Business Immigration Services for Employers
Recruiting skilled workers from overseas can be a powerful way to grow your business, but it comes with strict legal responsibilities. Employers must comply with both UK immigration law and employment law.
Failure to do so can result in significant fines, loss of your sponsor licence, and reputational damage.
We provide practical, commercially focused advice to help you recruit and retain migrant workers compliantly and efficiently.
Who Needs Immigration Advice?
You may need specialist advice if you:
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want to recruit skilled workers from outside the UK
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are considering applying for a Sponsor Licence
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already sponsor workers and need compliance support
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are unsure about right to work checks or ongoing obligations
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have been contacted by the Home Office or face enforcement action
How Can Employers Get a Sponsor Licence Right First Time?
Most UK employers hiring overseas workers must hold a Home Office Sponsor Licence.
We can assist with:
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preparing and submitting your sponsor licence application
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advising on eligibility and suitable visa routes (e.g. Skilled Worker)
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ensuring your HR systems meet Home Office compliance standards
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drafting compliant policies and procedures
A poorly prepared application can lead to refusal or long delays, getting it right first time is essential.
What Are an Employer's Ongoing Sponsor Duties and Obligations?
Holding a sponsor licence brings ongoing responsibilities.
We help employers to:
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maintain compliant record-keeping systems
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meet reporting obligations to UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)
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manage changes in employment or worker circumstances
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prepare for and respond to Home Office audits
Failure to comply can result in your licence being downgraded, suspended or revoked.
How Can Employers Sponsor Skilled Workers?
The Skilled Worker route is the most common way to employ migrant workers.
We advise on:
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whether a role meets skill and salary thresholds
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assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) correctly
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visa application strategy for new hires
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avoiding common pitfalls that lead to refusals
Careful planning at recruitment stage helps avoid costly mistakes and delays.
What Right to Work Checks Must Employers Carry Out?
All employers must carry out right to work checks before employment begins.
We provide guidance on:
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conducting compliant document and online checks
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using the Home Office share code system
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retaining records to establish a statutory excuse
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managing follow-up checks for time-limited visas
Getting this wrong can expose your business to fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
What Employment Law Issues Should Employers Consider When Hiring Migrant Workers?
Migrant workers are entitled to the same rights as UK workers, including:
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National Minimum Wage / Living Wage
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paid holiday and statutory sick pay
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protection from discrimination
We ensure your contracts, policies and practices are fully compliant and non-discriminatory.
What Are the Risks of Immigration Non-Compliance for Employers?
Employers who fail to meet their obligations may face:
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civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker
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loss of sponsor licence
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business disruption and reputational damage
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potential criminal liability
How We Can Help
We offer a complete service for employers, including:
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Sponsor licence applications and renewals
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Compliance audits and training for HR teams
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Ongoing advisory support
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Assistance with Home Office investigations
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Strategic advice on workforce planning and immigration risk
Our approach is straightforward: we help you hire the people you need, while ensuring your business remains fully compliant and protected.
If you would like advice on employing migrant workers or applying for a sponsor licence, please contact Laurence Dunn - laurencedunn@dcemployment.co.uk
Making the cost of expert employment law advice predictable, affordable and essential to your business.
ENHANCE is our unique, industry-leading employment law service just for employers. Employment law is fast-paced and constantly changing. We have created ENHANCE to protect your business from the risks of employee disputes and litigation, and to help you successfully navigate your business through the minefield of employment law.
CONTACT US
For enquiries, legal advice, or case evaluations, feel free to reach out to us anytime. Fill out the form below and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.