Employers Licence applications

With effect from 27th November 2008, the long-established Work Permit Scheme was abolished, and has been replaced by the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Permit.

Employers who wish to recruit foreign nationals requiring Tier 2 Skilled Worker Permits must first obtain an Employer's Licence from the UK Border Agency. This Licence will enable employers to issue Sponsorship Certificates to prospective employees requiring Tier 2 Permits. Licences will be valid for 4 years.

In order to obtain a Sponsor's Licence, an Employer must satisfy the Home Office that its systems are robust enough to meet the requirements of the Sponsors Management System introduced by the Home Office.

Gross & Co. can provide detailed advice and assistance to employers wishing to obtain an Employers Licence, both in relation to the licensing application, and thereafter managing the issuing of Sponsorship Certificates and ongoing Compliance obligations. The firm has been placed on the list of recommended advisers on the UK Border Agency website for advice and assistance on Employers Licences.

In appropriate cases, Gross & Co. can provide a report to the Home Office in support of an employers licensing application, and the issuing of such a report will normally result in a licensing application proceeding smoothly, and without the need for a company visit from the Home Office.

Chambers Top Ranked UK 2010Please contact Graeme Kirk, Sohan Sidhu or Gill Freeman for further advice on Employers Licence applications.