal 500 UK 2020
