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Model choice — sponsorship, remote, or EOR?
Do I need a UK sponsor licence? If you want to employ a migrant worker in the UK under routes that require sponsorship (e.g. Skilled Worker), usually yes. See do I need a sponsor licence?.
What about the US, Canada, Australia, and other hubs? Onshore work usually means an employer-led petition, LMIA-linked or programme pathway, or local employment pass — not a UK licence. Start with the matching destination playbook.
When is EOR enough? When the person can stay in their country and you need lawful local employment without building an entity yet — see EOR vs sponsorship.
Cost — what finance should expect
How much does UK sponsorship cost? Licence + CoS + Immigration Skills Charge + worker visa/IHS (+ counsel and often relocation). Model it in the cost planner — fees change, so verify on GOV.UK.
What do non-UK corridors cost? Petition/permit fees, counsel, medicals, recognition, and relocation often dwarf the “government fee” line. Use destination worksheets in the planner and attach a contingency.
What do leaders underestimate? Internal time, ISC/IHS-style charges, counsel, and the cost of a missed start date.
Timeline — hire-to-desk reality
How long does a UK sponsor licence take? It varies. Many standard applications are decided in weeks, but document gaps and complex cases stretch that. Build buffer — see processing times.
When can an overseas candidate start? Licence/petition + CoS/assignment + visa/biometrics + travel. First-time sponsors should plan in months, not “next Monday.”
Can we hire while the licence is pending? You can source and interview. Do not promise a sponsored start date that assumes a grant you do not have.
Ownership and compliance risk
Who owns sponsor duties? A named Authorising Officer with working Level 1 coverage — not “HR generally.” See sponsor duties.
Can a recruitment agency hold the licence for us? Agencies can source and advise; the sponsoring employer is usually the organisation that employs the worker and holds the licence. Confirm structure with counsel.
What gets sponsors in trouble? Late SMS reporting, inaccurate CoS data, missing records, and advertising sponsorship you cannot deliver — see common mistakes.
Hiring on Global Sponsor Hub
Can we try without a full licence? Yes — research, claim a profile, and connect roles while you decide. Sponsorship-labelled roles should only promise what you can deliver.
Is Global Sponsor Hub a law firm? No. Global Sponsor Hub is a hiring marketplace and resource hub. For regulated immigration advice, use qualified advisers — including those in the partner directory.
Where do partners fit? Immigration advisers, relocation, and payroll/EOR providers sit in the partner directory. Keep sourcing, filings, and employment model clearly separated in kickoff.
Next step
Put this into action on Global Sponsor Hub
Start free with a company profile, add your careers website for the company directory, or review Growth / Scale when you want on-platform applications and hiring tools.
Need immigration or relocation support? Browse mobility partners or list your firm.
| Question theme | Go to |
|---|---|
| Do we need a UK licence? | Do I need a sponsor licence? |
| Finance pack | Sponsor licence costs + cost planner |
| Ops after grant | Duties & compliance + CoS |
| Remote vs onshore | EOR vs sponsorship + Remote hiring |
| Non-UK corridors | Destination playbooks |
What's next
Related guides and links
More on this site: related guides, official government pages to double-check rules and fees, and quick links to jobs and partners.
Guides that pair well with this page
- Processing timesEmployer Success Centre guidance for sponsorship and international hiring.Open guide
- Certificates of SponsorshipEmployer Success Centre guidance for sponsorship and international hiring.Open guide
- EOR vs sponsorshipEmployer Success Centre guidance for sponsorship and international hiring.Open guide
- Immigration advisersMore structured steps and links on the next page.Open guide
Keep exploring
Everything in one place
Employer jobs stay on the hub. External roles open elsewhere but say so. Partners list in the directory. Guides sit next to search.
Ready to act
Explore employer toolsCommon questions
How long does a UK sponsor licence take?+
It varies. Many standard applications are decided in weeks, but complex cases, missing documents, or priority decisions change the timeline. Check current GOV.UK guidance and build buffer into your hiring plan.
Can a recruitment agency hold the licence for us?+
Agencies can help source and advise, but the sponsoring employer is usually the organisation that employs the worker and holds the relevant licence. Confirm structure with counsel.
Is Global Sponsor Hub a law firm?+
No. Global Sponsor Hub is a hiring marketplace and resource hub. For regulated immigration advice, use qualified advisers — including those listed in the partner directory.
Should we mark roles as globally remote?+
Only if the person can truly work from the countries you imply — with a lawful employment model in those countries. Use the globally remote checklist before publishing.