What is a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence
A Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence is a type of authorisation issued by the UK Home Office that allows UK-based organisations to employ non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals on a temporary basis under specific visa categories. This licence is crucial for organisations that want to bring in overseas talent for short-term roles. Here are the key aspects of a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence:
Categories of Temporary Workers:
Charity Workers: For unpaid voluntary work for a charity.
Creative and Sporting Workers: For creative artists, entertainers, and sportspeople.
Government Authorised Exchange Workers: For individuals participating in exchange schemes aimed at sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices.
International Agreement Workers: For people coming to do work covered by international law or treaties.
Religious Workers: For those doing religious work, such as preaching or working in a religious order.
Seasonal Worker: For individuals working in the horticulture sector for up to six months.
Youth Mobility Scheme: For young people from participating countries who wish to experience life in the UK.
Application Process
Eligibility: The organisation must prove it is genuine, operating legally in the UK, and capable of carrying out its duties as a sponsor.
Documentation: The organisation needs to provide a series of documents, such as proof of business operations, financial records, and details about the role and the individual being sponsored.
Sponsorship Management System (SMS): Organisations must use the SMS to manage their licence, which includes assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to potential employees.
Compliance: The organization must demonstrate robust HR systems to monitor and report the activities of their sponsored workers.
Duties and Responsibilities
Monitoring Sponsored Employees: Ensuring the temporary worker is adhering to the terms of their visa.
Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of the worker’s contact details and employment status.
Reporting Duties: Informing the Home Office of any significant changes in the worker’s circumstances or if they fail to comply with their visa conditions.
Validity and Renewals
The licence is typically valid for four years and can be renewed if the organisation continues to meet the necessary requirements.
Obtaining a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence allows UK organisations to legally hire temporary workers from overseas, helping them address specific staffing needs, support international collaborations, and bring in specialised skills not readily available within the local workforce.
Who can be sponsored under a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence
A Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence enables UK-based organisations to sponsor non-EEA nationals for short-term work across various specialised categories. This licence is crucial for businesses, charities, and other entities looking to bring in international talent for temporary roles. Below, we outline the different categories under which individuals can be sponsored:
- Charity Workers
Charity Workers can be sponsored to perform unpaid voluntary work for a charitable organization. This category is ideal for non-EEA nationals looking to gain experience in the UK’s charitable sector while contributing to meaningful causes. - Creative and Sporting Workers
Organisations in the creative arts and sports industries can sponsor individuals who are entertainers, artists, musicians, or sportspeople. This category is designed to support the UK’s vibrant cultural and sports scene by allowing international talent to participate in short-term engagements. - Government Authorised Exchange Workers
This category is for individuals coming to the UK as part of approved exchange schemes aimed at sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices. These schemes often include internships, work experience programs, and research projects that promote international cooperation and professional development. - International Agreement Workers
International Agreement Workers are those whose employment is covered by international law or treaties. This includes individuals working for foreign governments or as employees in international organizations, such as the United Nations. - Religious Workers
Religious institutions can sponsor individuals for temporary roles that involve preaching, pastoral work, or other religious duties. This category is designed to support the UK’s diverse religious landscape by allowing international religious workers to contribute to local communities. - Seasonal Workers
The Seasonal Worker category is specifically for individuals working in the horticulture sector on a temporary basis, typically for up to six months. This allows UK farms and agricultural businesses to meet seasonal labor demands by bringing in workers from abroad. - Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a special category that allows young people from participating countries to experience life in the UK. While not directly tied to the Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence, it offers an avenue for young professionals to gain work experience and cultural exposure in the UK.
How to Sponsor a Temporary Worker
To sponsor a temporary worker, your organisation must first obtain a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office. This involves:
Eligibility Check: Ensuring your organization is genuine, legally operating in the UK, and capable of fulfilling sponsor duties.
Application Process: Submitting required documentation, including proof of business operations, financial records, and detailed job descriptions.
Sponsorship Management System (SMS): Using the SMS to manage your licence, assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible workers, and report any changes or compliance issues.
Compliance and Responsibilities
As a sponsor, your organisation must:
Monitor the sponsored worker’s adherence to visa conditions.
Maintain accurate records of the worker’s contact details and employment status.
Report significant changes or non-compliance to the Home Office promptly.
Benefits of Sponsoring Temporary Workers
– Access specialised skills and global talent.
– Enhance cultural diversity and innovation within your team.
– Foster international collaboration and professional development.
How to apply for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence
To apply for a Temporary Worker sponsor licence, the applicant organisation must first register its details with UKVI. Once registered, the organisation can complete an online application form and pay the required licence fee. Before applying, it’s essential to ensure the business is eligible for sponsorship under the relevant Temporary Worker route and has the necessary documentation as specified in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance for the specific route.
During the application process, the organization must nominate individuals to fill key personnel roles: an Authorising Officer, a Key Contact, and a Level 1 user. The Authorising Officer, who should be the most senior person responsible for recruiting migrant workers and ensuring compliance with sponsor duties, will manage the sponsor licence application. This officer must sign and date the submission sheet, which, along with all required documentation, must be sent to UKVI within five working days of submitting the application.
The Key Contact will serve as the primary point of contact with UKVI, while the Level 1 user will handle the daily management of the sponsor licence through the Home Office sponsorship management system (SMS). If the application is approved by UKVI, additional Level 1 users can be appointed, along with Level 2 users, who have more restricted system access compared to Level 1 users.
The Authorising Officer can nominate themselves as a Level 1 user, particularly if they need SMS access, and can also act as the Key Contact. Alternatively, different individuals can fill these roles, provided they are paid staff members or office holders who meet the requirements for key personnel.
After completing the online application, paying the fee, and submitting all documentation, UKVI will review the application. The standard processing time for Temporary Worker sponsor licence applications is typically less than eight weeks, though it may take longer if a site visit is needed or additional documentation is requested.
If the application is approved, the licence-holder can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for jobs suitable for sponsorship under the relevant route. The licence is valid for an initial period of four years, unless revoked earlier. To continue sponsoring Temporary Workers beyond this period, the licence must be renewed before it expires.
We can help you apply for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence and significantly enhance your chances of success. We bring specialised expertise and in-depth knowledge of complex immigration laws and Home Office requirements, ensuring that your application is thorough and accurate. We can assist in preparing robust recruitment and HR practices, selecting and training key personnel, and compiling and submitting all necessary documentation correctly. Additionally, we can provide ongoing support, helping you navigate any challenges that arise during the process and ensuring compliance with all sponsor duties. This professional guidance minimises the risk of errors and delays, streamlining the application process and maximising the likelihood of obtaining the sponsor licence efficiently.
