Business and Work
Sponsor licence applications and skilled worker visas involve strict compliance requirements, tight deadlines, and significant financial exposure. A refused sponsor licence means losing the application fee, facing a cooling-off period, and being unable to hire the workers your business needs. A refused visa application can leave an employee stranded abroad or force them to leave the UK.
Many refusals arise not because employers or applicants are ineligible, but because evidence is incomplete, compliance systems are inadequate, or applications are poorly timed. Nearly half of all sponsor licence applications fail or are withdrawn.
We advise UK employers on sponsor licence applications and compliance, and individuals on skilled worker visas, changes of employment, and work-related extensions.
Who this page is for
This page is for you if:
- you are an employer considering a sponsor licence and want to understand what is actually involved
- you already hold a licence and are unsure whether your compliance systems would survive an audit
- you need to sponsor a specific worker and want to get it right first time
- you are a worker whose employer is sponsoring you and you want independent advice
- you have been refused a sponsor licence or skilled worker visa and need to understand your options
- you are changing employers and need advice on timing, portability, or switching routes
What we advise on
We provide advice and representation in business immigration matters including:
- Sponsor licence applications for employers who have not previously held a licence
- Sponsor licence compliance reviews and audit preparation
- Certificate of Sponsorship assignments and genuine vacancy requirements
- Skilled Worker visa applications, extensions, and changes of employment
- Global Business Mobility routes including Senior or Specialist Worker transfers
- Refusals of sponsor licences, skilled worker visas, and compliance-related enforcement
Our focus is not simply on whether an application technically qualifies, but on how the Home Office is likely to assess it in practice.
Common issues and mistakes
We frequently see refusals and compliance problems caused by:
- submitting sponsor licence applications without adequate HR systems in place
- appointing key personnel who do not meet the requirements or understand their duties
- assigning Certificates of Sponsorship for roles that do not meet genuine vacancy criteria
- failing to report changes to the Home Office within required timeframes
- underestimating the compliance burden and treating sponsorship as a one-off administrative task
- workers applying to switch employers without understanding the timing and evidence requirements
These errors can result in refused applications, suspended or revoked licences, and curtailed visas.
Before you apply
For employers, a sponsor licence is not a form to be submitted — it is a compliance commitment that lasts up to ten years. If your HR systems, record-keeping, and reporting processes are not ready, the application is premature.
For workers, timing matters. Applying too early, with the wrong documents, or without understanding portability rules can result in refusal and disruption.
We provide clear advice on:
- whether you are ready to apply now
- what preparation is required before submission
- how to reduce the risk of refusal or compliance failure
Next Steps
If you need advice on a business or work-related immigration matter, contact us to discuss your circumstances: call 02071128163, email hello@migrantlawpartnership.com, WhatsApp 07849608399
Find out if we can help
Book a free 15-minute consultation. No obligation. Just honest advice about your situation.