info@visadirectimmigration.com
Eligibility Criteria
Relationship Requirement:
The sponsor and the applicant must have a genuine and subsisting relationship. This could be as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner. Evidence of the relationship’s authenticity must be provided.
Financial Requirement:
The sponsor must meet specific financial thresholds to demonstrate the ability to support the applicant without recourse to public funds. The minimum income requirement is generally £18,600 per year, which increases if there are dependent children.
Accommodation Requirement:
The sponsor must provide evidence of adequate accommodation for themselves, the applicant, and any dependents. The accommodation must meet the UK housing standards and should not be overcrowded.
English Language Requirement:
The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English by passing an approved English language test or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK degree.
Genuine Relationship Test:
For certain types of visas, such as a fiancé(e) visa, there may be additional scrutiny to ensure the relationship is genuine and not entered into for the sole purpose of obtaining a visa. This could involve interviews and providing extensive documentation of the relationship history.
Suitability Requirement:
Both the sponsor and the applicant must meet certain suitability criteria, which include not having any criminal convictions or being involved in activities that are considered detrimental to public good, such as terrorism or other serious offenses.
Intent to Live Together:
The sponsor and the applicant must intend to live together permanently in the UK once the visa is granted. This intention must be clearly demonstrated through various forms of evidence.
Health Requirement:
The applicant may be required to undergo a tuberculosis test if they are from a country where this is necessary. The results of the test must be included with the visa application.
Age Requirement:
Both the sponsor and the applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Previous Immigration Violations:
If the applicant has previously breached UK immigration laws, this may impact their eligibility for a sponsor visa. This includes overstaying a visa or working illegally.
Application Process
Preparation
Determine the type of license needed (Worker or Temporary Worker).
Gather necessary documents, such as proof of business registration and evidence of trading presence.
Online Application
Complete the online application form on the UK government website.
Pay the relevant application fee, which varies based on the organization’s size and type of license.
Submit Supporting Documents
Provide supporting documents within five working days of the online application.
Include proof of business premises, bank statements, and details of HR systems.
Compliance Visit
Prepare for a potential compliance visit from the Home Office to inspect the business premises and HR systems.
Decision Waiting Period
The Home Office typically processes sponsor license applications within eight weeks.
Expedited processing is available for an additional fee under the priority service.
Post-Decision:
Approval
If approved, the license is valid for four years.
Employers can then issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to prospective employees.
Rejection
If rejected, the organization will receive a letter explaining the reasons.
The organization may address the issues and reapply if necessary.
If you need any guidance or support in your Sponsor License application, call us today.
Sponsor Duties
Record-Keeping
Maintain accurate records of all sponsored employees, including contact details and work addresses.
Monitoring
Monitor employees’ immigration status and report any changes or issues to UKVI.
Reporting
Report significant changes to the business, such as mergers or changes in key personnel, to the Home Office.
Report if a sponsored worker does not turn up for work, is absent without permission for more than 10 days, or if their contract is terminated.
Compliance
Comply with UK immigration laws and sponsorship rules.
Ensure sponsored workers are qualified and genuinely required for the job
Renewal and Revocation
Renewal
Apply to renew the license before it expires after four years.
Revocation
Non-compliance can lead to license suspension or revocation, preventing the organization from sponsoring new workers.