When a company intends to hire foreign workers, it must obtain a sponsor license to support these employees. This requirement applies to the majority of overseas workers. The company must adhere to the criteria for the relevant immigration pathway and submit an application to the Home Office. The application fee charged by the Home Office depends on the type of sponsor license and the organization’s size. Generally, it takes up to 8 weeks for the Home Office to process sponsor license applications.
The Pre-licence Priority Service offers an option to expedite the processing time for a sponsor license application for an additional fee. If a request for this service is approved, the sponsor license application is typically decided within just 10 working days.
Typically, a standard sponsor license application takes around 8 weeks to process. The Pre-license Priority Service is available for a fee of £500.00 per request, and a decision is typically made within 10 working days. If your sponsor license application is granted, you will receive a sponsor license valid for 4 years from the decision date.
A new method for applying for the Sponsor Licence Pre-licence Priority Service has been introduced and became effective on June 21, 2023. Now, when you apply for a sponsor licence, you have the option to request the Pre-licence Priority Service. It’s important to note that you must still meet the previously mentioned eligibility criteria. Upon submitting your application, you will receive confirmation of your payment for the priority service.
The Pre-licence Priority Service is accessible for eligible applications submitted between 9:00 AM and 11:59 PM from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Each day, a maximum of 30 requests for priority service will be accepted across all eligible application routes.
For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pre-licence-priority-service-guidance/pre-licence-priority-service-guidance?fbclid=IwAR3KfUDYLjP9Usx7R_TVJHTe2MhusIvIzS2KlMlf1dI99xonykMvhy9jPL4
