Becoming a visa sponsor is rarely straightforward. The application process alone can take up to eight weeks, after which point you’ll then need to apply for a certificate of sponsorship that an applicant can attach to their application. From start to finish you can expect to wait at least 16 weeks before your new hire can get started.
If this timescale doesn’t work for you and you need to speed up the recruitment process, there are steps you can take to fast-track your application. Like many visa routes, there is the option to pay for a priority service. If you’re curious about the sponsor licence priority service and if you are eligible, read on to learn more.
What is the sponsor licence priority service?
The sponsor licence priority service is an optional service available to many visa sponsor applicants. It allows companies to “fast track” their applications and get a decision in as little as 10 working days. The cost for this service is £500.
Who is eligible for this service?
To be eligible for this service, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Applying for an eligible route
- Have paid your application fee and priority service fee
- Have provided all mandatory and supplementary documents
The following visa sponsor routes are not eligible for this service:
- GBM UK Expansion Worker
- GBM Service Supplier
- GBM Secondment Worker
- Scale-up Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement
- Seasonal Worker
It’s also possible to apply for the priority service after you have submitted your application, but once the status of your application changes to “in progress” you will no longer be eligible.
What are the requirements for this service?
The most important requirement to consider is that your documents need to be prepared and submitted within five days of submitting your application. If there are delays, you will no longer be eligible for the service and you will not get a refund.
This is why it is vital to prepare and check your application documents before you request the priority service.
There are also limits on the number of priority requests available per day and restrictions on when you can request it. There are 30 requests available per day, and these are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Submitting your application earlier in the day can increase your chances of securing the priority service.
There are also time limits on when you can request this service. Your application needs to be submitted between 9:00 a.m. and 23:59 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. If you submit your application outside of these times, you can revisit your application and “add on” the priority service at a later time. However, if your application status changes to “in progress”, this option will no longer be available to you.
Why can’t I see the option to add priority service?
There are a few reasons you might not be offered the priority service. This could include:
- You are applying for an ineligible route. The following routes are not supported:
- GBM UK Expansion Worker
- GBM Service Supplier
- GBM Secondment Worker
- Scale-up Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement
- Seasonal Worker
- The quota for priority service has been reached for the day. There are only 30 spots available across all visa routes, so you need to submit your application early in the day to be in with a chance of securing a priority spot.
- You submitted your application outside of the service hours. These are between 9:00 a.m. and 23:59 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
- Your application is already in progress, so the option to fast-track your application is no longer available.
Can I add priority service to an existing application?
If the option to request priority service wasn’t available when you submitted your application, or if you change your mind later on, you may be able to request this service.
Before you can request this service, you need to make sure that all required documents have been submitted. You also need to check the status of your application. Once it changes to “in progress”, the option to add priority service will no longer be available.
You also need to submit the request during the eligible hours. This service is only available between 9:00 a.m. and 23:59 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Since there are only 30 priority requests available per day, requesting this close to 9:00 a.m. will increase your chances of success.
I am renewing my sponsor licence, can I request priority service?
There is typically no need to request the priority service as you will have plenty of time to submit your renewal request and receive an outcome. You will first be informed that your licence is due to expire 120 days before the deadline. A company may submit a renewal request up to three months before the renewal date. It takes 8 weeks to verify and grant your renewal request.
If you have successfully completed two visa sponsor renewals, your organisation will be eligible for a streamlined service. This allows the Home Office employee to reduce the number and range of checks required to grant your renewal request. You do not need to pay for this service, it will be provided once you have completed two successful sponsor visa renewals.
How can A Y & J Solicitors help?
We can help by lightening your load and allowing you to focus on the recruitment process. When acting as a representative of your company, we can prepare your visa sponsor application to ensure a streamlined process.
We have in-depth knowledge of the visa sponsor requirements and what UK Visas and Immigration is looking for in a sponsor. We can ensure you provide the right mandatory and supplementary documents to increase your chances of success.
Working with our team will reduce your administrative burden and allow your team to focus on hiring world-class talent to help elevate your company to the next level. Get in touch today to learn how we can help you grow. Checkout Best Immigration Lawyers in London UK.