Securing a sponsor licence is a critical step for UK businesses seeking to employ skilled workers. Understanding the processing times and available priority services is crucial for employers aiming to make a smooth application and use the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) efficiently.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the processing times for Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence applications, as well as the post-licence procedures for making amendments to sponsorship details. Understanding these timelines and options is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process and the efficient use of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
Sponsor Licence Applications
Upon submission of a sponsor licence application online, businesses must ensure that all required supporting documents are provided electronically to the Home Office within five working days.
- Standard Sponsor Licence: Typically, a decision is made within 6-8 weeks from the submission of the application. However, the processing time may be extended depending on the complexity of the application or the need for further checks.
- Priority Service: The Home Office offers an expedited processing service for an additional fee of £500. This service aims to process applications within 10 working days. While the service provides a faster turnaround, it is important to note that this timeframe is not guaranteed and is subject to capacity and processing demands.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Application: After obtaining the sponsor licence, employers will need to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the proposed worker. A standard CoS application is processed within one working day. A Defined CoS (DCoS) generally takes up to one week, though this may be extended if additional checks or information are required by the Home Office.
- Skilled Worker Visa Application: For Skilled Workers, visa applications are generally processed within 15 working days for applications made outside the UK. For in-country applicants, processing time generally takes up to 8 weeks. Priority services are available to expedite this process.
Previously, securing a priority slot was highly competitive, with applicants needing to log in at precisely 08:59 am each weekday to secure one of the limited 30 day priority slots. However, the Home Office has since removed the reference to this fixed daily cap, possibly indicating that there may no longer be a set limit on the number of available priority slots. This remains subject to formal confirmation.
In my experience, securing a sponsor licence and successfully obtaining a Skilled Worker visa can be completed in as little as one to two weeks, particularly when utilising the priority service.
Once granted, a sponsor licence remains valid, provided the business continues to meet all regulations.
Post-Licence Applications
Following the issuance of a sponsor licence, businesses may need to make amendments to their sponsorship details. The priority change of circumstances service allows sponsors to fast-track certain post-licence requests, ensuring that modifications are processed efficiently.
Eligible Requests for Post-Licence Priority Service:
- Allocation of an additional Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Annual Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation
- Adding or changing a Level 1 user
- Replacing or amending the Authorising Officer (AO)
- Replacing or amending the Key Contact (KC)
- Adding a representative
- Amending organisational details (e.g. relocation to new premises)
Priority Service:
- Priority Service operates Monday to Friday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- A fee of £200 applies for each request.
- A maximum of 100 priority service requests will be accepted each day. Any amendments to the limit will be communicated through the SMS message board.
If a request is accepted, the applicant will receive an email notification and must complete payment within 72 hours. The processing period for the request will begin on the next working day following the payment confirmation. Generally, the Home office will process the request within five working days. However, should the request be deemed complex or require further verification, the processing time may extend beyond the standard five-day period. In such cases, the Authorising Officer will be notified via email.
Conclusion
For businesses applying for a sponsor licence or making amendments to an existing licence, understanding the processing times and priority service options is essential. While the enhanced pre-licence service and post-licence priority service can expedite decisions, it is important to recognise that availability and response times are contingent on UKVI’s capacity. Employers must remain vigilant and stay informed of any updates from the Home Office to ensure smooth navigation through the sponsorship system.
If you require guidance for a sponsor licence application, contact our corporate immigration team using the form below.
