Author name: firstmo1

Renewing your sponsor license in the UK is essential for employers based in the country who rely on sponsoring migrant workers to address workforce shortages and skills gaps. Sponsor licenses are typically valid for a 4-year period. As a sponsor license holder, it is your responsibility to apply for a sponsor license renewal with the Home Office before your current license expires. Failure to do so can result in issues with your ability to sponsor overseas workers. When you successfully renew your license, it will be extended for an additional 4 years. It’s important to note that sponsor license renewal applications tend to receive more scrutiny from the Home Office compared to initial license applications. This is because organizations are expected to have complied with their sponsor duties during the time they held the license. The renewal process allows immigration officials to thoroughly assess your organization’s immigration compliance procedures, processes, and documentation. They also verify the legal status of your migrant workers. Checking Your Sponsor License Expiry Date: You can find your sponsor license application date on the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It’s crucial to keep this date in mind and share it with key personnel to ensure you don’t miss the renewal deadline. Importance of Renewing Your Sponsor License: Sponsor licenses automatically expire after 4 years if not successfully renewed. Allowing your license to expire can have serious consequences for your business. Without a valid license, you won’t be able to sponsor foreign workers. This means you can’t hire new sponsored workers or continue employing existing ones until you renew your license. During this time, your existing sponsored workers’ visas are at risk of being curtailed, making them illegal workers. When to Submit a Sponsor License Renewal Application: The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will remind sponsoring organizations about renewing their licenses 120 calendar days before the expiration date, with subsequent reminders at 30 calendar-day intervals and two weeks before expiry. However, it’s ultimately the organization’s responsibility to submit the renewal application on time. UKVI advises submitting renewal applications at least three months before the current license’s expiry date. Duration of a Sponsor License: A sponsor license is typically valid for 4 years, but you can apply for renewal shortly before its expiration to extend it for another 4 years. Renewal Process Duration: Once you’ve submitted your renewal application, along with any requested documents, it may take several weeks to receive a decision from the Home Office. This duration can be longer if the UKVI decides to conduct a pre-renewal compliance visit. In general, you can expect a decision within 8 weeks if there are no issues with your renewal application. Importantly, if you submit a valid renewal application before your existing license expires, your license will be temporarily extended while your renewal application is under review. Number of Times You Can Renew Your License: There are no restrictions on how many times your organization can renew its sponsor license, provided it remains eligible and meets the sponsor requirements. There are no restrictions on how many times your organization can renew its sponsor license, provided it remains eligible and meets the sponsor requirements. Sponsor License Renewal Fees: The renewal fee for your sponsor license depends on whether your organization is classified as a small or charitable sponsor or a medium or large sponsor. The fees also vary depending on the specific worker category. Small or charitable sponsors generally have lower renewal fees compared to medium or large sponsors. Preparing for Your Sponsor License Renewal: To ensure a smooth renewal process, it’s crucial to start preparing well in advance of your license’s expiration date. This allows you to identify and address any compliance issues before submitting your renewal application. You should treat the renewal process as if it were a new application, ensuring that you meet all the latest requirements and rules. Sponsor License Renewal Process: To renew your sponsor license, you need to submit an application using your SMS account and pay the appropriate fee online. An authorized Level 1 user can complete this process on your behalf. During the renewal process, you must demonstrate that your organization continues to meet the requirements of the route in question and complies with its sponsorship duties. Streamlined Sponsor License Renewal Process: Some organizations may qualify for a streamlined renewal process, which involves fewer checks if they’ve successfully renewed their license at least twice before. This process can save time and expedite your renewal application. Home Office Renewal Inspection: The Home Office may visit your business premises as part of the renewal process to ensure compliance with sponsorship duties. This visit can be announced or unannounced. It’s crucial to prepare for an inspection if your organization hasn’t previously undergone one. Outcome of a Renewal Application: If your renewal application is approved, your organization can continue sponsoring foreign workers as long as you meet ongoing compliance requirements. However, if your renewal application is refused, you have limited options. There is no right to appeal the refusal, and your sponsor license will expire when your existing license ends. Seek legal advice for possible error correction requests or judicial reviews in case of refusal. Common Reasons for Refused Sponsor License Renewals: Several factors can lead to a refusal of your sponsor license renewal, including: Key personnel posing a risk to immigration control. Key personnel subject to immigration control losing valid UK permission. Unverifiable sponsor license structure. Outstanding compliance activities or sponsor action plans. Lack of necessary accreditation or registration. Non-compliance with sponsorship duties, discovered during a pre-renewal compliance visit. Avoiding Refused Sponsor License Renewals: To prevent common grounds for refusal, take proactive steps such as retaining required documentation on sponsored workers, paying the correct renewal fee, notifying UKVI of significant changes, providing requested information on time, and ensuring compliance with security standards, audits, and reporting duties. Failing to renew your sponsor license can lead to significant disruptions and potential legal issues for your organization. Therefore, it’s crucial to manage the renewal process diligently and

What Is The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fee All About? The United Kingdom’s Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that non-British nationals are required to pay when applying for a visa to live or work in the UK for longer than six months. The IHS was introduced in April 2015 as part of the government’s efforts to ensure that migrants make a fair contribution to the cost of healthcare in the UK. It makes sense that members of the community contribute to the usage of infrastructure and general upkeep of their surroundings. How Is The IHS Cost Calculated? The IHS is a one-time payment made by the applicant and is calculated based on the length of their visa and the number of dependants included in the application. The current rate of the IHS is £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children and students. The fee is paid at the time of the visa application and is required to be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa. Applicants need to budget for this expense as part of their overall stay costs. The IHS allows non-British nationals to access the same healthcare services as UK citizens while they are living and working in the UK. The IHS is designed to help fund the National Health Service (NHS) and ensure that migrants make a fair contribution towards the cost of healthcare. Why Is The IHS Fee Necessary? The IHS has been subject to criticism from some who argue that it places an additional financial burden on migrants who are already struggling to make ends meet. However, supporters of the IHS argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure that the NHS is properly funded and that migrants are contributing towards the cost of healthcare in the UK. Either way, the cost is currently part of application process and it seems it is here to stay. The IHS has been successful in generating significant revenue for the NHS. In 2018, it was reported that the IHS had generated over £600 million in revenue for the NHS since its introduction. The revenue generated by the IHS is used to fund healthcare services and improve the quality of care for patients in the UK. Is The IHS Fee Ongoing? In conclusion, while some may argue that the fee is too high, it does not seem like the UK government will be reducing it or scrapping it any time soon. The good news as that it is only payable when you are a temporary resident in the UK. Once you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), there are no further NHS fees payable.

The Start Up visa was created by the Home Office for entrepreneurs who wish to start up their business venture within the UK, and obtain residency this way. Whilst it is not an “Investor Visa” per say, and no financial requirement is to be met, one must secure endorsement for this business venture and then the visa can be applied for. Successful entrepreneurship is great for any country. It creates value for many stakeholders and brings in money for the country. If a team is required, new employment opportunities are created. If you have a unique business idea and are wanting to relocate to the UK, this is a great option to look into. What is required to apply? We have specialists who are able to assist applicants applying for the visa and to ensure you and your endorsement meet the criteria to qualify for the visa. To apply, no tertiary education or degree is required (unlike its predecessor route, the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa), and no initial investment is required. You are also able to apply as a member of a group of entrepreneurs if you are not a sole proprietor. How long is the visa valid for? The visa is valid for two years, and then the applicant would need to switch to another visa category such as the Innovator Visa where further development of the business is required. The application process is split up into two phases. The first step is to secure the endorsement from either a tertiary education institute or a business sponsor. The Home Office needs to see a business plan, with details on the business idea, projections and details on the strategy. Take a look at the common criteria used to assess a new business idea – Innovation: Your idea is original and has a competitive advantage – Viability: The applicant is developing the necessary skills, experience, and market awareness – Scalability: There is potential for job creation and contribution to the UK’s economy – Commitment: You must ensure that your business venture is located in the UK, and your focus is on the growth of the business within the UK Whilst there is no financial investment required any longer, you will of course require some capital initially to set up a new business. What happens once you have been approved? If the approval of your endorsement is met, the endorsing body will provide a letter of endorsement which you have 3 months to use to make the application for the visa. You’ll need to prove you have funds to remain in the UK whilst your business is getting started, as it is expected that one will not receive an income as they enter the UK and they want to ensure you are not claiming any UK benefits. The Maintenance Fund requirements are set as showing you have £1270 as the main applicant, plus an additional £285 for your dependent partner or spouse, an additional £315 for a first dependent child and additional £200 for each subsequent dependent child.