Since the entry of migrant workers to the United Kingdom is strictly regulated by the British government, all UK companies must get a sponsor licence before they can sponsor and employ non-EU employees.
Thus, to sponsor foreign workers or students to come and work or study in the UK, you must first obtain a sponsor licence, and then create a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) for them. A Certificate of Sponsorship is a self-certifying electronic document that the sponsoring employer issues to the employee so that they can apply for a Skilled Worker visa and come to the UK to work in that company.
Eligibility
If you do not have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, and if you did not have a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months, your business can be eligible to get a licence. To get a licence, you must apply online and pay the fee.
Costs
The fee for sponsor licence differs in the type of licence you will apply and the size of your business, but it will be between £536 to £1,476.
Process
The standard process for applications takes 8 weeks. Please be aware that during your assessment process, UK Visas and Immigration may visit your business premises in order to check if it satisfies the criteria.