Business
We advise a wide range of organisations, from multinational corporations to local small businesses and start-ups, on sponsor licences, Skilled Worker visas, Global Business Mobility visas, and related issues.

Sponsor licenses

A sponsor licence enables a UK business to offer work visa sponsorship for its foreign workers. Even if you do not intend to recruit now, obtaining a sponsor licence ensures you can act swiftly if in future you identify an international candidate whom you want to employ.

Skilled Worker visas

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s flagship working visa. To qualify, all of the following must apply. Candidates must:

Be sponsored by a licensed UK employer
Work in an eligible role
Meet the minimum salary requirements for their role
Demonstrate English language proficiency

Global Business Mobility visas

Global Business Mobility visa routes enable multinational companies to transfer existing employees to the UK. Key visa routes include:

Senior or Specialist Worker: for experienced employees transferring to UK branches
UK Expansion Worker: for senior employees establishing a UK presence
Service Supplier: for overseas workers to provided contracted services in the UK

How we can help

Our experts work with skilled worker sponsorship daily, and have a thorough understanding of the challenges that businesses face when employing foreign workers. Whether it’s long-term strategy planning or just a one-off issue, we can help.

Our expertise includes:

Preparing and submitting sponsor licence applications
Ensuring ongoing compliance with sponsor duties
Guiding candidates through the Skilled Worker visa application process
Providing practical global mobility solutions for projects in the UK

Meet our key contacts

John Vassiliou

Director and Head of Immigration

Meet our full team

Jack Freeland

Associate

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John Vassiliou

Director and Head of Immigration

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Frequently asked questions

Can I hire an international worker without a sponsor licence?

If a worker already holds a valid UK visa with unrestricted work permission, any employer can freely employ them. If not, you will need to sponsor the worker.

Can any job role be sponsored?

No. The Home Office maintains a list of occupations which it considers to be sufficiently skilled for visa sponsorship. There are numerous roles which cannot be sponsored.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

On average it takes one to four weeks to prepare a sponsor licence application, and then a further two weeks for a decision – if you pay the Home Office for a priority service. If you do not opt for a priority service, the standard decision-making time is around eight weeks.

What happens if a sponsor licence application is refused?

If your sponsor licence application has been refused, it is usually possible to make another application after resolving issues that were identified in the refusal.

Related articles and insights: Business

28 November 2025

Further changes to work visa sponsorship: Key dates for employers

Contributor: Jack Freeland

The UK’s work visa routes will see further cost increases and stricter English language requirements taking effect over the coming months. These changes will impact sponsorship strategies and recruitment budgets, making early planning essential to minimise costs and disruption.

28 October 2025

Hospitality sponsorship remains viable for existing Skilled Workers

Contributor: Jack Freeland

While the 22 July Skilled Worker visa changes have dramatically restricted visa sponsorship in hospitality, there remains a significant pool of eligible workers that employers can still sponsor in hospitality roles.

22 July 2025

Immigration changes to Skilled Worker sponsorship affecting the hospitality sector from 22 July 2025

Contributors:
Jack Freeland, John Vassiliou

The UK government has rolled out the first batch of work visa restrictions announced in its May Immigration White Paper. Several changes to the Skilled Worker route were implemented on 22 July, all of which will affect the hospitality sector.

22 July 2025

Significant restrictions to Skilled Worker sponsorship from 22 July 2025

Contributors:
Jack Freeland, John Vassiliou

The UK government has rolled out the first batch of Skilled Worked sponsorship visa restrictions announced in its latest Immigration White Paper.

19 March 2025

New changes to the Skilled Worker visa route

Contributor: Jack Freeland

The Home Office has introduced changes to the Skilled Worker route, effective from 9 April 2025. Jack Freeland, Associate in our immigration team, outlines the key changes below.

8 October 2020

Moving to Scotland and thinking of starting a business?

Contributor: Keir Willox

Moving to a new country can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are also contemplating setting up your own business. Keir Willox, a corporate Partner in our Aberdeen office, discusses some of the most important aspects to consider and how our International Families Group can help.

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