Sponsorship & Skilled Workers
The UK’s work immigration system creates complex, stressful hurdles for both employers sponsoring talent and professionals seeking UK careers. At AAGA Solicitors, our experienced immigration team provides clear, practical guidance through every step of the process. We specialise in both Business Immigration and Personal Immigration, offering a full spectrum of services tailored to your needs. From obtaining employer sponsorship licences and ensuring compliance, to guiding individuals through Skilled Worker visa applications, extensions, and settlement, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Business Immigration: Sponsorship for Employers
If you are a UK business looking to hire talent from overseas, we help navigate the sponsorship process from start to finish. Our team assists with Sponsor Licence applications, ensuring your company meets all Home Office requirements to lawfully employ foreign workers. We provide ongoing compliance support so you can maintain your good standing as a licensed sponsor. The Home Office takes compliance seriously – in the first half of 2024 alone, 833 sponsor licences were suspended for breaches. We help you implement best practices to avoid such issues, safeguarding your ability to sponsor current and future employees.
Personal Immigration: Skilled Worker Visas for Individuals
For skilled professionals pursuing opportunities in the UK, our solicitors offer comprehensive support with Skilled Worker visa applications. We assess your eligibility and guide you in meeting all the requirements – from securing a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to satisfying skill level, salary threshold, and English language criteria. Our experts ensure your application and supporting documents are thorough and accurate, minimising the chance of delays or refusals. From your initial visa application to extensions and Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement), we stand by you at each milestone of your career journey in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
While not legally required, working with an immigration solicitor can significantly increase your chances of success. The sponsor licence and Skilled Worker visa processes involve detailed rules and strict evidence criteria. An experienced solicitor helps ensure your application is complete, accurate, and persuasive – especially in complex or time-sensitive cases – reducing the risk of costly mistakes or refusals.
Processing times can vary by case. A Sponsor Licence application typically takes around 8 weeks for a decision, though a priority service may be available for faster results. Standard Skilled Worker visa applications are often decided in about 3 weeks if applied from outside the UK, or around 8 weeks from inside the UK. Keep in mind these are average timelines – high application volumes or additional checks can cause delays. We advise preparing well in advance and can guide you on any available priority services to expedite your application when needed.
Yes. If your Sponsor Licence or Skilled Worker visa application is refused, there are often options to address it. For visa refusals, you may be able to request an administrative review or appeal, depending on the circumstances. Sponsor Licence refusals do not carry a formal right of appeal, but it may be possible to reapply or seek a review of the decision in certain cases. AAGA Solicitors will carefully examine the reasons for refusal and advise on the best course – whether that’s challenging the decision or submitting a stronger fresh application – to maximise your chance of success.
At AAGA Solicitors, we combine up-to-date legal expertise with a client-first approach—ensuring you receive clear, honest, and compassionate guidance at every stage of the sponsor licence and Skilled Worker visa process.
