Although we are still in the relatively early years of Brexit, the effect of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union is that there have been some profound changes to the sponsor licence.
This guide will explore the ongoing effect of Brexit, and what you as a UK employer need to know when it comes to your sponsor licence application.
EU National ‘Immigration Status’
For EU nationals, entering and working in the UK has perhaps become more difficult since 1st January 2021, as they are now subject to the same rules as international entrants, and must accordingly prove their ‘immigration status’. Moreover, due to Brexit, these individuals have lost their right to freedom of movement, making it more challenging to live and work in the UK.
The result of this is that an increasing number of employers now must apply for a sponsor licence if they wish to employ EU nationals.
Longer Processing Times
Because of the above, EU nationals are now subject to longer waiting times, due to requiring a valid visa to live and work in the UK, which was not necessary prior to Brexit.
Sponsored routes have therefore become a necessity for UK employers, and there has been a rapid increase in sponsor licence applications post-Brexit due to sponsorships offering a far more diverse talent pool within the European Union and beyond. However, this does not help the processing and waiting times; in fact, they have been directly compounded by it.
For example, the Home Office was previously receiving 250 sponsor licence applications per week; now it is edging towards 500, which has had major consequences on waiting times. As a result, sponsor licences are now taking longer than 8 weeks to process, as the Home Office must conduct additional compliance checks into EU nationals’ right to work, which can have negative effects on your enterprise.
What You Can Do to Minimise Delays
UK business owners and employers must therefore act both quickly and practically if they wish to minimise the negative impacts of Brexit upon sponsor licence applications.
There are several ways in which you can do this, including ensuring that your application contains all the relevant, correct information so that the Home Office can assess your application without it being rejected, and so that you do not have to keep re-applying.
Similarly, it is important to plan ahead, and act as quickly as possible. The longer waiting times have meant that there is a great deal of uncertainty as to when you can realistically expect your sponsored workers to begin working for you. In other words, consider all compounding factors and plan your application accordingly, and not at the last minute.
Fast-Track Your Application
Another thing for UK employers to consider is using the Home Office’s priority service. For an additional £500, the processing of your application will be prioritised, ensuring a fast-tracked service to minimise delays.
As UK Sponsor Licence experts, here at WorkPermitCloud we can assist you in the process of applying for your sponsor licence, and can advise you on how to prevent any delays.
Our sponsor licence experts have successfully helped over 1000 companies receive their sponsor licences, and we guarantee to ensure that your application meets the requirements of the Home Office so that there are no delays and that your employees can start work.
Visit our website and contact us today to find out more.
