Changes to the approval of “sponsor licenses” in the UK from April 2024
Employers must obtain approval (called a “sponsor license”) from the Home Office to employ foreign workers in the UK. This can be submitted online using a completed application form along with the required documents and information.
Previously, the sponsor license was valid for four years and had to be renewed three months before the expiry date. This obligation will no longer apply to employers from April 6, 2024.
The obligation to renew the sponsor license will be lifted and all licenses that expire on or after April 6, 2024 will be automatically renewed for a further 10 years.
Sponsor licenses that expire before April 6, 2024 are subject to current law. This means that extensions must be requested on time and the relevant fees must be paid before the expiration date.
Sponsored organizations that have already submitted a license renewal application may be able to negotiate a refund of the renewal fee with authorities.
In the Sponsorship Management System account, sponsors can view their license expiration date and earliest renewal date. Further information about the license renewal process can be found on the sponsor website.
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