In order to employ skilled workers from outside the EU/EEA, UK employers must first obtain a sponsor licence (i.e. authorisation from the Home Office).

There are a number of requirements that employer organisations must meet to qualify for the licence:

  • Have a trading presence and operate lawfully in the UK,
  • Have HR systems and recruitment processes in place to comply with sponsorship duties,
  • Be honest, dependable and reliable,
  • Be able to offer highly skilled jobs (in general, jobs must be graduate level, NQF Level 6 or above with very few exceptions).

Application process

The sponsor licence application is submitted online, with fees of £356 for small sponsors and £1,476 for large sponsors.

After paying, you’ll receive a Submission Sheet that must be mailed to the Home Office with original or certified copies of at least four required supporting documents, such as a business bank statement or Employer’s Liability Insurance certificate.

The Home Office processing time for sponsor licence applications is usually between 5 to 9 weeks.

Home Office audit (visit)

Home Office officers may visit a sponsor’s premises to conduct an audit before deciding on a sponsor licence application or at any point during the licence period.

These visits assess compliance with sponsorship duties by speaking to the Authorising Officer and reviewing HR procedures and records, which can result in the approval, refusal, suspension, or revocation of a sponsor licence.

Please get in touch for our advice in obtaining a Sponsor License, we will be happy to help.

Your Key Contacts

Vladyslav Galinskyi

T: 020 7406 1000

E: VladyslavGalinskyi@cartercamerons.com

Vladyslav is an experienced Associate specialising in corporate and private immigration, assisting businesses with sponsor licences and skilled worker visas, as well as handling family, naturalisation, and EU Settlement Scheme applications. Vladyslav is a qualified solicitor in England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland and brings a wealth of experience from gained in various previous roles. He holds a GDL, LPC, Master of Laws, and is a Fellow of CILEX. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, travelling, and playing as a goalkeeper for a local football club.

Corporate immigration experience:

  • Company sponsorship licence applications for businesses and educational institutions
  • Sponsor Management System (SMS) – updating, Level 1 user tasks, requesting additional certificates, reviewing documents, and advising
  • Skilled Worker Visa applications for main applicants and dependents
  • Tier 1 Investor and Entrepreneur Visa applications for main applicants and dependents
  • Sole Representative Visa applications for main applicants and dependents
  • Intra-Company Transfer Visa applications for main applicants and dependents
  • Temporary Worker Visas (Tier 5) for main applicants and dependents
  • Global Talent Visa applications, including endorsement procedures
  • Innovator and Start-Up Visas, including endorsement application procedures

Private immigration experience:

  • Entry clearance, Leave to Enter, and Leave to Remain applications
  • Visa applications for visitors, spouses, unmarried partners, fiancé(e)s, and other dependent relatives
  • Registration of children as British citizens and naturalisation applications
  • Confirmation of British nationality status
  • Residence permits for EU/EEA nationals and family permits for non-EU/EEA family members
  • Entry clearance and residence documents for non-EU/EEA family members
  • Minister of Religion, Sportsperson, and Health and Care Worker Visa applications for main applicants and dependents
  • Student and Graduate Visa applications
  • EU Settlement Scheme applications for EU nationals and their families

In addition to his extensive immigration expertise, Vladyslav’s legal journey includes nearly a decade of experience as an OISC Level 2 immigration adviser, where he honed his skills in complex visa cases and administrative processes.

He has also gained valuable experience in high-stakes corporate environments, having worked as a paralegal within a CIS department.

His previous roles enriched his understanding of corporate law and the cross-border legal considerations crucial for advising multinational clients. His background enables him to provide clients with precise, effective legal guidance that supports both business and individual immigration needs.

Carmen Arakelyan (née Loke)

T: 020 7406 1000

E: CarmenLoke@cartercamerons.com

Carmen is a paralegal with over 10 years experience in law. Her calm and efficient manner ensures matters are dealt with as quickly and cost effectively for clients as possible.

Carmen provides general support to fee earners and Partners within Company Commercial and Immigration teams. She assists in the day-to-day functions of the Immigration team including all aspects of casework and assisting in the preparation of applications. Under direct supervision, Carmen acts as a caseworker on straightforward cases, and supports solicitors in more complex matters. She reviews client queries and drafts responses for review by solicitors and prepares documentation for application under a wide range of visa routes with great skill. As part of the Company Commercial team, she has reviewed share purchase agreements, drafted escrow agreements, prepared bundles for mediation and recently attended a successful mediation meeting over a contract dispute.

She holds degrees in Airline and Airport Management (First-Class Honours), and International Politics and Economics (2:1).

Outside of work, Carmen plays the piano, enjoys trying new activities (the latest being paddle boarding) and is an active church member.

Robert Sookias

T: 020 7406 1000 / 07973 418 174

E: RobertSookias@cartercamerons.com

Property

  • Commercial property transactions
  • Purchase and sales of commercial properties
  • Grants of commercial leases
  • Property aspects of M&A transactions

Immigration

  • Over 40 years working in all areas of immigration and nationality

More…

Robert studied Business Management before converting to Law and attending the College of Law in London. Robert qualified as a Solicitor in 1983.

Before qualifying as a Solicitor in March 1983, Robert worked as a property agent and played football at a semi-professional level.

Robert has earned himself the reputation of being both commercial and caring in his approach to clients.

He is a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association and The Lawyers Christian Fellowship.

Robert speaks Armenian and Farsi.